We did not get a picture in France wanted to throw the dish then it was pointed out that it was possible the leads that was at fault. and guess what it was changed the lead from dish to t.v. set it back up got picture no probs.
Sennen
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After 3 evenings attempting to find Astra2 OH eventually gave up! We mainly like to have the TV abroad for the news, but we've decided to leave it at home next year. It's m ore hassle that it's worth.
Quote:
We did spend a very enjoyable half hour or so watching this poor sap (a brit) at Chartres who spent ages trying to get his dish positioned right. ("Left a bit ... right a bit ... higher.... Ok you stay out there and I'll be fine!")
We were very strong though, and didn't kick it over when we went to the loo - tempted though we were.
Why would you even think of knocking over his dish? Not a very nice attitude.
If all you want is news why not take a laptop or notebook if you have one. If the site has wifi (which many now have, although broadband width can vary a lot) you can check the news via yahoo or some other provider. BBC and ITV iplayers don't work abroad due to licensing restrictions but getting news is not a problem.
If you have Skype you can not only keep in touch with friends and family back home free (if they have Skype), but for a very small fee (currently I think about a 3p connection charge and 1.8p per minute you can use Skype to call landlines across Europe. We found this very useful whilst we were in France in June as some of our relatives don't have a computer so we simply dialled their landline number at remarkably low cost (10 minute call for approx 22p). Compare that with mobile costs or buying a phone card in France.
You can also take some DVD's or if you have previously downloaded some programmes you can watch at your leisure even if the site has no wifi.
Just a thought.
John
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I get really annoyed at people who imply that, if you want to take your tv on holiday, there must be something wrong with you.
I am a mother of three teenagers, I have a demanding career, am studying a degree, and I tow my caravan best part of 1,000 miles to take my kids to fabulous holidays . During my daily existence having time to even watch the news at ten is a luxury, so frankly, if I want to watch Jeremy Paxman on newsnight when I am in France, then quite frankly I am entitled!
I really think people should lose their holier than thou attitude and stop making sarcastic comments just because someone wants their tv!
I personally, for example, have never used the microwave in my caravan, I prefer to cook traditionally or barbecue. However, I would not imply that people who do use the microwave are plebs or idiots just because they choose to.
Why dont you (take a deep breath) consider not being so judgmental? If you leave your sarcasm behind you wont die, you can live without it.
It takes all sorts to make a world, and we get all sorts here. Do we judge? No. How you spend your own free time is entirely your choice. You've earned it.
We are back home today. Thanks to you all for your opinions and help. We didn't manage TV in Alsace, probably the trees; didn't manage TV in Belfort with no obstructions at all; found the satellite in Beaune and Chalons en Champagne but not in Ganspette, near St Omer. There was no rhyme or reason to our failures. We find TV useful in the evenings, particularly at this time of year when the days are shorter. There is only so much reading you can do! In fact, we didn't miss the TV when we didn't have it but enjoy it when it is available. Towards the end of the holiday it became a challenge to find the signal!!
Glad to hear you didn't miss the tv. Suggest it can become something of a habit. we are now in the position of having no tv at h.ome as well as in the caravan. They have switched the analogue off and not having freeview or satellite, we are tv-less. O me miserum.
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We don't bother with TV when camping and I don't think too many do, at least judging from our own camping experiences. I can kind understand why people sometimes do and we've had DVD films while away and loved it.
It's not so much about being judgmental, or it shouldn't be, it just that watching Tv represents the complete opposite of why, it seems, many people go away to camp. Hooking up and watching TV is part of the lifestyle, temporarily at least, which is being left behind. So hearing the theme to Coronation St in Burgundy was, admittedly, a bit depressing, cos it reminded me of what we were getting away from - work, everyday stresses, the mundane things. It's not even as if life in blighty is half bad, it's just that camping in France is an altogether better place to be.
------------- John
May/June.....France
Aug.......somewhere else in France
Quote: Originally posted by bigtoe on 30/9/2012We don't bother with TV when camping and I don't think too many do, at least judging from our own camping experiences. I can kind understand why people sometimes do and we've had DVD films while away and loved it.
It's not so much about being judgmental, or it shouldn't be, it just that watching Tv represents the complete opposite of why, it seems, many people go away to camp. Hooking up and watching TV is part of the lifestyle, temporarily at least, which is being left behind. So hearing the theme to Coronation St in Burgundy was, admittedly, a bit depressing, cos it reminded me of what we were getting away from - work, everyday stresses, the mundane things. It's not even as if life in blighty is half bad, it's just that camping in France is an altogether better place to be.
You have my vote. And add - chatting to the locals. Helps cameraderie - and your French (or whatever). But there again - each to his own. We managed to watch some of the Olympics in the various bars. Being the only Brit on one site was fun - especially when we were collecting golds like there was no tomorrow. The following mornings- the repartee between us all was great. That would have been less likely had we all watch the tvs in our own vans.
Thats a very good point about improving your french! I dont object to the polite, measured suggestions (like yours or John's ) that there is more to life than tv, just the sarcastic judgemental ones.
I have spent the last 19 years telling my kids that life viewed through a screen is a very poor substitute! Perhaps the reason I watch tv whilst away is because I dont watch it at home! There is always something more important (or interesting) to do.
Each to their own I say. We have sky plus so have best of both worlds record what we like and also spend our days relaxing, sight seeing, whatever we like and then when kids are in bed and it's a bit cool outside we might watch a little bit then. It was great this year to be able to watch some great Olympic events and not having to stick to the schedule.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Help! No TV in France
