New Zealand has two main TV systems of transmission, satellite and terrestrial. When travelling around and you want to watch your favourite TV shows you need some equipment to do so. Firstly is a TV that both fits comfortably in your vehicle and can run on the available power system you have.
There are literally dozens of TV options to choose from, but make sure the one you buy doesn’t draw too much power and is able to run on 12v as well as 240v. All new TV’s sold in NZ must have a Terrestrial receiver built in and some have a satellite receiver built in as well. Many TV’s also have built in internet apps to watch Netflix etc. New Zealand has two main broadcasters that transmit via “Freeview” or “Sky”. So you will see these names mentioned often.
To receive terrestrial TV you will need a terrestrial antenna and there are a number of different types of these, some as cheap as $20 and are small and mobile and some that fit outside the vehicle on the roof. But, terrestrial is only available when in direct line of site to a transmitter and these are only found close to main city centres. The reception from terrestrial transmitters is very sharp and clear as it is high definition.
The other main system, often preferred by users is the satellite system as it is available anywhere in NZ with clear views to the northern sky. I.E. it won’t work well parked under trees. Again you need a receiving box with satellite receiver built in. If the TV doesn’t have this, a “set top” box is required. We have both systems purchased from The Warehouse, for around $350 each and this allows us to record 2 channels and watch a third which is handy.
Some TV’s allow an external hard drive or USB drive that can take recordings, but this system allows only to record the one selected channel currently being viewed, if you change the channel, the recording will either stop or change to the new channel.
There is another way to watch TV shows and that is by internet data. This method uses high levels of data, so again you will need a high data package deal and good internet reception. With this method, via a laptop, tablet, desktop computer or cell phone you can watch live TV or “on demand” programs. For internet options you can checkout my company Clever Technology Ltd.