Watching television is a great way to pass the time on holiday when waiting for bad weather to blow over, or to unwind after a packed day of activities and exploring. But what is the best way to watch TV in a caravan, how do you get a good signal, and what equipment do you need?
Television viewing today is very different to that of our parents and grandparents, with the availability of terrestrial and satellite broadcasts, as well as live streaming on the internet. To receive terrestrial television channels, you will need a caravan TV aerial, a dish for satellite channels and internet connectivity for live streaming.
How to get a good TV signal in a caravan
New touring caravans may have a TV aerial as standard equipment but for those that don’t, we have a range of indoor and outdoor mobile TV aerials that are ideal for touring caravans, motorhomes and boats. The aerial needs to point in the correct direction to pick up the best signal and the Maxview Digital TV Signal Finder will help with the alignment; look at other caravans on the site to get an idea of the general direction your aerial needs to be facing. An outdoor aerial should be mounted as high as possible, by way of a pole attached to a jockey wheel or fitted to a caravan TV bracket permanently attached to the caravan. Our selection of masts and clamps has everything you need.
Satellite viewing requires a television, a receiver (Sky box or Freesat box) and a satellite dish, and is the best way to watch television in more remote areas where terrestrial signal may be weaker or when travelling abroad and you want to watch British programmes. A portable, manual satellite dish such as the Maxview Remora 40 Satellite TV Kit offers an ideal solution, featuring a compact 40cm dish and a high strength dual-suction mount. To ensure the dish is pointing correctly, a satellite compass will align any manual system.
For those wanting to stream their content, who do not have Smart TV, external solutions include the use of a device that connects to the television via an HDMI to provide a full range of streaming services. Examples of devices include Chromecast which is controlled by a mobile phone, and a Firestick which has its own remote control.
And finally...
Do I need a television licence for my touring caravan?
Unlike a static caravan, touring caravans in the UK are covered by the owner’s home television licence and no other is needed. The rules for static caravans are slightly different and TV Licensing states you need a licence for a static caravan if “anyone, at the same time, is watching or recording live TV on any channel or watching or downloading BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer at your main licensed address”. Where you do not need a licence, a non-simultaneous use declaration form must be completed.
If you are unsure of the best way for you to access your favourite programmes while on holiday, we are happy to advise. Simply call 01754 871152, email sales@becingoldmells.co.uk or visit us in-store, where our knowledgeable staff can help.
