12v TV/monitor.. What your using please.. No inverters

[rerod]

I'm looking for a TV/monitor we can use while camping and under way on the road.

I was going to simply ask "what 12v TV you removed the transformer from and are currently using in your RV".. But my requirements have changed.
I want a TV/monitor a can also watch music videos and online content from my laptop.

Iv read allot of bad reviews from people who have tried to connect a larger display from PC's and laptops..

Anyone doing this? And any suggestions as Im completely open to buying whatever it takes including a new laptop, but need to be certain it works well.

Thanks!

[Unit505]

I have two 22" Vizio ' s in my TT that both have wall warts rated at 12vdc output. I made up a cord and run both on 12vdc and they work great. Both have vga input, rca av, composite, and hdmi as well as cable input. I connected both my laptops and run both at 1080i. They both perform very well. One of the 22" however does not have audio output to external speakers. Did not realize that when I purchased it. I just run audio out from the pc and it works fine. Other than that, the flat screens both are capable as 12v monitors and work fantastic. I paid $130 for the last one at Sam's club. Aslo, Harbor Freight sells a solar accessory kit with various dc plugs. One of the plugs is a cigarette lighter plug with a round jack on the other end. Guess what, it fit the tv ' s and the polarity was correct. I bought another after finding the ready made plug and stashed the hand made plug for other uses.

[rerod]

Thanks..

I also found this from walmart.Vision Overhead LCD Monitor hdmi

[MrWizard]

A small HD TV that can play DVDs and digital media files (and be mounted in your car, truck, or boat)

Native 720p HD (1280 x 800)
Plays DVDs and and digital movie, music, and photo files from USB and SD cards
Inputs: HDMI, VGA, component, composite
Outputs: coaxial digital audio, headphone
Wall mountable with detachable stand (VESA 100)
Accessories included: Remote control, TV stand, AC power adapter, DC power car cord
Power: AC 100-240V adapter (DC 12V) or DC 12V car adapter

12v tv

this would seem to be the perfect solution for "in the van"
can play digital video direct from USB device or SD card
VGA input for PC in van or TT

don't know if this LARGE enough display for in the TT

but the price is great.. $134.99..free shipping..be perfect for the Van

[MrWizard]

I would definitely store content on an external hard drive
I store video on hard drives, and have dvds
A large 12v dedicated monitor is going to be hard to find
But TVs with low voltage power bricks are still common although built in supplies are more common for tv's above 19", and most have VGA inputs
Video streaming while moving is going to be a problem
Highway speeds mean you change towers more often and have less than optimal signal strength and data speed for streaming
While moving, stored video is the best option, but while parked streaming can be done depending on location relative to tower

As far as larger display on moving vehicle
Doesn't that depend on the seating arrangement and how far away the passengers will be sitting from the display
Too wide a display at close "seat back" distance is going to cause eye strain

[rerod]

Sorry for being cryptic with my needs..

While driving, I would like internet access for my passengers. My data plan has limitations, but it's a possibility if I get a unlimited plan. I would like a larger screen in my van for them to view. Allot bigger than my laptop, and the ability to move it to the camper after we arrive.

I would also like internet where I'm camped.. That might be more difficult because I usually have limited cell phone reception where I go. Yes, I know I'm camping and will be taking in nature etc etc. But when the sun goes down, or its raining. I would like the internet to connect to netflix youtube movie4k google pandora, whatever.. Instead of having a library of dvd's music cd's and the time and money gathering them. My laptop operates fine powered by my two trojan batteries.. But I'm not sure if my pair of trojans could power it AND a larger display. I might have to run my eu2000i anyway..

Is there another alternative? Should I consider a external hard drive to store content since internet underway and in remote places is to slow? I'm willing to buy all new equipment.

Thanks for all the input everyone!

[MrWizard]

I didn't say that because I don't want to use my inverter.

you should have specified in the truck..there are a bunch of 12v monitors out there, and a few "car computer" displays

And like I said. I'm looking for a monitor which takes input from a PC not just dvd's.
multi media monitor?

now you've got a problem.. assuming you want to run a PC in the truck for the kids ?

if the PC is in the TT..then the best solution really is the inverter with the monitor of your choice

after all you are going to need the inverter to power the PC

laptops have their own display

you are making this very cryptic and hard by not spelling out exactly what you are trying to do

[Searching_Ut]

My 2012 Timber Ridge came with a 32inch Jensen 12vdc television that has RCA input, HDMI, and VGA. It's connected to a Jensen surround sound system with DVD player that again runs off the batteries and seems to be fairly power efficient.

