Since 1997, when NASA and KVH began work together on the principal of the reception of TV via satellite within the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite programme, the concept has come a long way and is now being used commercially.

TracStar’s SV360 Series is the latest generation of mobile satellite tracking antennas. These compact mobile antennas are designed to receive direct broadcast satellite television signals from a vehicle while stationary or in motion. The SV360 is a feature-rich antenna. It is compact, stylish, high-performance and designed for ease of operation and reliability. With the push of a button the SV360HD is capable of receiving the full array of HDTV channels.

TracStar is the first to develop an unbeatable combination of standard features such as:

• Single coaxial cable installation (even for multiple receivers);

• Coaxial rotary joint provides unlimited azimuth travel and never a cable wrap-unwind;

• Built-in DVB satellite receiver for positive satellite identification;

• Right out-of-the box compatibility with DirecTV;

• Dish Network and Bell ExpressVu;

• Built-in user interface provides satellite selection options, antenna status and built-in diagnostics;

• DirecTV and Dish Networks HDTV compatible.

The SV360 is offered as standard or with optional equipment by the world’s largest and most prestigious recreational vehicle manufacturers such as Prevost, Monaco Coach, Beaver, Safari, Holiday Rambler and Country Coach. The product is also dominant in the high-end luxury bus conversion and star coach/entertainer industry.

For a number of years, people on the move in the USA have been able to watch satellite TV from their recreational vehicles. But they had to have bulky reflector antennas fitted on top of the vehicle. ERA’s new ultra-low profile antenna has now made it practical for satellite TV systems to be installed in a far wider range of vehicles than ever before.

UK- based company ERA Technology Ltd, teamed with the Winegard Company in 2003 to produce a high performance mobile antenna system that makes it possible to watch live TV just about wherever you are, or are going. Because of its low profile, the new antenna can be fitted to a far wider range of platforms including recreational vehicles, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), people carriers, minibuses and even cars. Applications for taxis, buses, coaches and trains are also envisaged. It is expected that the new low profile antenna will kick-start the embryonic mobile satellite communications industry in Europe, where vehicles are typically smaller and compact antennas essential.

One immediate application was in people carriers – helping to keep children occupied on long journeys. The low profile, unobtrusive antenna is highly suitable for this type of vehicle and gives passengers the opportunity to watch live TV instead of pre-recorded programmes.