SATELLITE VS STREAMING

Not that long ago, if you wanted to watch TV in your motorhome, there was really only one answer: a satellite dish bolted to the roof.

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It was a bit of a badge of honour, too - nothing said 'serious motorhomer' like pulling onto a pitch and firing up the dish before the kettle had boiled. But times have changed. Streaming has well and truly arrived on the campsite scene, and for many, that trusty dish is starting to look... well, a bit old school.

So, is satellite still worth it? Or is streaming the future of TV in your 'van?

The case for satellite

Satellite TV still does one thing incredibly well - it works, especially in remote areas. If you're tucked away in the Highlands of Scotland, halfway up a mountain in Spain, or parked on a rural French aire, satellite doesn't care. As long as you've got a clear view of the sky and you're within the satellite's footprint, you'll get a signal.

There's also no worrying about data usage. Once your system is installed, you can watch as much TV as you like without eating into a monthly allowance. For those who enjoy live TV it's a very reliable option.

The downsides? Cost and complexity. A decent automatic satellite system isn't cheap, and it adds both weight and bulk to your roof. And while setup has become easier over the years, it's still another piece of kit to maintain.

Streaming: The new kid on the pitch

Streaming, on the other hand, has completely changed the game. With services such as Netflix, iPlayer, and YouTube, you can watch what you want, when you want - no need to worry about satellite footprints or retuning your system as you cross borders. But - and it's a big but - streaming is only as good as your internet connection.

So, how do you get online?