PVR Wire

DirectTV is showing off its new Sat-Go portable satellite receiver/TV at CES. We first heard about this funny looking device in November, but there are a lot of new details today.

The Sat-Go is only kind of "portable," weighing in at 25 pounds. The device folds up into a suitcase-like package for lugging around, and then unfolds for receiving and watching TV.

It was invented by Rick Rosner, a television producer who created CHiPs and The New Hollywood Squares. The chocolate brown color? You can probably blame that in part on Rosner's roots in 70s TV. But he says he also wanted to give the unit the look and feel of high-end luggage.

DirecTV will be marketing the product in outdoor camping, hunting, and fishing magazines. Although to be honest I'm not sure why someone heading out into nature to get away from it all would want to take a TV with them. It might be nice to get weather reports, but I'm not sure I'd be willing to pay $1000 to $1300 for that.

The Sat-Go is expected to launch in a limited production of about 10,000 units this Spring. It'll carry a $4.99 monthly subscription, which is the same amount you'd pay for an extra set top box.