Best Tv Aerials For Boats: Enhancing Your Signal

Watching TV on a boat is a complicated endeavour, but the right equipment can help you get good television reception. The type of television you have is important. 12v dc models are made for mobile markets like caravans, boats and campers, but smart versions are rare. 230v ac models are mainly smart televisions that can connect to the internet and have more features, such as catch-up TV and video streaming. To watch TV on a boat, you will need an aerial or a satellite dish. Satellite dishes are more expensive and need to be set up accurately each time you move, but they can be used with the FreeSat service, which has lots of on-demand services. TV aerials are less complicated and there are a few types to choose from. An omnidirectional aerial will pick up TV signals from all directions, but they don't work as well as regular aerials. Regular TV aerials are bulkier and need to be positioned well, but they often give a better-quality signal. Log-periodic aerials are compact, robust, and can be demounted and stored easily.

Log-periodic aerials

Log-periodics also have good suppression of impulse noise, which can cause intermittent blocking and freezing on digital signals. They are also less likely to pick up noise due to their tight polar response. However, they have a relatively low gain figure, with shorter models performing poorly in this respect. Log-periodics are also more expensive than equivalent small Yagi aerials and are twice the price of Contract aerials.

When installing Log-periodic aerials, it is recommended to tilt them up slightly at the front end to keep water out of the junction box. This can be done by adjusting the length of the cable or by bending the aerial slightly. Log-periodics should also be installed with good electrical contact between the elements and the boom(s). It is recommended to avoid using amps with line power, especially near the sea.

Overall, Log-periodic aerials are a good choice for TV reception on a boat, especially in areas with strong signals. They offer a flat gain response, good noise suppression, and a tight polar response. However, their low gain figure and high price tag may be considered drawbacks.

Satellite dishes

The size of the satellite dish is important as the farther away from land you are, the weaker the signal gets. Larger dishes are more sensitive and can provide a stronger signal when you're out at sea. If you want to watch TV on a boat, you'll need a special marine satellite dish, and you'll have to pay a premium for one that can track satellites constantly. These can cost upwards of $1,500, with some even reaching $13,000.

If you're planning on sailing to different regions, you'll need to consider the LNB (low noise block) of your satellite dish. This component decodes satellite signals from different areas, and a dish with an LNB that works across regions will be necessary to pick up international networks.

DISH offers a portable satellite system called Playmaker, which is an affordable and easy-to-set-up option. It automatically locks onto available satellites for the best HDTV reception. However, it requires a clear view of the southern sky and is designed to work on a stationary surface, which can be an issue on boats.

The choice between DISH and DIRECTV depends on your preferences and budget. DIRECTV has more dedicated sports channels and a larger overall channel selection, but it can be more expensive. DISH, on the other hand, has solid channel options and better customer service, and its DVR, the Hopper 3, is highly rated.

To summarise, while satellite dishes offer a great option for TV on boats, they can be costly, especially if you want to access TV while sailing or in different regions.

TV signal finders

There are a variety of TV signal finders available on the market, and you can choose one that best suits your needs. Some factors to consider when choosing a TV signal finder include sensitivity, accuracy, audio and visual signal indication, and compatibility with your aerial and TV system.

One recommended option is the PRO TV & SATELLITE Signal Finder, which is highly sensitive and accurate, with improved sensitivity for greater accuracy in aerial alignment, especially in areas with poor signal strength. It incorporates both audio and visual signal indication, making it easy to use.

Another option is the Maxview MXL013 Digital Signal Finder Strength Meter, which has good reviews and is available on Amazon. This signal finder helps you locate the direction of the strongest signal, ensuring you get the best reception for your TV.

When using a TV signal finder, it is important to understand how radio and television transmissions work. Signals are like waves, with VHF having longer waves that travel a greater distance than UHF. Objects such as buildings or dense material can block these signals, affecting your reception. By using a TV signal finder, you can optimise your antenna positioning and improve your TV viewing experience on your boat.

Amplifiers

The Mercury OT20a aerial model, for example, has a signal strength turn knob to bring the reception strength up to 20db. It can be powered by 230v ac or 12v and comes with an inbuilt pole clamp for mounting.

When considering an amplifier, it is important to check the antenna cable first. Over time, moisture can enter the cable, causing a reduction in signal strength. It is also important to note that too much gain can overload the TV input and cause signal issues. Therefore, it is recommended to locate the booster close to the antenna and to ensure that the amplifier is not placed too far from the television set.

Additionally, some modern television aerial boosters incorporate a filter to remove mobile phone signals that may cause interference.

Cable connectors

When choosing a TV aerial for your boat, there are several factors to consider, including the type of television, signal strength, and budget. Here are some options for boat owners:

To connect your TV aerial to your television, you will need the appropriate cable connectors. TV aerial cables, also known as coaxial cables, are commonly used to transmit video and data signals from the aerial to the TV. These cables are also referred to as satellite cables due to their typical usage and are suitable for computer networks as well.

Various sizes and lengths of coaxial cables are available to accommodate different setups. In addition, you may require TV aerial connectors or satellite-to-aerial adaptors, which are also available from several retailers.

When purchasing a TV aerial cable, it is important to consider the length required for your specific installation. Cable length can vary from 1.5 metres to 25 metres, ensuring you have enough slack to connect your aerial to your television.

Some common types of cable connectors include:

• Coaxial Cable Plug
• Coaxial Coupler
• F-Type Connector
• RF Coaxial Converter
• HDMI Inline Coupler
• F-Type Masthead Amplifier Power Supply

These connectors ensure a proper connection between the TV aerial and the television, optimising signal transmission and reception.

Frequently asked questions