12v/110 Flat Screen TV Recommendation

JimT

JimT

Well-Known Member
Jul 7, 2009
1,910
Charlotte, NC- LKN
Boat Info
2010 330 Sundancer
Engines
T-350mags w/BIIIs & Axius, 5.0 kw Kohler
The Toshiba flat screen TV's that came on my 330DA do not run on 12v. I would like to add a third monitor that we can use without firing up the generator. Any recommendations for a high quality picture in a 20"--23" 12v TV?
 
I think someone said the Visio TVs accept 12v. I have one at home that I will look at and post back if someone doesn't beat me to it. I bought mine on black friday for $80 (24") for a computer monitor. As a monitor is sucks. As a TV it looks ok. I'm sure the pricer models have a better image.
 
I installed an "Axess" that I bought on Amazon for $150.00. It has both AC and DC cords. Popular with long haul truckers.
 
I have not yet done this to the 330EC, however I have done it to my Expedition for laptops, media players and to charge the kid's iPods. Try using a DC 12v to AC 110v invertor. They are not bad in price and most work very well. Just make sure it puts out enough wattage for the TV and that you buy a version that is "pure sine" (clean power) so your electronics get the proper juice. I will be adding one of these to the 330EC soon so the Toshiba flat screen can run on 12v.

--Mike
 
I got a RCA 24" DVD combo
110v from walmart. I have a small 400w inverter that will power the tv and crockpot. New TV's use little power to run. I am currently installing on my 270. The mount that I got has a quick release on it so I will use the tv at home in the off season.


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I put this in my boat:

RCA deck18dr. 19" LED LCD TV/DVD combo. 12v or 120v. About $200-220.
 
JAMZ said:
I got a RCA 24" DVD combo
110v from walmart. I have a small 400w inverter that will power the tv and crockpot. New TV's use little power to run. I am currently installing on my 270. The mount that I got has a quick release on it so I will use the tv at home in the off season.


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Click to expand...

Just remember running with an inverter probably doubles the actual consumption. Inverters are really bad at low load and loose a lot of power in the conversion. At high loads some have efficiencies up to 85% but at lower loads efficiencies of 50% are not uncommon. That means 1/2 your amps are wasted. Plus then the TV converts the 110v back down again to 12-25 volt DC (what ever it runs internally) and there are losses there as well.

So a "12v" TV is usually a lot more power efficient that converting forwards and backwards again. I know we are talking peanuts for a little TV - but everything adds up.
 
kaz911 said:
Just remember running with an inverter probably doubles the actual consumption. Inverters are really bad at low load and loose a lot of power in the conversion. At high loads some have efficiencies up to 85% but at lower loads efficiencies of 50% are not uncommon. That means 1/2 your amps are wasted. Plus then the TV converts the 110v back down again to 12-25 volt DC (what ever it runs internally) and there are losses there as well.

So a "12v" TV is usually a lot more power efficient that converting forwards and backwards again. I know we are talking peanuts for a little TV - but everything adds up.
Click to expand...

I did run my old 110 flatscreen that came with the boat off a 400w inverter, but it made a lot of electrical "interference" static noise through the speakers as well. I tried piping the audio out to the boat stereo with my FM transmitter as well, but that was effected by the inverter static even worse. Since going 12v, and now using a Miccus BT transmitter on the TV headphone jack, to a Miccus BT recivier that is hooked into the aux port on the original clarion receiver... it works very nicely, clear audio, and no audio lagging behind the video... (think overdubbed foreign film effect).
 
Last edited:
Jim,

I purchased a Supersonic 24" 12v 1080 flat panel from Amazon last summer for the same reason you want one for. My mechanic had wired me a 110v/12v/tv plug below my cockpit sink countertop. I set mine over the cockpit sink, use a push-on connector on the coax cable, and plug into the 12v outlet. I get all of the network stations plus an additional 8-10 PBS stations off the Glomex antenna. When not in use I stow in the cabin. I think it has a GREAT picture. The tv also came with a 110v brick so you could plug into AC power if you wished. I also boat on Lake Norman.
 
aquadancer said:
I'm using this for my cockpit tv and it has very bright screen and decent sound.
Click to expand...

Do you use it day, night, or both? I have been curious because I've heard reports of cockpit TVs drawing lots of bugs at night, and being hard to see daytime unless well shaded, or on a cloudy day. No experience with TV in the cockpit myself, hence the question.
 
I used a Jensen marine 26" TV in my cabin. They make several different sizes - all 12 volts. Just do a Google search for "Jensen Marine TV" and they pop right up.

Dale
 
JimFromMD said:
Do you use it day, night, or both? I have been curious because I've heard reports of cockpit TVs drawing lots of bugs at night, and being hard to see daytime unless well shaded, or on a cloudy day. No experience with TV in the cockpit myself, hence the question.
Click to expand...

These aren't quite bright enough to watch on a bright sunny day but otherwise they are OK. For truly day time viewable TVs, check out SunBrite TVs but they are a totally different price point. Never noticed additional bugs at night.
 
Rick,

That looks like a great option. Thanks. Where are you docked?
 
kaz911 said:
Just remember running with an inverter probably doubles the actual consumption. Inverters are really bad at low load and loose a lot of power in the conversion. At high loads some have efficiencies up to 85% but at lower loads efficiencies of 50% are not uncommon. That means 1/2 your amps are wasted. Plus then the TV converts the 110v back down again to 12-25 volt DC (what ever it runs internally) and there are losses there as well.

So a "12v" TV is usually a lot more power efficient that converting forwards and backwards again. I know we are talking peanuts for a little TV - but everything adds up.
Click to expand...

Very good point kaz911.
I guess it all depends on how much you are watching the tv. I did this for my two small kids. We don't spend many nights out on the water. I don't plan on using it all that much. When I am at the dock I will not be using the inverter at all. One other reason for my choice was to run a crock pot. I was going to install an inverter either way. If you are putting a tv in everything should be considered because every situation is different. This was the best option for me.


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Goggle Majestic 12 volt TVs. We replaced the Sharp analog 12 volt TV on our boat this winter with a digital Majestic that is set up to run only on 12 volts. Not sure of the size but we bought it because it was a perfect fit for the teak enclosure that the original set was installed in at the factory. It has a very nice picture. It was a little pricey but much cheaper than modifying the enclosure.
 
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