TV: 12v vs 120v

[Macblaze]

I want to install a tv and some way to play movies direct from my harddrive.

The cost for both plans works out to be roughly the same.

Plan 1
Pick up a 22inch Insignia, cut off the power brick, pick up a smart BluRay, cut off the power brick and wire them straight into the 12v system and simply bring along a portable HD and it's done. It looks to be around a 2.25 amp/hr draw (27 watts total).

Someone I know has done this and it works for them so I am not worried about the details.

Plan 2
Buy a Smart TV and plug it into the 120 v system running off the inverter and plug in the hard drive. We have a hefty Magnum MS2812 (~3000 watts) that we rarely use for anything other than charging up devices and even more rarely the microwave. The TV I have in mind draws 1.75 amp/hrs (21 watts) but I have no idea what kind of energy loss I get running the inverter.

The spec sheet (attached) does say "No Load (120 VAC output, typical) 30 watts" which would seem be a bit much to lose just to run a tv.

If we are careful we have almost exactly 4 nights on the hook before we have to hit a dock or fire up the motor. I'd hate to lose a night because of the tv.

[newhaul]

Why not just buy a tv that uses an external power supply that converts the 120ac to 12v dc they are cheaper than 12v dedicated units and dont void the warranty if wired direct to 12v dc power source . They come in several sizes we have a 32 incher that does just that and by using the usb cable interface can run movies directly off tablet or puter harddrive . (Have run some off of a usb thumb drive to ) just takes a smart tv.

[Macblaze]

Originally Posted by newhaul

Why not just buy a tv that uses an external power supply that converts the 120ac to 12v dc they are cheaper than 12v dedicated units and dont void the warranty if wired direct to 12v dc power source . They come in several sizes we have a 32 incher that does just that and by using the usb cable interface can run movies directly off tablet or puter harddrive . (Have run some off of a usb thumb drive to ) just takes a smart tv.

Have brand in mind?

But that does leave me having to recharge the laptop almost everyday to run the movies (which is how we do it now). I am trying to avoid that, draw on top of adding the tv.

[sparrowhawk1]

I'm sure there are people with more electrical knowledge that will comment shortly but I would be very careful to check a maximum voltage acceptable before cutting off the brick and hooking directly. I charge my batteries to 14.8 and that may be too much for a TV without a built-in regulator. I also had a friend Direct Connect and he watched TV till the batteries got so low the TV went out and then charged the batteries up and tried to watch TV and it wouldn't work. I don't know if it's a coincidence or he did something else just thought I'd let you know about it.

[El Pinguino]

Regulate your 12V with one of these.. DC-DC ATX PSUs

Solves surge problems.. accepts 6~34 DC in and selectable output so can have a nominal 12v in.... regulated 18V out... or whatever you desire.

[Cheechako]

120V, invert as required.

[Macblaze]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

120V, invert as required.

Your logic?

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Macblaze

Your logic?

-The availability of 120v vs 12v TV's is about 1000:1 , ok not quite that much but...
-Unless you watch TV all the time cruising, the power loss is not of any consequence.
-If you are running the engine or a wind charger etc, it may effect the picture of the TV. The invertor may filter this.
-IF you watch TV all the time while cruising ; Get an apartment!

[Pete7]

Exactly what we did. Bought a 240v tv (UK) and run it off a small inverter, 350w I think. The whole caboodle only uses a couple of amps which in the grand scheme isn't much.

Pete

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by Macblaze

We have a hefty Magnum MS2812 (~3000 watts) that we rarely use for anything other than charging up devices and even more rarely the microwave. The TV I have in mind draws 1.75 amp/hrs (21 watts) but I have no idea what kind of energy loss I get running the inverter.

Might make more sense to buy a small inverter to run the TV.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by Macblaze

Have brand in mind?

But that does leave me having to recharge the laptop almost everyday to run the movies (which is how we do it now). I am trying to avoid that, draw on top of adding the tv.

I do believe the brand was emerson I will check next time im on dads boat. Worst case run 12volt to the location of the tv ans install one of those 150 watt inverters to run it ( running near inverters capacity = less power loss in the conversion. )

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

Might make more sense to buy a small inverter to run the TV.

I think it makes more sense to buy a 12 volt TV and forget the inverter. I can just turn mine on and off like I do at home. No messing with an inverter each time I want to watch TV.

[wsmurdoch]

Why not just buy a 12V TV with a DVD player included. Most also take a memory stick, USB cable, HDMI.... 12 Volt TV's, TV/DVD Combos, 12 Volt Digital TV's at 12Volt-Travel®, http://www.roadtrucker.com/12-volt-l...olt-tv-dvd.htm, or other sites Google might turn up. We have a NAXA and it works great.

[Macblaze]

Originally Posted by wsmurdoch

Why not just buy a 12V TV with a DVD player included. Most also take a memory stick, USB cable, HDMI.... 12 Volt TV's, TV/DVD Combos, 12 Volt Digital TV's at 12Volt-Travel®, 12 Volt TV DVD Skyworth/NAXA/RCA LED 12V Color Television, or other sites Google might turn up. We have a NAXA and it works great.

I am starting to swing that way although it is a slightly more expensive option.

I really don't want a tv (tuner) or a dvd payer, I want a bigger screen (19-22") to watch movies and tv shows off a portable harddrive. And I want it simple.

[senormechanico]

Maybe this?

19 inch 12V AC/DC Digital TV & Monitor W/ HDMI/USB + Bluetooth Sound Bar 2-Pack | eBay