The fresh air, the beautiful scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being out on the open road or water make traveling on your RV or boat definitely worthwhile. But sometimes, even the most dedicated boaters and RVers need a little break from the great outdoors. That’s where streaming movies come in.
Whether you’re looking to catch up on your favorite TV show or watch a new release, streaming movies is a great way to relax and unwind while you’re on the go. In this article, you will learn the difficulties of streaming your favorite shows while traveling, as well as how to access your favorite streaming services in your boat or RV.
The Problem of Movie Streaming in a Boat or RV
The amount of data used by various forms of online entertainment has increased dramatically in recent years. Especially with major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, DISH TV, Sling TV, and many more providing high-quality content, it can be difficult to steer away from them for entertainment. As content creators continue to improve the quality of their content, the amount of bandwidth they consume is rising along with it.
This isn’t a major concern if you have fast and unlimited bandwidth, like cable internet in a traditional home. However, if we don’t modify our expectations and viewing patterns, those of us who manage mobile bandwidth with limited data and unpredictable speeds will quickly run into difficulties.
Ways to Stream Movies in Boats and RVs
While streaming movies can be challenging in boats and RVs, you still have plenty of options to try to get your dose of action, drama, comedy, romance, or thriller whenever you need it.
- Satellite Internet
Getting a reliable internet connection can be challenging, especially when you’re traveling in a remote location in the mountains or far from the shore. While it’s hopeless to expect that fiber or cable internet will reach you, you can rely on satellite internet to rescue you wherever you are.
While it’s more expensive than cellular data or public WiFi, it is the most reliable source of internet connection for these vehicles. Satellite internet is the most accessible type of internet that covers all the states in the country. If you have the budget, it’s best to invest in satellite internet for your boat or RV.
2. Mobile Data
If you have a limited budget, your next best option is to use your mobile data. While this type of connection is not as reliable as satellite internet, it’s still a decent way to stream movies while you’re on the go. Just make sure that you have a data plan with enough GBs to spare, as streaming movies can quickly use up your data allowance. It’s also important to check the strength of your signal before streaming, as a weak connection will result in a choppy experience.
While an unlimited internet plan may look like your best choice, you’ll need to know that some internet providers claim to give ‘unlimited’ data only for you to find out that your speed is being throttled by your provider. So, it’s best to look for a reliable internet service provider before choosing.
3. Public WiFi
If you’re lucky enough to be near a public hotspot, take advantage of it and connect to the internet for free. However, this type of connection is often unreliable, slow, and insecure. Only use public WiFi if you have no other choice, and be sure to disconnect from any sensitive accounts (like your banking) before using it. When streaming movies on public WiFi, be patient and lower your expectations in terms of quality. Make sure to have a lot of patience before connecting to a public WiFi.
4. DVDs/Pre-downloaded Movies
If all else fails, you can always fall back on physical media like DVDs or Blu-rays; or if you have enough budget, you can subscribe to Netflix or other streaming services that allow their users to download content for offline viewing.
While this option might seem old-fashioned, it’s still the most reliable way to watch movies on a boat or RV. The best thing about physical media is that you don’t need an internet connection to watch movies, so you can enjoy them even when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Conclusion
While streaming movies in a boat or RV can be challenging, it’s still possible to do with the right setup. By following the tips above, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite movies even when you’re off the grid.
READ MORE: 2022 Broadband Internet Customer Satisfaction Survey
