Satellite TV (KVH, Intellian, Sea King) - Any Recent Experience??

[boxlaxman]

Does anyone have an recent experience with the various satellite systems?? I am looking at the M3, I2 range of systems. It seems I can do the Intellian for about 3k installed and can do it myself. It has HD built in without the issues of switching bands, etc. that KVH has...

Any recent insight out there??

 

[Escapade]

We have the KVH M3 Tracvision. It was installed by PO. Our TV's are Phillips, less than 1 year old. Picture quality great. No problems or issues.
Very pleased w/ the KVH.

 

[RollerCoastr]

I've had an I2 for 2 months, but so far it's been perfect. I'm only using it for SD. It hasn't lost a signal since the day I turned it on, including 3-4 ft waves and thunderstorms. I was able to program it myself in a matter of minutes. I chose the I2 for it's independent control unit - I wanted to continue to use my DVR. I wish the control unit was smaller, but the performance has exceeded my expectations.

 

[boxlaxman]

It looks like the only difference between and I2 and I3 is the size and built in GPS. Does the I2 have to be integrated with a GPS??

 

[RollerCoastr]

I called Intellian tech support before the purchase to ask about that. (Excellent state-side support btw). He explained that a GPS connection reduces the time needed to lock onto a satellite after traveling great distances and that I wouldn't need to do it if the boat stays in the Great Lakes region.

 

[Gary Hill]

We have the KVH M3 Tracvision. It was installed by PO. Our TV's are Phillips, less than 1 year old. Picture quality great. No problems or issues.
Very pleased w/ the KVH.

Since installing the KVH on the above boat I installed one on our 2008 40DA and this one has also been flawless. The only thing you need to be aware of is with Direct TV and how they allow local channels. If you don't have Direct TV at your house they won't let you get the local channels on the boat (I don't believe they have changed this policy at this time(stupid)). I have Direct TV at home and it only costs us $5.00 per month to add the boat and get the same programming as home.

 

[WDCboater]

I have a KVH M3 on my boat. It was installed by my dealer over the winter. I have a Vizio TV in the cabin and Samsung in the cockpit.

A few things to keep in mind about the KVH M3
-it is HD read, but only with Dish Network
-DirectTV uses a different satellite for HD, so only their SD service works with M3. The KVH HD7 is the first one to work with DirectTV in HD, but it's a beast of a dish.
-if you have a digital tv antenna on your boat you can pick up your local channels in HD off air instead of via satellite. (When close to home)

I love our M3. It is rock solid and very easy to use.

We have our M3 and Raymarine Raydome mounted on a SeaView dual mount.
http://www.seaviewglobal.com/en/categories/300000136

 

[horseplay]

Since installing the KVH on the above boat I installed one on our 2008 40DA and this one has also been flawless. The only thing you need to be aware of is with Direct TV and how they allow local channels. If you don't have Direct TV at your house they won't let you get the local channels on the boat (I don't believe they have changed this policy at this time(stupid)). I have Direct TV at home and it only costs us $5.00 per month to add the boat and get the same programming as home.

Other thing to remember, Direct TV cuts off your signal if not used for 30 days. You have to call them or go online and resend the signal. It's a pain in the rear and I have complained to them numerous times about it. Otherwise, the system has worked great for me for 6 years now.

 

[electricaldoctor]

I have a Sea-King and it's ability to lock onto a satellite can be intermittent at times. I am not quite sure what the problem is there.

 

[WDCboater]

Other thing to remember, Direct TV cuts off your signal if not used for 30 days. You have to call them or go online and resend the signal. It's a pain in the rear and I have complained to them numerous times about it. Otherwise, the system has worked great for me for 6 years now.

I have found if I reboot the box I can avoid having to call them. I found this annoying as well, before I figured out resetting the box fixed the problem.