Are There TVs in a Submarine that Can Receive Regular Channels?
Submarines, by their very nature, operate in environments where conventional terrestrial or satellite television signals cannot penetrate. However, modern submarines are often equipped with sophisticated entertainment systems that provide diversions for the crew during their long underwater missions. These systems include pre-recorded movies and shows stored on internal servers or DVDs. Some submarines can also access satellite signals when they are at periscope depth, just below the surface of the water, although this is not a common feature due to the challenges of maintaining a stable signal in such an environment.
Closed Circuit Television Systems
In addition to the entertainment systems designed for the crew's leisure, submarines also have closed circuit television (CCTV) systems for various operational and security purposes. These systems often feature a central library of movies that can be sent to various TVs located in the mess deck, crew's lounges, wardrooms, and chiefs' quarters, also known as the Goat Locker. These areas provide entertainment during off-duty hours.
Back in the late 1980s, the variety of movies available was more limited. Many submarines would carry BetaMax tapes, despite VHS being the standard format. In some cases, when the submarine was in port, crew members would bring in cable TV signals, which provided an additional source of entertainment. These signals could sometimes be plugged into the submarine's own CCTV system, especially when the vessel was on the surface transiting the waters, such as near Florida. Such setups allowed the crew to enjoy broadcast TV for hours at a time, which was especially memorable when unexpected incidents occurred, like the time when the crew witnessed a local news report about a grounded and burning boat off the coast of Florida.
Antenna and Signal Reception Underwater
While cable TV was a luxury when the submarine was in port, it was not possible to receive such signals while submerged. However, in a few foreign ports, it was possible to rig antennas, usually through the periscope or the BRA-34 device, or even simple rabbit ears on top of the sail, to pick up broadcast TV signals. The large supply of movies in the submarine's digital library made up for the lack of real-time entertainment options, and with the advent of DVDs, the selection became much greater. It's also common for crew members to bring their personal laptops for additional entertainment during their downtime.
Conclusion
While submarines are designed for long, intense missions where real-time entertainment isn't a primary concern, they do provide ample opportunities for the crew to enjoy a wide selection of movies and shows. Whether through advanced internal entertainment systems or the occasional access to cable TV signals when in port, the crew of submarines has found ways to keep busy and entertained during their missions.