Sat TV companies to offer mobile internet
Audiovox, KVH and RaySat are each debuting new technologies that will allow users to surf the internet from their cars.
RaySat is showing the new SpeedRay 3000, a low profile, 5.7-inch satellite TV system that can also provide two-way high-speed Internet access via satellite. It then uses Wi-Fi to stream the Internet signal into the vehicle or within 100 feet around the vehicle, where it can also be shared by a wireless laptop, PDA and other devices. Shipping is expected in July at a price to be announced.
Audiovox said it will also introduce a SkyBox rooftop satellite TV system with Internet capability in the next three months. The unit will be produced by RaySat. Further, the company hopes to offer a model with a reduced antenna size. The current version of the SkyBox has a 5.7-inch high antenna that is about as wide as a car rooftop. The new model would be only 9 inches wide, said senior sales VP Tom Malone.
Out of the three companies, KVH may have the strongest entry, however, after announcing a parntership with micrsoft to create an “Internet appliance” for the autombie.
No price is available yet for the mobile MSNTV2. However, the service is expected to carry a fee of approximately $100 per month.
Blitz Safe’s new satellite TV antenna is electronic and does not use moving parts. It will offer 360 degree tracking and live streaming of DirecTV programming. The company is targeting a spring release at a suggested retail price of $400.
