DirecTV, EchoStar Debut Portable, In-Car Satellite TVs

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on January 9, 2007 - 10:35am.

Las Vegas - U.S. satellite TV providers DirecTV and EchoStar Communications on Tuesday unveiled dueling portable satellite TV receivers at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

DirecTV, which claims 15.6 million subscribers, said its DirecTV Sat-Go product will come in a briefcase-like housing and feature a 17-inch LCD monitor. The satellite receiver can be up and running in minutes, if within range of a signal.

The portable satellite television features a laptop-style battery, and is intended for uses such as camping, tailgating, dorm rooms, hotels, emergency response, and in the home. The portable service will be offered for an additional $4.99 per month to existing DirecTV subscribers.

Colorado-based EchoStar, which claims 13 million subscribers, said MobileDISH for its DISH Network was designed as an in-car satellite service. A roof-mounted satellite antenna designed by RaySat will deliver satellite TV programming to vehicles, even while in motion.

Both services are expected to become available in the spring of 2007.