Television on board?

[Free_Spirit]

Hi. I'm new to boating. Have a maxum 2400 with 2 x 12v batteries and shore power when available. I am looking to put a TV on the boat but would like any advice as to whether I need a special TV? Additional battery power? A neighbour mentioned an adapter I can use to plug into my on board cigarette lighter? Mainly it would be used when on shore power.

Help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[dpb]

Does not need to be special, but we find it simpler to use a 12v one.
We got a 12v polaroid tv from Asda last year 19in for about £120, you have to hunt them out as they dont advertise 12v as a feature, you are looking for a TV that powers via a transformer.....just check the display models on the shelves. You might have to change the plug for a cigar lighter type but it will work. Probably will need decent powered digital aerial olso.

 

[lionelz]

You can also.buy cheap inverters from Halford that plug into you lighter socket and the you can.plug a standard 3 pin.plug into it. But that option would use your battery quickly. Any standard TV will run of your shore electric

 

[Richard10002]

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?420266-12v-Television&highlight=Samsung

is as good a thread as any to give you a flavour.

 

[Momac]

I have an Avtex TV which I bought about 7 or 8 years ago and remains in service on my present boat.

 

[Freeloader]

It's probably better (and safer) to go for a 12v TV on a boat, as you will be able to use it when you are away from shore power. Whilst you may not intend to use it away from your berth, bear in mind that the programme guide will not be updated if it is switched off. A 12v TV can be left on standby, using minimal power, and be ready to go with the full programme guide at a moments notice.

Like MartynG, I bought a Avtex TV and have been very pleased with it - it's a 24" HD model from ACDCTV, who were very helpful and knowledgeable. A handy feature with it is that a standard USB pen/flash drive can be plugged into the TV and it can then be programmed to record programmes to watch later.

 

[Ripster]

Additionally, remember that the generic household TV's may not do well in a damp/salty environment. We also have an Avtex which is faultless after 4 years.