Frequently Asked Questions

HD reception, digital channels and satellite reception

At Tiffin Motorhomes, each year when we develop our new models, we implement the latest technology available in our Motorhomes. This includes our satellite and TV products.

We are receiving many questions pertaining to HD reception, digital channels, and satellite reception. We felt it would be best to get answers from the highest authority in this field, so we contacted:

Craig Bartyzal
VP of Sales and Marketing, King Controls (manufacturers of King Dome antennas)
www.kingcontrols.com

Satellite TV Reception in your Tiffin Motorhome

Can my King-Dome antenna receive all the same standard digital channels that I get at home?
The answer is yes for both DIRECTV and Dish Network programming. The King-Dome will even automatically switch satellites when you select a new channel with your receivers’ remote control. Local channels are spot beamed and may not be available when traveling outside of your local area.

Can I receive all Dish Network HD programs with my King-Dome antenna?
Yes. The King-Dome antenna works with 4 satellites to receive all standard digital and HD programming available from Dish Network. In some areas of the country, Dish Network broadcasts their HD programming from the 61, 110, and 119 satellites (FL, TX, and the Northeast), and in all other areas these same channels are broadcast from the 110, 119, and 129 satellites. The King-Dome is easily configured to work with either satellite trio as you travel from one area to another and will automatically switch satellites when changing channels.

Can I receive all DIRECTV HD programs with my King-Dome antenna?
No. DIRECTV recently launched additional HD programming from new KA band satellites which are not compatible with the King-Dome satellite antennas. While you can receive several HD channels from DIRECTV’s Ku band satellites at 101, 110, and 119 with your King-Dome antenna, these HD channels will be moving to the new Ka band satellites at some point in the future, although the timing is unknown.

I currently receive some HD programming from DIRECTV on my King-Dome. What can I do when they move these channels to the new Ka band satellites?
You’ll still receive those channels in standard definition, but you’ll need to switch to Dish Network service to get HDTV programming.

Is all satellite programming switching to HD?
No. While both DIRECTV & Dish Network are expanding the number of available channels broadcast in HD, all channels will continue to be available in standard digital format.

I have basic DIRECTV service, not HD. Is DIRECTV also moving my standard channels?
No. The only channels moving to the Ka band satellites are HD channels. Your King-Dome will continue to receive all standard digital channels from DIRECTV.

Can I view satellite programming on all the TVs in my Tiffin Motorhome?
Yes. With a satellite receiver installed in the forward cabinet, satellite TV programming is viewable on all TVs.

Can I watch different channels on different TVs?
The bedroom is pre-wired for a secondary satellite receiver that can provide independent viewing for the bedroom TV, although both satellite receivers must be tuned to channels from the same satellite.

Can I use a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) with my King-Dome?
Dual tuner satellite receiver recorders interfere with the antennas automatic satellite switching feature, so compatibility is limited to use with DIRECTV’s standard digital programming where all channels are broadcast from a single satellite location. Please note that satellite receiver recorders have a hard drive that is not designed to withstand road vibration, and so they are not recommended for RV use.

For more information, the following PDFs are available for download:

Satellite Service Compatibility
HD Channel Availability