Use laptop to watch satellite t.v. on a boat possilble?

[Archman]

Hi,

I was curious if it were possible to hook bring a laptop onto a boat, and hook it up to a satellite receiver to watch television? Is this idea crazy, or possible? Any hints or links on something challenging like this?

Thank you 🙂

What accessories would be needed?

 

[Archman]

I have only found Freecom's DVB-T USB stick and some marine satellites from Tracvision and some powerful wifi devices to allow wifi in your car or on your boat... has anyone had any experiences with this concept?

 

[corkyg]

Doesn't really address your focus, but cruise ships do that all the time. I have often connected my laptop to the stateroom TV - and nowadays, they even have Wireless Internet in certain areas via satellite. Of course, . . . it ain't free! 🙂

 

[DetroitSportsFan]

Perhaps you mean something like THIS?

Its pci interphase so it won't work on your laptop. However, its a good bet that if its sold in pci format, then it would also be sold in USB or as a card for a laptop. Keep looking, and you'll probably find it.

 

[Archman]

Thank you both 🙂

I was thinking of some kind of small satellite receiver and a tv tuner box/card of some sort for this to work. I was concerned because of the salt air and it being on a boat... not good. I just wanted to know if it were possible to watch satellite t.v. from the boat while out on the open water if need be... there are a whole host of large home based satellite receivers, and I was wondering if there were a product out that acted like a home satellite receiver but made for a laptop/computer.

Cheers 🙂

 

[DetroitSportsFan]

Its my understanding that all you need is a clear, unobstructed view of the southern sky. I'm pretty sure you won't have problems with obstructions on the open water. However, it still looks like you'll have to haul at minimum, your digital satelite receiver and some kind of dish with an LNB.

Its a whole lot easier if you own the boat. I don't think I would attempt it on a public cruise or some privately chartered trip. Take your laptop and a collection of dvds. You can do that easily without all the extra carry-on "luggage."

 

[corkyg]

Yes, that is generally the case. Here is a picture of twin satellite antennas on my brother's boat - one is for TV and the other for marine telephone and Internet.

TV

You need a pretty good size craft to carry all this gear along with a good stable, power system.

There are lots of choices available - all it takes is $$$. 🙂

Sat

 

[Archman]

Ah, I was unclear as to the full extent of this project 😉

This is a project the girlfriend's parents would like to have added to their boat, so that they are comfortable while on the boat.

DetroitSportsFan, thank you 🙂 That is what I was wondering about.

corkyg, thank you 🙂 Those are some nice pics, and makes one think about possibilities 😉

I am looking at this KVH TracVision 4-HP Mobile Satellite TV receiver, as it is only 18" and would fit snuggly on their boat.

Thanks again 😀