Guest 1footinthegrave Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Following the replacement of both of my leisure batteries after just over a year I'm wondering if the use of a 240v 15 inch LCD TV through a 2000 watt capable inverter is less than ideal, and has led to the premature failure of the batteries. Thinking about going the dedicated 12v TV route it seems Avtex is "the one" but £360 is a bit hard to swallow ( more than my 32" Hitachi at home). Has anyone any experience of other brands good or bad, but specifically this one which is an Akura branded one at less than half the price,thanks. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Digital-Freeview-Record-Caravan-Leisure/dp/B003VPJZ48/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1319350814&sr=1-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
w1ntersun Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 I too would like to know if anyone has one. There seem to be several makes all very similar for sale in the mags. IE side dvd player, usb socket and on freeview. I too go the long way round via an invertor and have found the price of 12v tvs too expensive until these appeared on the market Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilux Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Most conventional home TV's run on a low DC voltage. Some have an external transformer that connects to the mains 230v AC input and then plug into the TV with a DC output. The big sets have built in transformers, but many of the smaller flat screen sets, suitable for a mtorhome, have external transformers. These sets can be bought for about £150. Go to a big retailer of TV's and look at the small flat screen sets. Look for one with an external transformer that outputs about 12v DC (Small print on transformer label). Such a set will work from your 12v DC van supply without the need for an inverter. Next, from a company called Ampera buy a voltage smoother. They cost about £40. These devices deliver a constant voltageof about 12.5V DC to the TV set regardless of leisure battery fluctuations between 11 and 14.5v DC. You don't need the Ampera device, but it stops the TV turning to B&W when the van voltage drops to about 11V and it protects the TV from voltage peaks. We have done this for many years. It's a much cheaper option than buying a dedicated 12V TV from a motorhome/caravan shop. The sales rep in the shop will tell you that the TV is only suitable for mains use. To some extent he is right as the some sets don't like variable voltages, but the Ampera device will sort that out. As usual DYOR but it works for us. H e Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 I bought a Techwood TV from Morrisons for £99 which according to the manual can be plugged straight into the lighter socket, unfortunately I've not been able to source a lead yet so use it via an inverter. Mind you at 99 quid that leaves me a £261 for new batteries when compared to the Avtex:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snitrats Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 pelmetman - 2011-10-23 9:01 AMI bought a Techwood TV from Morrisons for £99 which according to the manual can be plugged straight into the lighter socket, unfortunately I've not been able to source a lead yet so use it via an inverter.Mind you at 99 quid that leaves me a £261 for new batteries when compared to the Avtex:D Loads for sale on ebay (leads that is) I bought a tv with external transformer then used a 12v lead .Paid I think about £120. for 17" with freeveiw and DVD :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Grumpy Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 We ran a 240volt LCD TV from our twin leisure batteries via a 600 watt inverter for 4 years with no problems so maybe the early failure of your batteries is not actually down to the use of the tv and inverter. Why have you tied the two together, have you some specific proof? Most batteries have at least a 2 year warranty, did you get them replaced FOC? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Yes they did have a two year warranty, about as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike when I tried to claim , told me they were only good for between 90 and 150 recharge cycles. No it's just the efficiency thing, obviously the inverter uses power just being switched on, and as we often do not use hook -ups I'm just looking at making battery usage efficiency savings,as I believe these 15 inch 12 volt tv's only draw about 2.5 to 3 amps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 snitrats - 2011-10-23 9:40 AMLoads for sale on ebay (leads that is) I bought a tv with external transformer then used a 12v lead .Paid I think about £120. for 17" with freeveiw and DVD :-D Don't suppose you'd have a link Geoff?......as all the ones I found have the wrong plug on the tv end, I need the round one with several small pins:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallii Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 I have used a cheap 12v 15" flat screen TV in my vehicles for about 5 years. I use it without any voltage stabiliser, it has never given any trouble and, if it had failed due to voltage variation during the warranty period I would have returned it. If it fails afterwards I am not bothered as they are cheap. H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 hallii - 2011-10-23 10:59 AM I have used a cheap 12v 15" flat screen TV in my vehicles for about 5 years. I use it without any voltage stabiliser, it has never given any trouble and, if it had failed due to voltage variation during the warranty period I would have returned it. If it fails afterwards I am not bothered as they are cheap. H Go on then, don't keep us in suspense, what make is it, and do you recommend it ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randonneur Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 When we bought our van in March it came with an Inov 12v TV. We have recently bought the 16" Avtex TV and the difference in the picture is very noticeable. It may be because the previous owner of the van had it fitted when he bought it new in 2007. The Avtex was expensive but I think in the long run it will be a good investment as from what I have read and heard the Avtex people are very helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 On our last trip to France I had the opportunity to see an Avtex in a blokes van, and whilst I'll agree the viewing angle was not so critical as our present mains voltage one, like most of these LCDs it was no better in the sound department due of course to the limitations of the case size, but perhaps I'll bite the bullet and get one from JL with their 5 year warranty, I'll tip the piggy bank upside down and see