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-   Mobile TV for truck drivers and vehicles to get television on the road

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Ways to get TV in your truck on the road...
 
The question of how to get mobile TV in your truck out on the road is a common one.  There are several methods to solve this, and each has advantages and disadvantages to it.  We, at Dieselboss currently offer two possible solutions receive television on the road because we think that these are the two best overall so far.  We have tested both ways extensively.  Please see our chart below for more info on all of the testing we have done and our conclusions.

Method 1 Advantages Disadvantages
Mobile Satellite TV systems
(VuQube shown below)
VuQube (Cube) satellite TV for truck and RV

 
  • 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.

$549 - $594 depending on bracket option (link)

  • 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)
Over the air digital TV antenna to get free TV for trucks on the road
 
  • 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.

$179.95 (call us to order)

  • 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 a variety of pricing in their cell phone plans to fit the data requirements of the users.
  • Lots of online programming available
  • Some online mobile sites and apps offer limited "live" programming.
  • Some cell phones can be connected to a TV screen.
  • Monthly fees for data plans
  • Most cell data plans have caps on monthly usage that can be exceeded causing overage charges
  • Small screen and small speaker
  • Limited programming
  • Quality and practicality is very dependent of current cell provider data signal bandwidth.  (i.e. 3G or 4G etc)
* We do not claim that this list is "all inclusive" and these are the only possible means of getting TV on the road - these are all of the ways that we could find and test.

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