Satellite TV

You don’t have to watch your favorite TV shows in your living room anymore

Chrysler offers Sirius satellite TV as an option on its minivans, and Dodge Journey, Jeep Commander, and Ram pickups. Backseat TV, as it's called, allows passengers to choose from three popular children's networks-Cartoon Network, the Disney Channel, and Nickelodeon. The satellite TV feature is integrated into a conventional in-car entertainment system that includes three video monitors: overhead ones for each of the second and third rows of seats and one in the dash that can be used for watching video when the vehicle is parked. In addition, one overhead screen can show a DVD while the other is set to TV. And of course, the kids can listen to their favorite programs through headphones while their parents listen to the car's radio up front. The option is $470, which includes a one-year subscription to Sirius TV. But you also have to buy the rear seat DVD system separately. Cost varies by model, but the total cost comes to between $1,460 and $2,020. Buyers must also sign up for Sirius radio at $12.95 monthly, and TV adds $7 per month to the radio subscription after the first year.

Sirius offers their own aftermarket version of the system, also called Backseat TV. It provides access to the same three channels for kids, and it includes an audio/video tuner, wireless remote, and two magnetic antennas, but no monitor. The company says it works on any vehicle equipped with a FM radio and can be used with built-in monitors or an aftermarket unit purchased separately. The cost is $300 plus $19.95 per month for Sirius radio and TV subscriptions.

If you want more from your satellite TV programming than shows for children, you'll have to pay a bit more. KVH Industries and RaySat are two companies offering access to hundreds of channels of programming. Both systems use a large disc-shaped antenna mounted on the roof rack and weighing up to 45 pounds, making them best suited for larger vehicles like SUVs and minivans. These systems cost as much as $3,000 and don't include a monitor. Also expect to pay a subscription fee of about $30 to $50 per month with KVH. If you currently subscribe to satellite provider DirecTV in your home; if so, you can add mobile service for $5 per month. Some car dealers are offering this type of system as a dealer accessory for new vehicles.