12V or other TV?

[gingerK]

Beth's question about TVs got me thinking. I had a small 12 V TV in Angel when I got her that has since died. Do I have to have another 12V or can I just get a small regular TV (I don't know if it's ac or dc or whatever but you know what I mean)? Then do I need to upgrade my current antenna to pull in local channels? Pretty sure the antenna's not HD capable at 20 yrs. old.

[Azusateach]

You can buy whatever kind of TV you'd like. It doesn't have to be 12v, as long as you don't plan to watch it without being hooked up to shore power.

Chances are your antenna is analog & not digital, so getting a new one will probably be in order. There are a few options out there, including a flat one that you can put on your window (or something). Hopefully Mitch will chime in and share her expertise.

[chalet05]

If you get a TV that is not 12volt, you can plug a small inverter into a 12 volt outlet, plug the TV into the inverter. That's what I do with my DVR.

[MelissaD]

Pretty much a personal preference. 12 volt TV's cost more since they are a "specialty" item. For me it would depend on what type of power outlet I had available and if I wanted to watch it when not hooked up to shore power. Older RV's had more 12v outlets than newer ones. I don't even think I've found a 12 volt outlet in my camper.

[gingerK]

If you get a TV that is not 12volt, you can plug a small inverter into a 12 volt outlet, plug the TV into the inverter. That's what I do with my DVR.

Genius, Anita! I didn't know I could do this. What does your inverter look like and where did you get it, so I know what I'm looking for. Thanks!

[mitch5252]

..

Here's a Wally World search on inverters. You need to consider the wattage of the unit you buy.
I once bought an inverter to charge my laptop in the car.
It was not big enough to do the job.

http://www.walmart.com/c/ep/ac-dc-converter
..

[gingerK]

Thanks Mitch. Much easier for me to see what I'm looking for than to wallow around tons of web pages wondering if that's what I need.

[chalet05]

Kathy, I have Tripp-Lite Power Verter 150 watts. I know I ordered from Amazon but for whatever reason they couldn't send it to the state I was in. Can't remember where I did get it. You know, just Google it!

[gingerK]

Thanks Anita, I will.

[cmcdar]

HOLD THE PHONE!

If you purchase almost any small LED TV today, you will note that somewhere along the cord is a box of some sort before the plug you plug into the wall. THAT BOX is a converter! It is converting AC to DC.

That means that most of the "regular" TVs you buy these day ARE 12V!!!!!

I just bought an adapter that allows me to plug into 12v when I am boondocking.

Something similar to this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008YJ73O0?keywords=12v%20plug%20for%20tv&qid=1447427729&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1



NOTE: I have done this for just about every gadget I have.