Need Help w an Entertainment & WiFi System Setup

[sonuvabug]

We just bought a new-to-us truck Camper (TC) from a dealer and the previous owner removed all his a/v equipment from the unit before trading it. What remains is the newer "JACK Digital HDTV Over-the Air Antenna". I guess he couldn't remove that without making a mess. There is some wiring throughout that I will have to figure out what's what.

We would like to install a new audio/video system and I am looking for suggestions. Here's what I think we want/need ... you may be able to tell us differently.

1) An inside "smart" TV so we can use it for both watching TV (using either antenna and/or cable at campgrounds) and project from our tablet/laptop which we travel with;
2) Don't need/want an outside TV;
3) A DVD player for watching movies;
4) An AM/FM radio player with weather band (ideally), CD capability and input for MP3 etc.
5) The ability to have four speakers inside (2 in the over cab bedroom area and perhaps another 2 in the kitchen area) and;
6) The ability to have two outside speakers to listen through while sitting at the picnic table or around the campfire etc.

Not looking for rock band loud (in fact, just the opposite). We just enjoy quiet, easy listening music while we're relaxing at our campsite. Also, it doesn't have to be top fidelity as we don't use the TC enough to cost justify a top-of-the-line setup.

We're nature people and as such, we're not avid TV watchers (mostly news, some shows on a rainy day maybe etc.) so we're not interested in satellite capabilities (and the added expense).

I'm a little confused on whether it would run off of a 120 ac feed or 12 volt like one would find in a car etc. I haven't heard of a 12 volt smart TV but you may know better. We have one 12v battery for the TC and do not have (or plan for) any solar power enhancements. (98% of our camping is done where electric hook-ups are available).

Hopefully that gives you an idea of what we think we want/need. All of your ideas, suggestions and recommendations are welcome. Thanks in advance, ~ Bugjr ~

[Dakota98]

sonuvabug wrote:

Dakota98 wrote:
Blu-Ray in place of the DVD, plays both media, and in doing so, you won't need a Smart TV unless you have other needs beyond streaming. Make sure to get a TV with a functioning USB connection (not just a service port). by doing so, you can connect your camera, Ipod, & other devices with the right adapter cables to the TV & view your photo's on screen.
Don't go cheap on the TV, get a mid to high end Sony or Samsung.

Already had the Blue Ray technology in mind thanks to someone else suggesting it. Great, best way to go.

We will want our tablet and/or laptop to connect to the TV to use as a monitor. Would that be considered "streaming"? No, streaming means using Hulu, Amazon, Netflix etc.
For your tablet, laptop, just be sure the TV has the connections for those devices. Many do.

I don't understand what you mean by a "functioning USB port vs. just a service port"? What's the difference? I know a 3.0 is preferred for speed. Some TV's have a USB port for service only, meaning software updates. Many sets have a USB that can connect to a Camera, Ipod, etc. View your photo's on screen as mentioned.

Any brand names for modules that people have used that are RV friendly? I've come across the Jenson brand and it seems to be well regarded.

Get any TV you want with the connections as indicated above, Sony, Samsung, Vizio etc. Jensen's are expensive & not needed. Use an inverter if you want to connect to the 12 volt system or plug to coach outlet when on shore power.

[sonuvabug]

Dakota98 wrote:
Blu-Ray in place of the DVD, plays both media, and in doing so, you won't need a Smart TV unless you have other needs beyond streaming. Make sure to get a TV with a functioning USB connection (not just a service port). by doing so, you can connect your camera, Ipod, & other devices with the right adapter cables to the TV & view your photo's on screen.
Don't go cheap on the TV, get a mid to high end Sony or Samsung.

Already had the Blue Ray technology in mind thanks to someone else suggesting it.

We will want our tablet and/or laptop to connect to the TV to use as a monitor. Would that be considered "streaming"?

I don't understand what you mean by a "functioning USB port vs. just a service port"? What's the difference? I know a 3.0 is preferred for speed.

Any brand names for modules that people have used that are RV friendly? I've come across the Jenson brand and it seems to be well regarded.

[Dakota98]

Blu-Ray in place of the DVD, plays both media, and in doing so, you won't need a Smart TV unless you have other needs beyond streaming. Make sure to get a TV with a functioning USB connection (not just a service port). by doing so, you can connect your camera, Ipod, & other devices with the right adapter cables to the TV & view your photo's on screen.
Don't go cheap on the TV, get a mid to high end Sony or Samsung.

[TakingThe5th]

sonuvabug wrote:

TakingThe5th wrote:
You didn't mention using wireless outdoor speakers which might be a good alternative for one pair of speakers. They could be portable and would be used either indoors (where they would also be stowed?) or outside.

Thanks for the wireless idea ... didn't even dawn on me. It's been almost 20 years since I purchased my home stereo and I haven't really been out to see what's available out there.

There is a lot of wireless technology out there now. The old classic console stereos, the stereo receivers, the boombox-much of that is now replaced with portable stuff.

When you select your wireless device(s)-make sure it is appropriate for a campground. If you decide to use WIFI for instance, will you have a WIFI router or a local hotspot available so you can play your music? In this case Bluetooth might be a better solution. And maybe it needs to run on 12 volts or batteries, especially if it's sitting on the picnic table.

[sonuvabug]

TakingThe5th wrote:
You didn't mention using wireless outdoor speakers which might be a good alternative for one pair of speakers. They could be portable and would be used either indoors (where they would also be stowed?) or outside.

Thanks for the wireless idea ... didn't even dawn on me. It's been almost 20 years since I purchased my home stereo and I haven't really been out to see what's available out there.

[TakingThe5th]

You didn't mention using wireless outdoor speakers which might be a good alternative for one pair of speakers. They could be portable and would be used either indoors (where they would also be stowed?) or outside.