As others have mentioned, you can walk through sams club, Costco, best buy or whatever and look to see if the tv is powered by a wall wart. If it is, the power input is more than likely capable of being run directly off the battery, you just need to make up a power cable with the right connector on the end.

[rerod]

MrWizard wrote:

Its not that I don't have a inverter.. I do in the camper.
But I don't, in my Cummins E350 and need entertainment for my passengers.

Why didn't you say that in the first post
Like I already said there are a bazillion automotive car entertainment LCD displays out there in multiple sizes and prices, the have a/v inputs so they work with game machines and portable DVD players
No pc or TV
I use a 7" flip down display as my backup rearview monitor
Look at Amazon or frys electronics

I didn't say that because I don't want to use my inverter.

And like I said. I'm looking for a monitor which takes input from a PC not just dvd's.

multi media monitor?

Gonefshin wrote:
Just bought this 32" Insignia from Best Buy for 169.
It has the brick transformer. I had a 12 volt cig lighter plug and it works perfectly on 12 v and 110 when I have it. Has all the plugs on the back for anything you want to hook up.
It plugs into my Jensen system also to play DVDs.
Perfect hd picture ota.

Thanks! that's great to know the brand your happy with at least..

Have you tried it hdmi to hdmi on a PC?

[joebedford]

DougE wrote:
BTW, My Samsung has HDMI, USB, RCA and RG6 inputs so virtually any signal source will work.

I don't know if you were meaning to imply this but it's unlikely that you could use your TV as a monitor by connecting the USB port on your TV to a USB port on your PC.

[Gonefshin]

Just bought this 32" Insignia from Best Buy for 169.
It has the brick transformer. I had a 12 volt cig lighter plug and it works perfectly on 12 v and 110 when I have it. Has all the plugs on the back for anything you want to hook up.
It plugs into my Jensen system also to play DVDs.
Perfect hd picture ota.

[MrWizard]

Its not that I don't have a inverter.. I do in the camper.
But I don't, in my Cummins E350 and need entertainment for my passengers.

Why didn't you say that in the first post
Like I already said there are a bazillion automotive car entertainment LCD displays out there in multiple sizes and prices, the have a/v inputs so they work with game machines and portable DVD players
No pc or TV
I use a 7" flip down display as my backup rearview monitor
Look at Amazon or frys electronics

[wa8yxm]

I have a Samsung 21" I got a deal on at Wal*mart (It was a floor model, they lost the remote.. turns out I had an older remote, works 100%)

The advantage of this puppy is it is not 12 volt, it's 14, This is much more compatible with RV power systems. Have not tried it on battery though, have inverter and do not have proper plug.

The only real advice (other than the Samsung 14 volt suggestion) is to take the Laptop and a VGA cord with you when you go shopping.

[tenbear]

Most people refer to the RV battery DC supply as 12volt, but in reality, it is rarely 12v. When plugged into shore power the 12v supply is anywhere from 13.2v to 14.4v, and sometimes more. When running down the road it is close to 14v. When off the grid it will be 12.6v to about 12.1v unless your battery is discharged more than it should be.

A 14v TV should work just fine, and have less chance of being damaged by too high voltage.

[rerod]

Golden_HVAC wrote:

I was looking at TV's at Best Buy and even asked the floor sales people what TV's would run on 12 VDC. They replied "None" they all plug into 120 volts. Well true enough, all where plugged in at the store to 120 volts. Many had a power supply that looks like the computer ones, and have a 12 volt output! So they where not well educated, and seemed not to care at all.
Fred.

I don't think any of them have 12v at the transformer and that's a bit of my confusion.. 14v is what I'm seeing but wasn't sure if that was to high, and kept looking for 12v to no avail.

D.E.Bishop wrote:

X-2 Just what I have been saying for a long time. 12VDC is usually cleaner than the 12 VDC output of a brick plugged into an inverter, in my opinion.

Its not that I don't have a inverter.. I do in the camper.
But I don't, in my Cummins E350 and need entertainment for my passengers.

ChopperBill wrote:
If you positively, absolutely don't want an inverter get A Honda 2000 generator.

Iv got one of those to and I simply love it. I top off my Trojans every morning while I make breakfast..

Frankly, I know I need/want better entertainment while camping, or at least the option for bad weather days.. But I haven't figured out the best way to achieve that when I usually have very spotty and limited internet with my iphone I tether off of due to the remote locations. Iv been told I need to save movies and music on a hard drive but don't know if that's the best option when you cant get a iphone signal.