Dish Network has introduced a low-priced portable satellite antenna and is pitching it as a way for consumers to enjoy high-definition television while camping, tailgating or doing other outdoor activities.
The new Dish Network mobile antenna Weighs less than 10 pounds, Dish says the new Tailgater is one of the easiest portable satellite antennas for consumers to use. The Tailgater automatically locates satellite positions, which means that there's no need for manual antenna adjustment. It connects to a small Dish Network set-top box and then, of course, to a TV receiver.
The selling point of the Tailgater is that you don't need to align it; inside the container, a dish antenna robotically swivels and locks on to the appropriate signal without exposing the dish itself to the elements, as long as there's line of sight between the Tailgater and the southern sky. You'll need a 110-volt power connection, however, as the Tailgater only works with the Dish ViP 211k single-tuner HD box, which also requires a standard power prong.
Users will pay normal rates for using the box, except if they opt for a month-to-month solution that DISH offers. Under this plan, users can activate and deactivate the box for an additional $7 per month, not paying for the service during the winter months, for example.
The Dish Network mobile antenna works with Dish Network's 211k HD receiver. DISH bought Blockbuster for $228 million in April. DISH also recently settled its patent case with TiVo, paying it half a billion dollars in a settlement.