DIRECTV Takes Mobile Sat Out for Spin

DIRECTV gave members of the press a sneak peak at it during a conference at this year's CES in Las Vegas. Now, just a few short months later, the country's largest satellite TV company is taking its newest innovation - a portable satellite TV system - out of the garage for the first time.

In a move DIRECTV said is timed perfectly for the summer traveling season, the company is launching its DIRECTV Sat-Go product to subscribers this week. DIRECTV said the Sat-Go unit can be purchased for $1,499 by calling the company and soon at retail locations across the country.

As first covered by SkyREPORT back in January, the DIRECTV Sat-Go portable satellite TV system is a compact unit including a 17-inch LCD monitor with integrated DIRECTV receiver, a flat antenna and a replaceable/rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The system includes AC/DC adapters for the home and car, and comes neatly packaged in a briefcase-like carrying case.

According to DIRECTV, once the Sat-Go unit is opened, there is no installation necessary. The quick setup process makes it easy for customers to find line-of-sight with the company's satellites and receive DIRECTV programming within minutes. Another feature of the product is that when Sat-Go is not being used as a portable travel system, the unit can be utilized as an additional in-home DIRECTV receiver and TV. The LCD screen's built-in receiver can be separated from the Sat-Go antenna casing and connected to a customer's existing DIRECTV satellite dish.

DIRECTV Sat-Go customers will have access to their authorized DIRECTV programming, including interactive features and premium sports subscription packages via the portable unit. The company said Sat-Go service is not available in Alaska or Hawaii.