Flat Screen/HD TV help

[lak99]

I am posting this question here because I didn't really think it fit under
Maintenance/Tech issues.

What TV do you have in your rig and why? Do I need one that runs off of
regular electricity AND 12 volt DC? Do I need an HDMI cable to connect it?

I am very uneducated on this issue but I need to get one.

Thanks, Ladies.

[Bethers]

Only you can answer whether you will want to use it on 12 volt. Do you intend to boondock? And will you have enough battery power to run it? If so, then you'll want one they runs on dc, or if you have an invertor then you won't. Or if you're ok with running the generator to watch TV, then DC isn't needed.

I'm a big boondocker but don't watch TV then, so don't have a dc TV.

Oh, and I am moving this to tech.

[BirdbyBird]

Beth outlined most of the issues. As usual the answer becomes...it depends. I did specifically get a TV that works on 12 volt but I have a small rig and from what I saw most of the 12 volt TVs are small also. They are often designed to put in boats and trucks and RVs. It is enough for me...I don't watch all that much TV and can live without it. If I can get a signal I can get the morning news, etc. If you have an inverter already in your rig or if you pick up an inverter to add to your rig it is much easier to find a regular flat screen TV to fit where ever you need it to and what ever size you prefer......

I ordered my 12 volt TV on line.....it is only 15 inches.... (but you can still watch "Survivor" on it if you need to!)

[avalen]

the news and Survivor, two important shows in my book

[mitch5252]

the news and Survivor, two important shows in my book

Add Amazing Race and that's a perfect evening of television...
(oh, and Walking Dead)

.

[Dawn309]

For me, have to add Project Runway.

[ellenw]

Leslie - Re HDMI input, if you're in a campground with free internet but no cable AND your laptop has an HDMI output jack, you'll be able to watch TV from your laptop, displayed on your TV by "cloning" the display from the laptop. (Clear as mud? )

Example: I record all my shows on my Comcast DVR so I can watch them at my convenience. But I tend to fall behind, so when I'm in a campground with wi-fi, I'll be able to pull up the episode on my laptop from Hulu or the network's website, connect my HDMI cable between the laptop and the TV, select "HDMI" as the source on the TV, and instruct my laptop to "clone" its image to the TV. That way I'm not having to burn my eyeballs watching it on my laptop. (I can burn them watching on my TV instead. )

Tip: Hook up the TV end of the cable BEFORE you have the TV installed if it's going into a cupboard or some kind of enclosed space. My TV has the input jack, but I can't get to it in its entertainment unit place. The service guy is going to pull the TV for me some Saturday morning while I wait (he owes me!) and I'll hook the cable in then. I'll just let it dangle behind the partition until I need it.

Also, I found out my inverter is 2000 watts ( ), but the only outlet it powers is the one by the TV, so I'm assuming the TV is AC only. Haven't seen fit to test that out yet. Jayco must think Greyhawk owners are BIG tv buffs!

[linann]

Our new to us TT was missing the TV when purchased. The spot reserved for the TV is a perfect fit for two of the grocery store tote bags so I use it for dry food storage with removable tension bars across the front when traveling. Place a large formica covered board across the sink area. Use a pedastal TV that fits perfectly on the sink counter (fits perfectly on the counter and just under the overhead cabinets). When it is not in use, it is moved to a shelf behind the sofa. Works well because we already had this TV and it is nice and large for our little rig. We use campsite cable hookup when available. Also, have one of those new flat antenna (embedded in this plastic that looks like a placemat). This enables us to pick up local channels. Works well for us because we are usually only out for a few days at a time.