12volt tv

[jgee]

avtex i believe do tvs for moterhomes and heard good reports but is it neccesary to spend so much money or do you pay for quality

[Mel B]

Hi Jgee - welcome to the mad house.

 

In a word - no.

 

We have been running a standard TV (Relisys) for years - it has a 230v input into an external transformer which then has a lead from it into the rear of the TV, instead we made up a 12v lead and just run it straight from the 12v without the 230v transformer in place. Not had a probelm and we've been doing this since 2005. There are quite a few of these types of TV on the market, Kenmark is one of the cheaper brands and have a nice picture (Comet do them) and we are considering getting one of these with a built in DVD as a replacement, the more modern ones are now lighter and have less of a power draw (we'll use the Relisys in the house).

 

Some people say that you need get a 12v lead which has an inbuilt power stabiliser (from Maplins) to run the TV on, we've never had one and not had a problem, but that's up to you to decide if you want to risk getting a power surge and blowing your TV, but even then, it is still going to be a lot cheaper than an Avtex which, if you are going to make good use of the extra bits and pieces they have may make the purchase worth the cost, but to use, it's a lot of money for a TV.

 

Therefore, in my view, I don't think you need a 'dedicated' motorhome 12v TV which not only will save you a lot of dosh, but also give you more choice, but you need to make your own mind up.

[David Dwight]

We have an Avtex TV in our new van only because it came with it. It is a very good, reception is good with the status aerial. Will be be taking it out in a month or two, ready for the season as we will not be needing it until next winter. A little less weight and another thing less for the tea leaves to see. In the past when we wanted TV which wasn't often we used the laptop.

[Archiesgrandad]

We paid £150 for a 15 inch Polaroid TV, £30 for a 100watt inverter and find it really good.

AGD

[Ocsid]

In choosing your TV first check that the "display" model can be viewed from angles you are likely to view it at in the MH. This is because some are only for viewing square on and are appalling viewed at an angle.

This can be very pronounced if the TV is to be used at high level and cant be mounted tilted.

 

We rather spend less money on a quality mass produced domestic market TV than the expensive leisure market unit. Ours is a SONY [now obsolete] with an inverter but that needed to mounted tilted downwards; its sideways viewing angle is though good. It has no neat integrated DVD feature but these players are cheap if needed.

[breakaleg]

We bought one of these.

D0474 | DQT 17" WIDESCREEN TV / DVD @£399.00

it only draws 2.5 amps in use is 9-12v 230v good viewing angle and the stand is built in, it takes up less room than our old 15inch flat screen, picture and sound quality is very good.

2 year guarantee including pixels

Pete