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CodyClassB's avatar
CodyClassB
Explorer II
Dec 01, 2019

12V TVs - Size from 24-32

Any suggestions for a TV that takes 12V adapter that are currently on the market? I know "RV" tvs are very expensive so I am looking for a TV that accepts 12V adapter.

Insignia used to make TVs with 12V adapter that looks like this

link
thanks

11 Replies

  • What you are asking for is a TV with an EXTERNAL "12V" power supply (AKA power brick).

    Pretty much all manufacturers have abandoned external power supplies for larger TVs for various reasons. You might still find some of the smaller TVs in sub 20" size IF you can even find those smaller TVs.

    I understand your reasoning to eliminate the extra power wasted by not using a 12 to 120V inverter then a 12V power supply..

    But really, get over it, the very small tiny amount of power used to get the 120V via an inverter is so minute it amounts to expanding your TV viewing by MINUTES (yeah, sub 60 minutes) for say 24 hrs of useage.

    In other words, not worth the hassle to fight what is NOW a "standard" in TVs (a internal power supply).

    Additionally, you do need to understand that the TVs that did or might use an external 12V brick did so without taking BATTERY "12V" into consideration.

    Battery "12V" is not 12V, it is actually 13.8 nominal and can range from 11V (dead) to 14.4V (CHARGING).

    Most of the TVs which used a 12V external power supply are EXPECTING 12.0V NOMINAL for proper operation (12.0V is COMPUTER "12V" and a computer typically is designed to work from 11.9-12.1V).

    Operation below or above computer 12V is not guaranteed and may result in your TV not operating correctly or even DAMAGE to the TV.

    The ONLY times it is really safe to use a TV on a 12V battery is IF the TV was DESIGNED specifically for battery operation and it will have a power input port which is labeled 13.8V.

    Anything else and you ARE taking your chances.

    Buy a SMALL inverter (200W-300W) to run your TV and forget about trying to find your "unicorn" TV.. Small inverters use less power and using one that is not over sized means you will be operating within the highest efficiency range which is above 50% load.