12 volt TV

[Guest Jack]

Hello, A different one to the previous post! Has anyone any suggestions regarding good quality 12/230 volt tv's? I have been told by a dealer that the THOMSON 15" LCD unit is the best but may be replaced with a new model some time this year. Many thanks.

[Guest Clive]

Whatever TV you buy will be replaced by a newer model in a years time. A lot depends on where you expect it to work. Do you need a multi-standard TV that will work on terestrial signals all around Europe or just the UK. Do you want one with an inbuild digital encoder? If you have an inverter onboard (they are not expensive from Maplin) it is cheaper to get a 230 volt TV and run it from an inverter. 12 volt TV's cost a lot more. Food for thought

[Guest John T]

You also need to bear in mind that although using an inverter avoids volt drops, a mains TV uses more current than a 12V one. It all depends on how much power you have available: mains on a site, solar power, battery capacity, etc.

[Guest PeteC]

Hi Jack we opted for a 14" LCD they are much lighter than the old tube type and take up less than 1/2 the space Most Lcd's are 12/230v and multi channel Ie can be used all oveer Europe and for some models all over the world Some are now available the are trestial & digital We always run ours off mains. Its Just easier if on the road all we are interested in is the traffic & weather We dont have a satelite dish but get what we need from the local stations And have picked up some bits of foreign languages that we wouldnt have other wise 12v/230v LCD Tv's are available from high street stores off the shelf at 'more competitive prices' than the caravanning/camping shops. You also have a greater choice of models

[Guest PeteC]

Try www.motorhomefacts.com

[Guest Jack]

Hello again, Thanks for all the info; I must try and remember to gave more info when asking for advice! We have just had an Oyster 85cm installed plus a sky digibox and linked to the 12v sustem because we tend to have more nights off site than on. If possible we don't wont to use an inverter (mainly because of the distance from battery and the tv site.) We would like to go for the LCD screen and multi standard for all of Europe.Not sure what advantage an 'inbult digital encoder' will give us? I have tried one or two of the high street stores but without success, any suggestions. Thanks again.

[Guest PeteC]

Got oe from Comet & another from Currys Both hae them on their web sites Only adv to a built in decoder is that you dont need a set top box We elect to only use it on site because as battery voltage drops TV stops working & it doesnt take a large drop to stop them working Ant way using 'Camping Cheques. as we do elecy & showers are in the price

[Guest jack]

Thanks again for the info.

[Guest Gordon]

I bought a Goodmans 15 inch LCD Tv from Comet last year and its just F.A.B.It has a 240vac to 12vdc transformer as standard. I have attached it to the wall in the m/home with a wall mount from Costco,solid ally not web ally as from other retailers.Swivels and tilts,great. Gordon

[Guest Clive]

Our old Grundig TV is 12v or mains 90 - 260VAC. The wattage taken using an external inverter is the same as using the inverter within the TV - or it was when the internal inverter worked, which it doesn,t now. But why watch TV on holiday, are we all that sad?

[Guest Will Redfearn Wirral Motorhome Club]

Try www.satcure.com I lifted this from his latest newsletter. I might offer some 12 volt models for caravans and motorhomes, if anybody is interested? > Ebay Traders We are introducing a trade-only online catalogue which is aimed to help (for example) Ebay traders to buy satellite TV products in bulk at a discount. Obviously you will be expected to buy several of each item. We can't give discount for one "F" plug! Anyone interested should email me, giving details of their existing or proposed business, including web site URL and/or Ebay page. I will supply a password so they can use the trade-only web site.