Guess you all have TVs onboard to keep the crew happy, right :-) ? I had added a TV aerial to the list of electronics to install but I can find very little info about TV aerials suitable for yachts, the installer wants to put up a Nargus which is omni-directional and looks nice and very compact, but it seems like it's not the best product in this world. Some have mentioned Glomex as a good choice, however that one looks like a UFO and it's less obvious to me how it can be "unobtrusive" on the boat.

An Australian site I found that compared boat/caravan aerials stated "ALL domes are poor performers compared to a proper TV aerial" but a directional aerial is no good on a boat (unless moored or aground) so should I just stop worrying, get the compact and reasonably cheap Nargus, plus an additional stack of movies on DVD?

Hi Ove. Our boat was already fitted with a Glomex "UFO" when we bought it. We only use it very occasionally, with laptop plus freeview dongle, or small portable TV, and it seems to do a reasonable job. But you are right: you get better "reception" with a DVD.

You can purchase freeview boxes compatible with PCs rather than televisions which would do the job, however I would probably do with the Sky internet on demand service – choose what you want when you want but you will need a good 3G card, Bluetooth connection with you phone or expect to get WiFi in your cruising ground.

Found this product on the Raymarine website - http://www.raymarine.com/raymarine/Default.asp?site=1&SECtion=2&Page=1053&Parent=2

It's a Marine Satellite Television Systems

Wondered what that UFO perched on my missen mast was!-seriously though remember that free view is only available in about 60% of UK and that satellite has to be manually aligned wherever you stop the night(assuming you are not on a swinging mooring)-unless you can afford a dish that can automatically track the satellite.
But then again surely what you do when you arrive somewhere is retire to the local hostellery for a swift half(or ten) making sure you are to bed early for that early morning start(not)
Phil

Guys - be a little careful here. In a previous life I was a radio engineer. You may gain the extra 'range' by placing the aerial at the top of the mast but given the polar diagrams of each antenna, the lack or provision of a ground plane and the incredible losses in 'normal' 75 ohm feeder it is a little more complicated. An omnidirectional aerial (such as the glomex or 'UFO' as described) can be very versatile (I have one on my boat and it works really well). These also tend to have pre-amps in the aerial built in with the power supply and additional amplifier which can be sited somewhere in the dry! Yagis (or 'directional') aerials have much greater gain in one direction so better for avoiding 'ghosting' which is a reflection of various signals but this is more noticable on an analogue signal. Digital tends to ignore weaker signals and given the nature of its design its either 'on' or 'off i.e. if the signal is reasonable then the picture will be perfect.
I'd go for a decent omnidirectional antenna, good quality feeder and decent connectors anytime (also you don't have to know where the transmitter is located which is a problem the more directional the antenna). You may have a few more areas where the signal is not good but it more than makes up for the hassle and manual intervention required for a yagi although more affected by the proximity effect. Horses for courses, different requirements for the various situations really. I've probably just confused the thread now but happy to help anyone who would like more info.
Satelite gives its own problems and depends on how much you want to spend, anywhere from the self tracking to the manual alignment (such as those supplied in a small suitcase type container designed for portable use). Again basic rules, good feeder, good connectors (and made properly although the popular 'f' connector is reasonably idiot proof and is good electrically but diabolically on the mechanical front!
Dave