AT&T CruiseCast Mobile Satellite TV Service

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AT&T CruiseCast is being pitched by AT&T as the complete in-car entertainment system. The product is expected to see a Spring release and cost around $1,299 for the kit and $28 per month for the service. The system has been developed by AT&T in partnership with RaySat™ Inc, which provides low-profile satellite antennas that can be used on cars, trucks, SUVs.

The system can be connected to any rear-seat entertainment system that you already have in your car. The  components of the CruiseCast include a set-top box, a satellite receiver, and an RF remote. The receiver is placed on the top of a vehicle and needs to be exposed towards the South for catching the signals.

The set-top box acts as a medium between the receiver and the output, i.e. the screen. It is placed inside the car, usually under the seat, and it decodes the signals captured by the receiver. The RF-remote uses radio frequencies and therefore its effectiveness is not hampered by obstacles in the line-of-sight which is a good thing since the set-top box is usually tucked away in some nook of the car.

AT&T uses a buffer technology to combat phases of spotty reception such as when the receiver has tall buildings and tunnels obstructing the signals.

The CruiseCast offers a 22-channel TV lineup with something for everybody. Channels cover kids, documentaries, news, sports, music, etc. CruiseCast will also offer 22 satellite radio channels.