Audio-visual specialist KVH introduced the TracVision DirecTV system at SEMA, which beams live satellite TV into your car, truck, minivan or SUV.

What Is It?

TracVision Satellite TV for your car

What's Special About It?

Still glowing from a Design & Engineering award at the Consumer Electronics Show, the audio-visual experts at KVH came to SEMA to show off their new TracVision satellite TV system that threatens to make in-car DVD players obsolete. The ultralow-profile TracVisionA5 satellite TV antenna and receiver package delivers live DirecTV digital programming to a vehicle's video system on any open road in the continental U.S. The sleek antenna is the first product specifically designed to bring digital-quality TV into an automobile, and it fits perfectly between the rails of a factory luggage rack on most trucks, vans and SUVs. Built to withstand wind, weather, bugs, dirt and most other road hazards, the antenna is totally waterproof and can also be mounted directly to a roof for vehicles not equipped with a rack. The system works with all standard in-vehicle passenger displays, and bonus features include over 20 commercial-free CD-quality music channels and a backlit remote control that allows the driver or passengers to control the system from anywhere in the vehicle. A partnership between KVH and DirecTV has also resulted in a new Total Choice Mobile programming package that provides over 70 channels for $4.99 a month for DirecTV home subscribers or $39 a month for mobile-only subscribers. While the TracVision A5 is ideal for vans and SUVs, it can also be adapted for use in trucks, boats and even RVs.

What's Edmunds Take?

Watching TV or movies while driving is a very dangerous (and illegal) activity, but providing a rear-seat entertainment center can significantly reduce stress levels on long family road trips. However, listening to the same DVD over and over again can get a little jarring, so this new system is ideal for travelers looking to provide a never-ending form of distraction for their kids. It could also be good for those who prefer listening to live TV or commercial-free music over standard radio fare, and the possibility of throwing a tailgate party before the big game with Sports Center playing in the background is also pretty cool. Just do us a favor and don't attempt to watch your favorite reality show while driving. — Dan Kahn