| Method 1 |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Mobile Satellite TV systems
(VuQube shown below)
|
- Virtually unlimited channel options
- HD option is available
- Can use it anywhere in the US or Canada as long as
you have a view of the southern sky.
- Can choose plan with the uncut movie channels (HBO,
ShowTime, etc.)
- Can subscribe to "packages" like the NFL, NHL, NBA,
NasCar, MLB, etc.
- Can be used while traveling down the road with V30
model for teams and husband/wife situations.
|
- Have to subscribe to a satellite provider.
Dish Network, DirectTV, and Bell ExpressVu (Canada) all
have associated monthly bill to get their programming.
- "Free-to-air" is free satellite programming but does
not have as nearly as many channels as the above companies.
- Have to purchase a mobile dish (like the VuQube) and install it on the
truck.
- Can not always get the "local" network channels
where you are.
|
| Method 2 |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Free
over the air digital
(Dieselboss OTA-1 shown
below)
|
- Programming is FREE (no subscriptions)
- HD capable
- Picks up all of the local networks broadcasting
where you are.
- Equipment (antenna) is much cheaper than a satellite
system.
- Coverage is nation-wide. There are undoubtedly
some remote areas where you would get "zero" channels,
but not many.
|
- Channels you see are limited to those that are
broadcasting within 25 to 75 miles of where you are.
- The signal is "directional" which means that you may
have to rotate the antenna to get all of the available
feeds around you.
- You made need to raise the antenna up a few feet to
get over other trucks or obstructions.
- Not steady enough signal to use while in motion
for very long.
|
| Method 3 |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Streaming (internet) |
- Much content is still free
- Can be used anywhere that you have an internet
connection
|
- Have to own (or buy) a laptop computer.
- Have to have a reasonably fast internet connection
- Video quality can be lower depending on what site
you are watching from.
- Can use up your data plan limits quickly if you do
not have a unlimited plan.
- Some of the better content is subscription-based.
|
| Method 4 |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Netflix (DVD's
and Internet) |
- Not very expensive
- Movies are uncut
- Blu-Ray option
- Huge selection of movies and TV shows.
- Huge amount of "watch instantly" content if you have
a computer.
|
- Must own a DVD player or computer.
- Must go home to get new DVD's from the mail (but you
can send them from anywhere.)
- If using the internet feed, you must have a fast
connection and can use up you data plan allowance.
- No live shows or local programming
|
| Method 5 |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Cellular (Smart
Phones) |
- Ultra-portable
- Most phone providers offer an unlimited data usage
option (for a fee)
- Lots of online programming available
- Some are "Flo-TV, VCast, etc." capable to get live
TV.
|
- Monthly fees for data plans
- Small screen
- Limited programming
- Quality and practicality is very dependent of
current data signal bandwidth and signal.
|
