Though many go sailing to get away from the stresses of everyday life, including the television, for those who live aboard or are cruising long passages a TV can provide entertainment as well as useful weather forecasts.
As analogue broadcasting is due to be turned off by 2012, if you are thinking of installing television on your yacht it's worth going straight to digital to avoid having to upgrade in a few years.
There are several different options to consider:
- Masthead aerial
- Satellite receiver
- Portable TV with built in Freeview receiver
- USB digital TV receiver
- Mobile phones
Masthead aerial
A masthead aerial is the most common solution to receiving digital television afloat. Mounted at the top of the mast, with leads feeding down into the cabin, this height means you can receive broadcasts from further away and also keeps the aerial a good distance away from your other instruments to avoid interference.
Usually powered by a 12V aerial cable, masthead aerials generally provide a good signal and broadcast ranges. Provided you don't mind going aloft in a bosun's chair, you can fit it yourself without needing to get a professional in.
The aerial bracket will probably have to be riveted to the mast or masthead fitting, and the wiring fed down the cable conduit inside the mast - probably by running a mouse first and then pulling the cable through.
Masthead aerials such as the Glomex Marine Master TV/FM/AM Antenna cost around the £150 mark. However this doesn't include the cost of cabling, installing, digi box and screen. Ghosting and interference can also be a problem if the aerial hasn't been installed properly.
Satellite receiver
Satellite television is the best option for those wishing to watch television offshore as broadcasts are transmitted from satellites orbiting the Earth. Since satellites are high in the sky, there are a lot more customers in the line of site than a for a broadcaster trasmitting through a land based mast (see diagram).
Products such as Raymarine's Satellite TV Antenna System can be fitted similarly to masthead aerials (see above) and offer fully stabilised marine satellite TV systems. Withover 300 channels available for viewing, you shouldn't get bored and some satellite receivers even offer the luxury of HDTV.
Of course this sort of service comes at a price. Standard systems, including a rotating sub-reflector and NMEA 0183 GPS position input capability start at about £4,000, but can easily soar to £9,000 depending on the extras you opt for.
Portable TV with built in Freeview receiver
Portable TV with built in Freeview receivers are the easiest option as they require no installation. The Xoro HDS 7510 is good example of such a product, retailing at £215. It not only offers a portable television with built in digital tuner and EPG, but also boasts a DVD player, CD player, MP3/4 player, card reader (SD/MMC) and picture viewer! With a 800 x 400 pixel resolution 9.2in widescreen LCD this model isn't ideal for large crews. However, similar products with larger screens are widely available.
The main problem with portable TV's is that they have a really low signal range meaning they are only really suitable for watching while anchored or moored inshore.
USB digital television receivers
USB digital television receivers offer a plug and play solution to your viewing needs.
Just as you would with a USB memory stick; you simply plug the receiver into the port of your laptop, and make sure that antenna is connected correctly.
Devices such as the Pinnacle PCTV DVB-T Flash Stick (RRP £60) don't require you to install any software and can easily be taken between different machines. Some cheaper models will require installation via CD.
Once you have everything connected simply conduct a quick scan for TV and radio channels and you're up and running, ready to watch all your favourite terrestrial programmes.
I have tried a USB receiver myself onshore, and the reception is clear and consistent, with only a slight delay when changing channels the only chink. However this was in an area with a pretty strong signal. Taken to a more remote place, still onshore, the quality dropped. Though I have yet to try on aboard a boat I suspect this might also be the case offshore.
Another thing that would need to be considered before purchasing a USB digital TV receiver is how much power the computer would require to run. With most modern laptops running on about 19V, you might want to conserve your battery power for something else.
Mobile phones
Many phone companies have developed high-speed 3G networks that allow television services to be streamed straight to your mobile - if your handset is compatible. Channels such as ITN News, CNN, Cartoon Network and extreme sports can all be viewed on your handset, with charges starting at around 10 pence a day.
At the moment those wishing to watch digital television via their mobile are confined to the size of the screen of their phone - not ideal if there is a group of you. However with technology advancing at an amazing pace, there is already talk of expansion packs that will allow a mobile to be linked up to a cinema system and so provide viewing for all.
Another problem with using your mobile is that you would only be able to receive broadcasts when in signal range. This would put offshore viewing out of the picture.
Points to consider:
Power consumption: Televisions and computers may impose an unwelcome drain on boat batteries. Superyachts may have cabin-wall sized plasma screens, but they also have generators. On the average cruising yacht, the smaller the better!
Antenna: If you only want to watch TV occasionally, it is hard to justify the expense of a multi-directional masthead unit. But an external aerial will give much more satisfactory reception than an "indoors" aerial. A directional aerial, clipped as high in the rigging as you can reach, will improve matters. It will work well in a marina where the boat does not move, but less well at anchor or on a swinging mooring, where it will have to be repositioned as the boat turns with the tide.
