Rear-seat entertainment (RSE) continues to be a big hit for both aftermarket retailers and automotive OEMs. According to Telematics Research Group, nearly ten percent of vehicles sold in 2004 had backseat entertainment systems, a number that will grow to 25 percent by the end of the decade. TRG further found that the majority of the automotive manufacturers (28 out of 37) are offering these features as standard or optional equipment.

While overall satisfaction with RSE systems is high in general, JD Powers and Associates found in its 2005 Rear-Seat Entertainment Usage and Satisfaction Study that the more owners use their RSE systems, the higher their satisfaction. Owners who use their system every day report the highest satisfaction. More than 90 percent of current RSE system owners would "definitely" or "probably" recommend their system to others, and more than one-half report that they want their next vehicle to include an RSE system, according to the JD Powers study.

The increased utilization of rear-seat entertainment systems is likely to stimulate demand for additional content options. So, as in many things, for the mobile video supplier, it’s wise to have a Plan B. The most likely candidate to fill that need is satellite TV. Analyst Frost & Sullivan expects that by 2011 as many as 36.8 million vehicles in the U.S. will be equipped with passenger entertainment systems, and of these more than three million will be equipped with mobile satellite TV.

Like a Broadway play, mobile satellite TV is a good concept that may need a bit of tinkering before it can attain huge popularity. The 2006 International CES proved to be a hotbed for first-effort mobile satellite TV systems featured at a number of booths. Some for instances:

Audiovox will introduce a SkyBox rooftop satellite TV system produced by RaySat. Audiovox will be the exclusive distributor for the product sold through mobile electronics retailers. A similar model, the SpeedRay 1000, will be sold through RaySat’s network of dealers, including RV dealerships and select satellite TV retailers nationwide.

Kenwood showed a prototype of an automotive system that receives the new Modeo satellite TV service. Modeo, based in Houston, is a subsidiary of Crown Castle International Corp. and it plans to launch a satellite TV service for mobile devices this year in major markets including New York City and to 30 markets by the end of 2007. Modeo uses DVB-H (digital video broadcast–handheld) technology developed by Nokia, and pilot-tested the service in Pittsburgh last year. 

TracVision, a co-development of KVH Industries and DirecTV, allows any in-car video system to access live broadcast television. TracVision includes a satellite receiver and a low-profile, roof-mounted antenna. The antenna is about five inches tall and 24 inches across and mounts securely to the vehicle's roof.

Since TracVision works with DirecTV, passengers can enjoy all of their favorite satellite programming, with a monthly fee charged for the additional mobile service. Local channels also are expected to be available at an extra charge.