On board entertainment

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Hi again, I've been working my way through the innumerable options for viewing entertainment in the M.H. that currently has nothing fitted.
I was pondering, [ always dodgy], do I need a 12/240v capable T.V.? If I have an inverter in the van of one type or another, I effectively have the option of a 240v supply through that source when off grid, and not a problem when on EHU. The cost of smart, all singing and dancing 240v only T.V.s is vastly cheaper than the 12v/240v options, and any saving could be used for a higher quality inverter. As usual I have probably missed a blindly obvious point, but?
Thank you in advance for helpful comments.
Regards.
Mike

 

[TerryL]

First question is what are you wanting to watch and where? If it's just terrestial TV in the UK a TV off the standard roof aerial (assuming you've got one) is perfectly adequate. If you're planning to travel outside the UK the standard used to be a satellite dish but with the reduction of signal availability that is becoming less and less popular, as well as being quite expensive amongst other disadvantages (payload, space on roof etc).

The growing trend now seems to be internet TV especially with the plethora of excellent data deals being available. Couple a standard TV with something like a Firestick and you've got virtually limitless receiving options - all you have to look out for is a good wifi signal. With a Firestick you won't need to go to the expense of a "Smart" TV either, plenty of HD TV options at a size suitable for mounting in a moho (think "Black Friday" deals!). Have a look at "Motorhome Wifi" who are keen supporters on the forum and have some good deals with excellent advice.

If you just want to watch downloaded films etc. you'll probably be best with a laptop which can be connected direct to a TV using the HDMI output socket, or just watch on the laptop, although that wouldn't be my choice. You could probably dispense with the Firestick too, although the quality wouldn't be nearly as good, by using various TV websites.

As to what TV (and make sure it has HDMI input), you'll be better off with one that runs off 12v - a lot of "240v" sets actually run through a transformer down to 12v so you wouldn't actually need an inverter, just plug straight into the van electrics with a suitable plug. You'll probably find there is a suitable cigarette lighter type socket close to the vehicle manufacturers intended mounting point.

I really would try to avoid using an inverter, it's very inefficient, unless you've got some other pressing need for one - haven't used ours in ages, everything now runs off 12v. It is rare for modern TV's to need more than 4 amps, but running it through an inverter will increase that. Remember that when calculating your overall electricity useage.

 

[pappajohn]

A lot of the 22" (some larger) and down TVs are 12v anyway.
If the 230vac power lead has a 'brick' (transformer) it will most likely be 12v.
Using an inverter is a waste of battery power.... You will be inverting 12v up to 230v then back down to 12v via the TVs lead transformer..... But the inverter will use more power than a direct 12v supply.

 

[cliffanger]

We have an Avtex, but also bought an Apple adapter so we can watch stuff from the phone on the telly.

I've got my timer on to see how long it takes for you to be asked 'what on earth are you asking this question for? You should be reading books, bird watching, playing draughts/scrabble/chess, watching poor people struggle with awnings........

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

We have an Avtex, but also bought an Apple adapter so we can watch stuff from the phone on the telly.

I've got my timer on to see how long it takes for you to be asked 'what on earth are you asking this question for? You should be reading books, bird watching, playing draughts/scrabble/chess, watching poor people struggle with awnings........

, There would only be owls about when I would be going square eyed. Scraddlele? Do they do that in a dslix, dyzlex, a version for people who can't spiel?, And lastly have you got nothing better to do than watch me??

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[Stealaway]

The cost of smart, all singing and dancing 240v only T.V.s is vastly cheaper than the 12v/240v options, and any saving could be used for a higher quality inverter. As usual I have probably missed a blindly obvious point, but

I have gone down that route.
It cheaper and better option than 12v TVs I'm not worried about a small loss to the inverter.
I have two 13A sockets behind the TV wired directly to the inverter for a 28" Samsung full HD smart TV and a 200w soundbar. They are also are available for anything that only works on 230V.

 

[TerryL]

I have gone down that route.
It cheaper and better option than 12v TVs I'm not worried about a small loss to the inverter.
I have two 13A sockets behind the TV wired directly to the inverter for a 28" Samsung full HD smart TV and a 200w soundbar. They are also are available for anything that only works on 230V.

