CruiseCast Launches Video For Cars At SEMA

Programming From Disney, Discovery Kids, Animal Planet, Nickelodeon

By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 11/4/2008

Las Vegas — AT&T and RaySat Broadcasting unveiled at the SEMA show today the AT&T CruiseCast offering 20 satellite video channels for in-car entertainment throughout the U.S.

The CruiseCast uses a low-profile antenna (measuring about a square foot and 4 inches thick) with a magnetic mount for cars as well as SUVs and trucks. The technology overcomes obstacles such as interference from overpasses, buildings and tunnels, said a RaySat spokesman

Programming will be aimed at kids and families and will include the Disney Channel, Toon Disney, Discovery Kids, Animal Planet, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network Mobile, USA, Comedy Central, MSNBC, CNN Mobile Live and CNBC. It will also include 20 audio channels.

The service will be sold though consumer electronics retailers and auto dealerships starting spring of 2009. Suggested retail is $1,299 with a monthly service fee of $28.

RaySat is providing the antenna hardware and AT&T is providing the content and satellite service for the venture, said RaySat. CruiseCast is currently setting up a distributor network for the product and taking advanced orders.