A new in-car satellite TV and radio system promises consumers more variety and better reception on the go than earlier mobile satellite systems. And like so many things electronic, it will come in a smaller package and at less cost than some previous systems. 

AT&T CruiseCast, scheduled to become available in spring 2009, is the result of a partnership between the telecommunications giant and RaySat, a satellite antenna manufacturer. The system will offer 22 satellite TV stations and 20 radio channels at launch, with capacity for more. A variety of family, sports, news and entertainment programming will be offered from stations including The Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, The Comedy Channel, and CNN. It can be used with any rear-seat entertainment system, and parental controls allow limits on what children watch.

AT&T says their new technology includes a buffer system that stores up to three minutes of programming automatically, to prevent the common loss of satellite signal that can be caused by trees, tunnels, or buildings. The roof-mounted antenna weighs just five pounds including its mount, a fraction of some earlier models that can weigh up to 50 pounds.

Plans call for a roll out at car dealers and mobile electronics installation shops. Cost will be $1299 plus a $28 monthly subscription fee.

—Jim Travers

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