Automatic Satellite Dishes vs Smart TV

A question most new customers face is, what form of entertainment solution best meets my needs? Going back around five to six years almost every RV we sold went out the door with a satellite dish and 12v TV fitted. Technology has changed a lot in that time and the way we consume entertainment has also been affected. These days probably less than half our sales include a satellite dish. Some people still also elect no entertainment solution as they want to escape the trappings of entertainment when they are away in their RV on holiday.
Below we will outline the options, pro's and con's of dishes and TV solutions. Much of any decision on which way to go will come down to what you watch and how you consume content.

Automatic Satellite Dishes

The satellite dish solution has been around in the industry for a long time now. It is a tried and true option with many brands and offerings available. A dish will allow you to connect to Freeview and Sky TV from pretty much anywhere with uninterrupted signal in most cases. Most dishes will permit you connect to a simple 12v (non-smart) TV for access to both Freeview and Sky avoiding the need to purchase a more expensive Smart TV. That being said the upfront outlay cost of an auto dish is reasonably expensive. They can also be paired with a Smart TV to give you best of both worlds.

Pros:

• Provides reliable TV reception even in remote locations.
• Ideal for watching free to air (Freeview) channels.
• Best option for SKY TV connectivity, but can require additional parts to make work depending on setup.
• Some satellite services offer pay-as-you-go options, allowing you to turn service on and off as needed.
• Can be paired with a Smart TV for the best of both worlds.
• Easier to operate and navigate.

Cons:

• Reasonably expensive upfront cost.
• Can be affected by severe weather, though larger dishes are more resistant to rain fade.
• Content on Freeview only is limited and contains ad breaks.
• Moving parts can require maintenance or repairs from time to time. 
• ​Can require software updates for continued future use, see below link. 
  
• (reference our blog article here: https://www.deluxegroup.co.nz/deluxe-rv-blog/satellite-dish-updates)

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Smart TV with Internet

As technology and streaming services have developed over the last decade we have seen many customers elect for a Smart TV only or Smart TV with an internet service like Wireless Nation. Most good Smart TV's already have the popular streaming service apps like Youtube, TVNZ+, Disney and Netflix installed ready to go out of the box. Some smart TVs can access the internet though the hotspot function on your mobile phone. Although a good strong signal is required and a modem solution is definitely more suitable, as buffering can be an issue with hotspot connections. You will also need to be conscious of data usage on your mobile plan.

Pros:

• Ready to go out of the box with all the popular streaming platforms.
• Vast content library with on demand viewing flexibility.
• Can access the internet via mobile hotspot, although we recommend that a dedicated internet platform/installation will be more reliable.
• Can be paired with a satellite dish for the best of both worlds.
• Lower upfront cost.

Cons:

• Relies on a consistent and reliable internet connection, which is not available everywhere, especially in remote areas.
• Can incur subscription costs for multiple streaming services.
• Difficult to watch SKY TV, however SKY Go may be an option via screen casting or an HDMI cable with the right TV solution.
• Ongoing data costs if using a mobile internet solution.
• Remote access can be difficult, however Starlink can provide a suitable solution, but comes at a high monthly cost and requires consideration on the 12v battery power draw down.