No problem with that although it does then depend on what your power setup is - how many batteries, solar etc. etc. OP hasn't said.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

No problem with that although it does then depend on what your power setup is - how many batteries, solar etc. etc. OP hasn't said.

At the moment, the van has just the one leisure battery, and no solar panels, so many questions yet to asked
Regards.
Mike

 

[Lenny HB]

Always best to use a 12v TV as said a lot of mains TV's use a separate supply anyway, if you get one of those TV's best to get a 12v voltage stabilisation unit as your 12v supply when on charge can be up at 14.6v.
I certainly wouldn't use a mains TV on an inverter waste of power and decent inverters are expensive.

I wouldn't worry about a smart TV, they go out of date too quick and often the apps can't be updated. We do have a sat dish but rarely use it. We have an Android TV box with 64 gb of memory and has an SD card slot plus 2 USB ports so we can download 100's of hours of series & films before we go away.

If you want to be off grid for more than one or two nights you are going to need at least a 2nd battery and at least a couple of hundred watts of solar.

 

[colyboy]

Terry L. Am I right in thinking I can get Eurosport on my iPad while I am abroad , then by connecting HDMI cable to my 12v TV and connect to my iPad I will be able to see it on a larger screen?

colyboy

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[Aerialmark]

No that won't work you will need as mentioned in an earlier post Apple airplay to send the picture through to your tv or Google Chromecast
A bit of bumph here
While Apple’s AirPlay is a great way to connect your iPhone, iPad and Mac to your TV for wireless playback, it isn’t the only option available. Google offers Chromecast, a budget-friendly alternative to AirPlay that also enables wireless playback across iOS and macOS, along with Windows and, of course, Android.

 

[Marmite]

Mrs T thinks I am the only entertainment she needs

 

[TerryL]

Terry L. Am I right in thinking I can get Eurosport on my iPad while I am abroad , then by connecting HDMI cable to my 12v TV and connect to my iPad I will be able to see it on a larger screen?

colyboy

Absolutely no idea - I stay well away from anything with an "i" in front of it!
But I think Aerialmark answered it - I think!

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Thank you to all those who have offered their advice towards our considerable learning curve.
What a fantastic resource this forum is, very humbled by the quality and quantity of advice freely given, [ It is free I assume? and I'm not in the frame for trebles all round , cheers.]
Regards.
Mike

 

[Billylyne5]

I think we will use a projector, with a pull down screen and a Roku stick.

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[TheMachMan]

No that won't work you will need as mentioned in an earlier post Apple airplay to send the picture through to your tv or Google Chromecast
A bit of bumph here
While Apple’s AirPlay is a great way to connect your iPhone, iPad and Mac to your TV for wireless playback, it isn’t the only option available. Google offers Chromecast, a budget-friendly alternative to AirPlay that also enables wireless playback across iOS and macOS, along with Windows and, of course, Android.

Interesting, how do you get a TV to work with Airplay? Have various Apple devices so would be really handy.

 

[Coolcats]

No that won't work you will need as mentioned in an earlier post Apple airplay to send the picture through to your tv or Google Chromecast
A bit of bumph here
While Apple’s AirPlay is a great way to connect your iPhone, iPad and Mac to your TV for wireless playback, it isn’t the only option available. Google offers Chromecast, a budget-friendly alternative to AirPlay that also enables wireless playback across iOS and macOS, along with Windows and, of course, Android.

Absolutely right and its down to the 'ecosystem' you have signed up to, ours is Apple for privacy and non selling of our usage data. The Avtex TV and sound bar is a good 12v combination the sounder can operate in Bluetooth mode so we can play music from our iPhones

 

[cliffanger]

Interesting, how do you get a TV to work with Airplay? Have various Apple devices so would be really handy.

Broken Link Removed

Don’t be tempted to buy a cheap rip off. We did and it didn’t work! The Apple one works brilliantly.

This is from Argos. We bought ours from the Apple store in Bath, and it was the same price. That was last year, not sure how much they are now.

 

[appydaze]

Cello 12v tv/dvd from Amazon.... can recommend, well priced

 

[Marmite]

Another vote for 12V Cello .. and made in the UK

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