To stream or not to stream – that is the question! With yacht ownership and chartering growing across the world, more people are spending more time on the water and looking to bring the comforts and conveniences of home with them. For many, spending time on a leisure boat is not just an occasional activity where there is an acceptable level of sacrifice and “roughing it” while out on the sea. When we’re on the water, we want to work, play, watch movies, post on social media, call friends and family, and everything else we enjoy on land, including watch our favorite TV programming and live sports.
And why wouldn’t we want to enjoy life to the fullest on our boats? There’s never been a better time for yacht owners considering the amazing technological innovations of recent years. Companies are looking to make yachting safer, cleaner, more convenient, luxurious, and fun. Innovations in navigation, sustainable fuel and propulsion, weather forecasting, and safety monitoring abound. But perhaps one of the largest leaps in innovation falls under the entertainment category. Satellite TV has now been joined by multiple options for connecting to our favorite shows: affordable connectivity via VSAT and services like Starlink, and the expansion of 5G into countries around the world. How can the TV enthusiast choose the best option for favorite programming on their vessel?
Streaming TV via satellite Internet connections, whether using a more traditional GEO network or a new LEO option like Starlink, allows for a wide variety of entertainment no matter where you sail, and provides access to the same streaming apps that you enjoy at home. However, streaming also involves data, and data can get expensive, especially if you are also working remotely, downloading weather maps, posting on social media, and connecting with friends on apps.
Consider that a single HD movie typically consumes 4 GB of data. With a 50 GB monthly plan, you and your family will rapidly consume that data with a weekend or two of streaming movies and shows. A hybrid connectivity solution that provides multiple options, such as integrated satellite, 5G, and Wi-Fi and automatically switches to the best channel, can help manage these costs and keep you connected to the best option at times (such as marina Wi-Fi at no charge). However, another great way to manage costs is to utilize satellite TV for entertainment, as it takes data off the table and allows you to use those precious gigabytes for other activities.
There are six reasons to consider satellite TV for your boat or yacht:
- It’s live! Satellite TV is the best way to enjoy live TV. Many streaming services offer premium live streaming services, but these involve a healthy upcharge. With satellite TV you will enjoy the same local and national channels you enjoy at home, including news, sports and more, all with the same experience. And with the option to bring a physical DVR onboard, you can record those live programs when you’re off enjoying the water or beautiful ports of call without any downloads from the cloud.
- Regional service providers. With satellite TV you’ll enjoy service from top providers worldwide. Satellite TV antennas are equipped with a satellite library, and with compatible equipment and a subscription to your desired regional service, you will enjoy local channels and reliable satellite TV programming wherever you sail.
- Watch TV on your displays. You can enjoy your live satellite TV on your MFDs/GPS displays. This is a convenient option if you’re at the helm and want to enjoy your favorite program while others are watching TV below deck.
- Stay entertained offshore. Today’s satellite TV solutions are rugged terminals that are built for the marine environment, and ensure you’ll have a crystal-clear picture wherever you cruise. And they are designed to acquire a satellite connection and perform brilliantly even in rough seas or at high speeds thanks to their stabilized design.
- Solutions for every boat. Modern satellite TV antennas are easy to use and are available for every size boat or yacht. Terminals compatible with High-definition (HD) and Ultra-high-definition (UHD) are available to bring the highest quality in resolution and clarity to you and your guests. Extending your current subscription to your boat can be as simple as adding another receiver to your home plan.
- Dual dome installations. An Internet connection is essential on your yacht for most communications, so you’ll likely have a VSAT or hybrid antenna installed for this purpose. Satellite TV antennas are designed in matching sizes to complement these communications-focused domes, providing an attractive, balanced, dual-dome visual on your beautiful boat or yacht.
To stream or not to stream? We suggest a hybrid approach to all your connectivity, communication, and entertainment needs. So our recommendation is: both! Ensuring you have multiple options for vital communication like weather and data plus entertainment like television is key to making the most out of your boat or yacht. Satellite TV ensures you have live entertainment using a system that was built for your boat and conditions on the water, without using costly data that is better suited for other activities on the vessel. You’ve worked hard for your boat or yacht – why not invest in the options that provide the best experience and highest level of enjoyment for you and your guests? With a quality satellite TV solution, you’ll enjoy high-definition entertainment on your boat just as you do on land.
