The issue of TV reception in caravans is closely linked to the way in which this type of holiday is practised. Thus, those who stay in the same place for the duration of their stay will not encounter the same difficulties as those who go on tour. . The latter will need to adjust their antenna at each stop (this particularly applies to caravans and motorhomes).
The advice below applies to both caravans and motorhomes, with a few differences relating to power supply and the installation of antennas on the roof.
Television broadcasting modes in motorhomes and caravans
DTT (wireless) reception
Since the widespread adoption of digital technology, DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) reception, the only form of terrestrial broadcasting still in existence, has become less reliable because, unlike analogue signals, digital signals do not tolerate approximation: either you have a perfect picture, or the image freezes or disappears.
This means that you may not be able to receive your programmes for several reasons:
- If there is any obstacle (hill, forest, buildings) between the transmitter and the antenna. However, if the object is not too large (a few tree branches), the electronics can compensate for the deficiency by automatically generating the few missing pixels.
- When the distance between the transmitter and the caravan is too great and the curvature of the Earth causes the waves to pass well above the vehicle (household aerials are generally more than ten metres high to pick up the signal). Before installing your aerial, it is advisable to check the DTT coverage in the area.
There are also technical pitfalls associated with the type of antenna (directional or omnidirectional):
- Finding reception with a directional antenna will be very difficult (unless you have exceptional skill) because, in most cases, you will not know the exact geographical position of the nearest transmitter. Furthermore, as the digital signal takes some time to reach the television, you will have already lost the signal (by turning the mast) before it becomes visible on the screen.
- An omnidirectional antenna does not have this problem and is easier to use. Recent models often include a built-in amplifier or a pointing aid system to facilitate adjustment.
Satellite TV
Satellite reception requires a satellite dish. In a caravan, you can choose between three types of satellite dishes:
- Floor-mounted dishes (placed on the ground next to the caravan using a tripod stand)
- Manual satellite dishes with a mast through the roof
- Automatic or motorised satellite dishes, to be installed on the roof of the caravan or motorhome.
- For motorhomes, some recent models also offer motorised flat antennas, which are lighter and more compact and do not require a tripod.
Before opting for an automatic model, you will need to make sure that the roof is strong enough at the location you have chosen for installation, because even though recent models are lighter, more compact and easier to adjust than they were ten or twenty years ago, they still weigh between 5 and 10 kg!
Television via Wi-Fi / Connected TV
With the development of mobile networks and Wi-Fi on campsites, more and more televisions now allow you to access channels via the Internet. Channel apps (France TV, TF1+, 6play, etc.) or streaming packages can replace DTT or satellite, provided you have a stable connection. This solution is particularly convenient for itinerant campers or for enjoying programmes on a connected television or tablet , provided you check the availability and quality of Wi-Fi on site at the campsite.
High Definition
High definition (HD) provides better image quality and faster scrolling thanks to a more efficient compression format (MPEG-4). This is a decisive step forward in the evolution of television. Today, all free DTT channels are broadcast in HD, and some are even experimenting with UHD (4K), which is only available on certain pay-TV or satellite packages.
If your equipment is still SD (standard definition), it will continue to work for some channels, but you may no longer receive all channels in high quality. It is therefore recommended that you have an HD/DVB-T2/MPEG-4 compatible television or an appropriate decoder to fully enjoy all programmes.
Televisions and decoders
Most campsites now provide 230 V power, which allows you to use a wide range of consumer televisions. Almost all recent models include a DVB-T2/MPEG-4-compatible digital terrestrial television decoder, allowing you to receive all free channels in HD directly. They do not require a demodulator to access these programmes.
If you are using an older television, an external demodulator may be required to receive DTT, and a satellite decoder will be necessary if you opt for satellite reception (TNTSAT, Fransat or pay-TV packages). Modern demodulators are often compact, easy to install and may include pointing assistance functions for automatic or manual satellite antennas.
The choice is more limited for 12 V. For mobile or off-grid installations, some televisions and demodulators also operate on 12 V, which is convenient for caravans or motorhomes without mains power. Recent devices consume little power and can run on batteries, solar panels or converters, offering more flexibility for itinerant camping. Motorhomes generally use batteries and converters, which makes installation and mobile use easier.