what comes out, still a bit of a bummer to have to pay the same as our house 32inch set though :$ P.S.I've just read that this has a built in fm transmitter so that you can transmit the sound to your car stereo, can anyone confirm this is so, and if successful as a solution to the sound issue, ta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randonneur Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 1footinthegrave - 2011-10-23 1:08 PM On our last trip to France I had the opportunity to see an Avtex in a blokes van, and whilst I'll agree the viewing angle was not so critical as our present mains voltage one, like most of these LCDs it was no better in the sound department due of course to the limitations of the case size, but perhaps I'll bite the bullet and get one from JL with their 5 year warranty, I'll tip the piggy bank upside down and see what comes out, still a bit of a bummer to have to pay the same as our house 32inch set though :$ P.S.I've just read that this has a built in fm transmitter so that you can transmit the sound to your car stereo, can anyone confirm this is so, and if successful as a solution to the sound issue, ta. Not tried anything other than the TV and DVD to date but as my hearing is not great I have not had a problem. I will get the manual out and see if I can work out how the transmitter works. Ours also can pause/rewind and also has a USB connection. It also has a digital receiver in but as we live in France I don't think this will be used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basil Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 We take a low cost 16" 240v tv with us which is an Akura, purely in case we want to watch a DVD (built in), we use that with an Amperor adaptor to run straight off 12v. For sound we run this through the vans stereo radio using a very cheap (in fact free with an Ipod normally cost under £10) FM transmitter connector into the MP3 socket if we want it. Overall very good picture and sound from the TV. Seems like the one you are looking at is better and more modern as it has a 12v adaptor already so making it the same sort of price. Total cost £99 for TV, £35 for Amperor and as I said free for the sound adaptor. Cannot see any reason or justification for what I consider to be a severely overpriced Avtex. I'd go for the Akura personally. Bas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Many thanks Basil, I have to be honest and say that I do wonder why the premium price for the Avtex models, the conspiracy theory in me wonders if it is because until quite recently it was almost exclusively marketed through Caravan dealers, or specialist 12 volt shops. I have discovered that many smaller sets have a power brick that supplies 12 volt to the TVs themselves, factor in that you could buy three cheaper ones for the price of the Avtex, mmmmmmmm decisions decisions..........I really don't mind paying a premium price for a premium product but, more mmmmmmms :-S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randonneur Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Just got the manual out. Ours is a W164DR. Can't find anywhere that there is a FM Transmitter in but the USB is on the source menu. According to the book it will only play MPeg4 and JPEG files on the USB, nothing about DivX. I have a Media Player with most of my movies on so I am hoping that these will still play on the TV as it uses scart lead so should be no problem except that you have to be on hookup. I have yet to buy a 12v lead for this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snitrats Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 pelmetman - 2011-10-23 10:43 AMsnitrats - 2011-10-23 9:40 AMLoads for sale on ebay (leads that is) I bought a tv with external transformer then used a 12v lead .Paid I think about £120. for 17" with freeveiw and DVD :-DDon't suppose you'd have a link Geoff?......as all the ones I found have the wrong plug on the tv end, I need the round one with several small pins:DSorry not sure how to post a link,However tap in 12v lead on ebay and there is one round type with 4 pins, could this be the one? :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallii Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Mine is a Nikkai but I can't find one the same anywhere, Maplin says it's discontinued. It looks like this http://tiny.cc/xiqdq It is sold with different names so it's probably the same inside. Not bad for £135? H Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Thanks for that, you took the words out of my mouth, I'm also beginning to think it's one Chinese factory turning out these sets under a multitude of names as well, but for £135 it's got to be worth a punt I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B. Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 I bought a 12 volt Cello combi TV/DVD as advertised in MMM this year from a company called Cubik12volt in Elland, West Yorks and it is superb. Cannot fault any of it-TV, company, delivery etc and it was literally plug and play. Picture is brilliant and very low power draw. For £179.99 it is way below Avtex and this is LED rather than LCD. At the moment you get a free wall bracket as well. If you're intereasted this is the website: http://www.cubik12volt.co.uk/ Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Fabulous link Mike, many thanks, I've just ordered one. That's one less decision to make ! ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazooka Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 I also use a nikai from maplins about 5 years ago i paid £230 (10") last time i looked about £120.Had no problems runng it off mains or 12v directly from 12v socket. Baz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 snitrats - 2011-10-23 3:07 PMSorry not sure how to post a link,However tap in 12v lead on ebay and there is one round type with 4 pins, could this be the one? :-DThanks Geoff:D.......bought one....... £12.50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B. Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 1footinthegrave - 2011-10-23 7:50 PM Fabulous link Mike, many thanks, I've just ordered one. That's one less decision to make ! ;-) Hope you are as happy with it as I am! As a matter of interest, I have no connection with the company, just got good service & value and felt it deserved to be applauded Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1footinthegrave Posted October 23, 2011 Share Posted October 23, 2011 Quite odd really as my granddaughter has the same brand in her bedroom which she is very happy with, I just did not know it was available for 12 volt operation, so thanks again, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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