Direct TV ant.

busguy01 · July 01, 2009, 10:01:21 AM

Looking at a new stationary self seeking antenna for Direct TV. What brand and model do you recommend? My 10 year old King Dome died and it is time to upgrade. Thoughts??
Thanks
JimH

Nick Badame Refrig/ACC · July 02, 2009, 03:34:23 AM

Hi Jim,

Since I'm a KVH Dealer I will reccomend the R-5 for stationary use.
http://www.kvh.com/products/Product.asp?id=115

The R-6ST is the best choice for in-motion.
http://www.kvh.com/products/Product.asp?id=156

Good Luck
Nick-

MCI-RICK · July 02, 2009, 07:19:04 AM

Nick,

What are the pros and cons of Trac Vision vs the King Dome? Function, size, average life etc.

Jim mentions his King Dome died after 10 years.

Rick

Nick Badame Refrig/ACC · July 02, 2009, 07:27:30 PM

Hi Rick,

I wouldn't say anything bad about either. Kinda like GM v. Ford. Personal preference to each.

The technology changes so much, one year KVH is ahead and the next, it's King Dome, well you get the picture...

They all do the same thing so just read up on all and see what you like the best.

Good Luck
Nick-

WEC4104 · July 02, 2009, 07:42:02 PM

I think that one important factor to weigh is DirectTV's transition to the Ka band for HDTV. If you don't care about HDTV signals, then never mind. But if you are interested in the HDTV broadcasts from DirectTV then it is important to note that they are moving them from the Ku band to the Ka band. The roof top tracking units do not handle the Ka band.

I'd hate to drop $2K for a tracking system thinking I had the latest and greatest, only to find out later that I was limited to standard def broadcasts. (Of course you could always switch to DISH, which is staying with Ku)

Just be sure to read the fine print in advertisements for the roof units with regard to DirectTV and Ka band.

MCI-RICK · July 02, 2009, 07:57:50 PM

Nick,

I'll follow through with due diligence on both companies. I wasn't looking for you to bash ether company. I was just hoping to get input from someone with first hand knowledge/experience. Kinda like other products we discuss here. It's different when you're getting input from a "busnut" and not the manufacturer. I know every manufacturer boasts about their product. However, you find out about "real world performance" on forums like this one.

Rick

MCI-RICK · July 02, 2009, 08:02:00 PM

Wec4104,

I just saw your post. Thanks for the heads up!

Rick