Winegard Co. recently released the Winegard TV Signal Finder. The Winegard TV Signal Finder app finds available signals, showcases optimal antenna or satellite placement, and identifies potential signal blocks that can stand in the way of TV viewing such as trees, bluffs or other RVs.
“We are proud to be the first RV antenna manufacturer to offer its own app that simplifies the over-the-air antenna or satellite setup; and, takes the guesswork out of aiming your TV antenna or satellite dish,” said Stacie Venghaus, software engineer at Winegard. “Our app uses augmented reality (AR) that engages the smartphone camera to view the surroundings of the RV, this takes the ‘hunt’ out of locating all available TV signal sources.”
According to Keith Larson, director of RV aftermarket, approximately 90 percent of RVers equip their vehicle with an antenna.
HDTV antenna owners can choose the “Antenna Pointer” option that first shows a map with the locations of all nearby broadcast towers, the distance between the RV, and those towers, and a list of channels and stations available.
Then, the RVer can click on the “AR” icon on the map to activate the smartphone camera, which allows the user to rotate his or her smartphone 360 degrees to find the desired tower and best angle to point the antenna. It will also show if there are any potential objects that might block a signal, like trees, buildings or hills.
The Winegard TV Signal Finder app also includes a Satellite Pointer mode, which quickly locates satellite signals. This will guide the RVer on optimal locations to park the vehicle to get a clear opening for a roof-mounted satellite dish, or for identifying placement for portable satellites.
The Winegard TV Signal Finder app requires a smartphone equipped with a camera, GPS, and compass, and is now available for iOS and Android.
