[opendtv] Next big thing: Satellite TV in cars
- From: "John Shutt" <shuttj@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: "OpenDTV" <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2005 09:14:46 -0400
"But the most popular location for the screens is the ceiling in the middle
of the back seat, Watson said. Forty-five percent of sport utility vehicles
produced for the U.S. market this year have those screens in them, Watson
said."
I'm sure it won't be long until 8-VSB chipsets are capable of mobile
reception.
John
Associated Press/DETROIT
By DEE-ANN DURBIN
AP Auto Writer
Next big thing: Satellite TV in cars
OCT. 6 1:25 A.M. ET As their average commute time rises, Americans are
making their vehicles increasingly homelike, with cushy seats, multiple
zones of climate control and DVD players. So it's no surprise that the next
big thing in vehicle accessories is satellite television.
"People want the same entertainment and services they have at home in their
car," said Chris Watson, a spokesman for Rhode Island-based KVH Industries
Inc., which first introduced satellite TV in vehicles two years ago. "It
really is becoming an extension of the living room."
Cadillac is now offering KVH's TracVision satellite system as a
dealer-installed option on its Escalade sport utility vehicle, an industry
first. GM is considering prewiring its SUVs for satellite TV starting with
2007 models, Watson said.
This summer, Avis Rent A Car began offering TracVision on Hummer H3 rentals
in Phoenix as part of a test program.
It takes about three hours for a dealer or electronics retailer to install
satellite TV on vehicles already equipped with flip-down screens for DVD
players or navigation systems. With the TracVision system, a 3-foot-wide
circular antenna is affixed to the top of the vehicle, and a cable is
inserted through the roof. The antenna is about 5 inches high.
Screens can be placed all over the vehicle, including the dashboard,
headrests and the trunk, where some tailgaters are now installing
large-screen TVs. A few sports stars and celebrities have as many as six
screens in their vehicles, Watson said.
But the most popular location for the screens is the ceiling in the middle
of the back seat, Watson said. Forty-five percent of sport utility vehicles
produced for the U.S. market this year have those screens in them, Watson
said.
Once the system is installed, viewers can watch more than 140 channels
through DirecTV. Vehicle owners can continue to use navigation systems or
DVD players on their screens.
Safety advocates question whether the technology is just one more dangerous
distraction. Already, 40 states have banned drivers from putting video
screens in a place where they can see them, although there are exceptions
for navigation systems.
"Drivers need to be reminded that driving is a very complex task requiring
full attention," said Col. Jim Champagne of the Governors Highway Safety
Association, which has said it's not encouraging use of the technology.
Watson said KVH installs a kill switch that will automatically turn off the
TV in the front seat when the vehicle starts moving. Headphones also are
available for viewers so the TVs are less distracting to the driver, Watson
said.
"We do not encourage people to have video screens operating where the driver
can see them," Watson said.
Watson wouldn't say how many satellite TV systems have been installed in
vehicles, and a spokeswoman for Cadillac didn't have figures immediately
available. But the consulting company Frost & Sullivan has estimated that 3
million vehicles will have satellite TV by 2011.
Right now, the cost is prohibitive for many consumers. TracVision costs
$2,295, and customers pay extra for DirecTV access. If they get DirecTV in
their homes, installing it in their vehicles costs $4.99 a month. It's
$41.99 a month if they don't get DirecTV.
So far, TracVision is most popular in Florida, Texas and California, where
there are long stretches of open road. The satellites don't work as well in
urban areas where tall buildings often block the signals.
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