Just before school let out in June, as both my children were watching a DVD in the back seat with the headseats on, my 11-year-old took off her headset and asked me what I thought then as an "out-of-this-decade" question:
"Mom," Francesca asked, "Why can't we view cable networks on the cars that have televisions?"
My answer? "You realize you need a cable for cable TV, right?"
"Yes."
"Well, it would be a really long cable to get just about anywhere, wouldn't it?" I answered.
Proud of myself for being so witty, we went home, did homework and nothing more was said.
In walks a press release on my desk a mere month later from KVH Industries in Middletown, R.I., to make me choke on my previous words.
It was only a matter of time, I said to myself, shaking my head.
They've invented the TracVision A5, a revolutionary ultra-low profile antenna that will bring live satellite television to in-vehicle video screens no matter where you are in the country. It's been successfully tested on vehicles that include the Ford Expedition and Windstar and Nissan Quest.
With more and more vehicles being outfitted with mobile video systems -- it's one of the hottest-selling electronic accessory on the market today -- this company promises premium, static-free, digital satellite TV programming.
Can you imagine traveling from coast-to-coast without hundreds of DVDs on board? Fascinating, as Mr. Spock would say.
"People love to watch TV and not just at home," said Jim Dodez, KVH's vice president of marketing. "The exploding popularity of rear-seat video entertainment systems confirms that. Satellite radio, for all its variety, is still just audio entertainment."
Dodez estimates more than 600,000 people have subscribed to various satellite radio services, quoting industry data that estimates more than 1 million systems were sold in 2002. That number is certain to grow as more listeners want continuous music commercial-free.
"Those passengers in these vehicle are going to want something to watch," he said. "Satellite TV, with more than 300 channels of video, up to 50 channels of commercial-free music and nationwide coverage, is the perfect solution. (Our product) makes that possible."
Any vehicle equipped with KVH's system will be able to receive the same premium cable service that most of us receive in our homes.
It's a fully automatic antenna that mounts to the roof rack of any vehicle and tracks TV satellites in space offering the latest movies, breaking news, sports and every type of entertainment you can get at home. It can also support multiple video screens and receivers.
With that capability, every passenger can have their own video screen and watch their own favorite programming -- from a CD, the satellite, DVD , Digital Video Recorder or a game console.
It took two years for KVH's engineers to research and develop the 5-inch system. There's been a lot of interest in the system throughout the industry, which sees endless possibilities with the advent of the TracVision A5. Everyone from consumers to industry professional see it revolutionizing the way we operate our vehicles.
"We're seeing a tremendous amount of interest in TracVision A5 and live satellite TV in the car," Dodez said. "Families with small children, emergency and law enforcement agencies and business travelers all recognize that live TV can offer a level of information and entertainment that radio can't match."
KVH began sales of the TracVision A5 in June. More information can be obtained by going to www.TracVision.com.
Here is a question-and-answer sampling from the Web site. Hope this gives you a nice taste of high technology that's available right now.
Q. What is the TracVision A5 in-motion satellite TV antenna?
A. The TracVision A5 is an in-motion satellite TV antenna. The 4-1/2 inch high TracVision A5 makes satellite TV a reality for SUVs, minivans and luxury automobiles equipped with passenger video entertainment systems. Now, travelers on open roads throughout the continental United States will be able to leave the DVDs and videos at home and instead enjoy 300 or more channels of DIRECTV satellite TV entertainment, news, sports, movies and business updates as well as more than 50 channels of commercial-free music. TracVision will also be expandable in the future to provide access to mobile, high-speed Internet access via satellite.
Q. I have two or more video screens/TVs on my vehicle or boat. Using a TracVision antenna, can we watch different channels on each one?
A. Yes. Like your home satellite TV antenna, a single TracVision antenna can support multiple video screens/TVs. If each screen has its own receiver, you can watch different channels on each screen. However, if you have a single receiver, all of the TV screens will show the same programming.
Q. Are there any driving limitations when I have TracVision A5 installed on my vehicle?
A. Not from a technical perspective. TracVision was designed specifically for automotive installation and the rigors of driving. However, KVH recommends people use TracVision and all onboard entertainment systems safely and responsibly. It is unsafe for a video screen to be mounted in such as position that the driver can watch TV. Be sure that the driver pays attention to the road and gets you to and from your destination safely.
Q. Can I get Internet-via-satellite using TracVision A5?
A. The first TracVision A5 systems will be satellite TV only. However, they will be expandable to support mobile, high-speed Internet access when KVH makes this service available in the future.
