12v TV/DVD Combo with DVD - best option?

mickywillis

mickywillis

Well-Known Member
Joined
23 Mar 2007
Messages
1,644
Location
Epsom,Surrey
Visit site
Anyone suggest a suitable LCD TV Combo with Freeview for use on board?
19 or 22" best size (maybe smaller but not much)
Low power consumption.
Ability to wall hang.

Either new or used, if you have one on board, whats the sound and picture quality like?
Would ideally like a branded make (JVC, Toshiba, etc) rather than the "unknown" makes you see.

I don't want to run via inverter if possible, so looking for a TV with a separate 240-12V PSU where I can connect the 12V plug direct to battery (via fuse!) and not use the 240-12vV converter.

If you have a model number I can do an internet search or check out Ebay.
Thanks
 
I use a laptop, with the sound output through the FM stereo. A laptop will also record TV if you want, or play downloaded movies, music, view your pics, run nav software etc etc.
 
I had a 22" MEOS TV on the boat I've just sold. Came with a 12v lead to plug into cigarette lighter type socket and also a 2240v lead. Built in freeview, DVD / CD, USB port and SD card port. Attached to bulkhead using a Maplins wall hanger with a positive fixing in case of bad weather. In 6 years it worked perfectly, almost always from 12v and never complained about power variations from the batteries. Cost about £200 if I remember correctly.
 
My suggestion is look out for one with USB import as well that way you can copy your favourite DVD's to a portable hard drive and use a usb stick to watch films etc
 
Can't recall the brand but I bought a 19 inch combo from John Lewis. Iirc, it's an exclusive arrangement. Big advantage is that it comes with 5 year warranty as standard. Light weight, 12v, low power consumption, very good picture and sound quality. I remove it from its stand and take it home over winter season.
 
thesaintlyone said:
My suggestion is look out for one with USB import as well that way you can copy your favourite DVD's to a portable hard drive and use a usb stick to watch films etc
Click to expand...

That makes no sense. Why copy a DVD to hard drive, then copy it to USB when the TV has a DVD player ? Also, how will he copy films from the hard drive to the USB stick while onboard?
 
Many of the 'smaller' TV's are 19v dc and it is easy to get a 12 to 19v buck boost converter on ebay. Remember that there will be a start up surge so either use some large caps of a higher capacity power converter.

Don't risk a 12v tv potentially running on 14.6v unless it is specifically designed for such use. Some TV's use a 12v power supply and hold the voltage very tight.

Also, think about having the dvd built in. once its failed you may be tempted to but a new one wheras many laptops feature a drive.
Spend the money on a better LED tv and put it where it will be out of the sun and reflections. It's not like watching at home, you need a good screen!

Tony.
 
Last edited:
Interestingly my mates have just discovered that the DVD player on our 12V Cello TV drains the battery really quite quickly, I am therefore quite keen on the idea of downloading films to the iPad/Mac and playing back via a HDMI lead mentioned above.
 
we use an Avtex Tv/DVD combo...reception is great with the Avtex aerial which is powered by the tv.....used it in motorhome before fitting to the boat..
 
PaulRainbow said:
That makes no sense. Why copy a DVD to hard drive, then copy it to USB when the TV has a DVD player ? Also, how will he copy films from the hard drive to the USB stick while onboard?
Click to expand...


Sorry I meant using the portable hard drive as storage space to store lots of films, TV shows etc
I do exactly that have complete seasons of my favourite TV shows and favourite films available Then I simply copy what I wamt to watch to the usb stick from the hard drive using my laptop and plug into the smart led TV
Negates the need to carry lots of space consuming DVD's

Most of the portable hard drives will not work with the usb slots on led tv's etc hence the need for the usb stick and the cables are not always the strongest.

Travel lots and the system works great have access to over 100 films and about 30 seasons of TV shows
 
SiteSurfer said:
Interestingly my mates have just discovered that the DVD player on our 12V Cello TV drains the battery really quite quickly, I am therefore quite keen on the idea of downloading films to the iPad/Mac and playing back via a HDMI lead mentioned above.
Click to expand...

Just get a smart led tv 12v ones are now readily available on ebay etc make sure its got a usb reader and simply plug and play from the stick.
 
IMO a laptop still makes a more versatile setup. I have my aerial connected to the laptop and internet access via my tethered phone. The laptop does internet and email as well as passage planning, tides, navigation etc etc.

Using Win7 media center (others are available) i can record TV the same as a freeview plus box. WMC will catalogue and play all of my movies, TV, music and pictures. It can be controlled by a dedicated remote control, about a tenner. The audio is a bit rubbish so that's connected to the FM stereo. If the 17"/19" screen of a laptop isn't big enough, connect it to a cheap display via HDMI. Then you get a 24" chart plotter :) A 1tb drive stores a LOT of stuff.
 
PaulRainbow said:
Be a big USB stick to hold hundreds of films. I have 25 on my laptop and they take up 40gb.
Click to expand...

I use A 2TB portable Hard Drive to Store everything Like This One Here

There are more rugged versions available but about three times the cost

and use a 8gb usb stick to plug into the TV.

Thats my Home/Travel Set up and will use the same on the longbow once it's done.
Josam is a bit small for a dedicated TV so I do use my Laptop and watch direct from the portable hard drive but its nice to have a dedicated TV if space allows. should be able to fit a 24" LED TV in the Longbow no problems about 70cm wide so will fit to the Port Side forward Bulkhead
 
thesaintlyone said:
I use A 2TB portable Hard Drive to Store everything Like This One Here

There are more rugged versions available but about three times the cost

and use a 8gb usb stick to plug into the TV.

Thats my Home/Travel Set up and will use the same on the longbow once it's done.
Josam is a bit small for a dedicated TV so I do use my Laptop and watch direct from the portable hard drive but its nice to have a dedicated TV if space allows. should be able to fit a 24" LED TV in the Longbow no problems about 70cm wide so will fit to the Port Side forward Bulkhead
Click to expand...

I have room for a TV and at some point i might fit one, but still use the laptop as a media center. I use the same setup at home, laptop connected to the TV via HDMI, TV to home cinema via HDMI. A dual tuner TV dongle means i can record two programs at a time, while watching something already recorded, or a movie. The laptop remains closed and is operated via a wireless keyboard.

So, if i fit a TV on the boat it will be connected to the laptop via HDMI and the laptop will probably be in the chart table (or on it). The cabling is all in place behind the joinery.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top