On the lookout for one of the best 12v motorhome TV? Questioning how a motorhome or caravan TV differs from a ‘regular’ TV and the best way to use it in your van? This is every thing you could know, plus motorhome TV critiques.
Generally, you simply wish to curl up with a superb movie. Or watch the information. Or (in my case) wish to meet up with ALL the game, like F1 and bike racing and rugby and soccer and… (severely, it drives my husband loopy!)
There are a number of methods to get TV in your motorhome, campervan or caravan. The three most important ways in which we will talk about listed here are:
- Digitial TV
- Satellite tv for pc TV
- On-line/ catchup
The perfect Motorhome TV suggestions
Beneath, we discuss concerning the professionals and cons of every methodology, in addition to varied motorhome TVs and what you could contemplate once you purchase one.
Nevertheless, it is a lengthy, in-depth put up on all facets of watching tv on the go so, for those who already know you need a 12v motorhome TV and do not wish to learn all the article, listed here are the highest fashions we advocate
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Okay, let’s stroll by means of the method of selecting the best TV to your motorhome or caravan extra completely.
Must you match a TV in your motorhome, camper or caravan?
Putting in a motorhome TV could be a controversial matter. Some individuals are vehemently in opposition to the concept, while others do not see the hurt.
Personally, I am of the opinion that your motorhome or camper is your area, so do with it no matter you want. Simply concentrate on the ability drain and discovering someplace secure to retailer it, in addition to the added weight of a TV however most significantly the aerial/ dish (extra on that shortly.)
Additionally, if there is a programme you simply HAVE to look at, you would possibly must plan your motorhome journey accordingly to make sure you have a sign and are packed up/ arrange in time!
Can you utilize a standard TV in a motorhome?
Questioning how a motorhome or caravan TV differs from a ‘regular’ TV? Effectively, there are a number of key distinction between the 2.
- voltage
- effectivity
- robustness
- in a position to face up to vibrations
- weight
Most motorhome/ caravan TVs are 12v and they’re infinately higher at energy administration than dwelling TVs- making them rather more environment friendly.
Additionally, a motorhome TV is designed to be moved round, so it is rather more strong than a house TV, which is designed to remain in a single place for many of it is life. A motorhome TV is designed to resist the vibrations which come from being pushed in every single place, to not point out the jolts and bumps from even essentially the most cautious driver.
Lastly, most dwelling TVs weigh greater than a motorhome TV. Positive, a few of that’s all the way down to dimension, but it surely’s additionally all the way down to how they’re designed, which helps maintain you inside your motorhome weight & payload limits.
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Do you want a 12v TV in a motorhome?
Until you propose to ONLY ever watch a TV when you find yourself plugged into mains in a campsite, you may want a 12v TV, which is able to run off your motorhome leisure battery. With out the 12v functionality, you may solely use a 240v plug (just like the one in your own home), which in fact solely works when you find yourself plugged into the mains system.
I assume you may run it off a motorhome generator too, however you’d want a giant generator with pure sine energy and it might be fairly noisy! However, once more, it relies upon solely on what kind of motorhoming vacation you wish to have.
What’s the Finest TV for a motorhome?
Apart from searching for a 12v motorhome television, there are 2 most important issues to contemplate.
Terrestrial digital tv (DVB-T)
DVB-T is the TV practically everybody has of their dwelling, a minimum of within the UK. That is the strategy individuals get digital tv, Freeview and most ‘regular’ tv channels.
Folks get these channels at dwelling through the use of an aerial- and it is the identical in a motorhome or caravan- you want an aerial (often referred to as a directional aerial.) This ought to be mounted as excessive up as attainable, so is often discovered on the roof, rear ladder and even an extendable pole.
A digital receiver must be re-tuned in each new location- so, everytime you cease and wish to watch TV. That is completed virtually precisely the identical as at home- as soon as the aerial is ready up (if not everlasting), then you definitely begin the tuning course of and it takes a couple of minutes to finish. If there’s a sign within the space, you may get it!
With a purpose to use this method, you will have:
- A DVB-T receiver or set-top field (able to getting digital TV from an aerial – ie, NOT a satellite tv for pc receiver field)
- Tv coaxial cable (25m appears to be the typical size)
- DVB-T Aerial, both completely fastened or magnetic, similar to this one:
NOTE: Many trendy TVs now have DVB-T functionality built-in, so that you do NOT want a separate set-top field with these, however you’ll nonetheless want an aerial. If you wish to set up a everlasting aerial, this one is omni-directional and helps enhance the sign.
You too can purchase some set-top containers and even a few 12v motorhome TVs with have a inbuilt onerous drive. This lets you file one channel and watch one other. They’re typically referred to as PVRs (Private Video Recorders) or DVRs (Digital Video Recorders).
Satellite tv for pc digital tv (DVB-S)
The second most important method to get TV in a motorhome or caravan is by satellite tv for pc.
The largest benefit of this methodology over terrestrial TV is that it really works in additional areas, together with these that won’t have a digital sign. Should you love to do plenty of wild tenting in your motorhome, satellite tv for pc is feasible a more sensible choice.
Additionally, for those who plan to tour Europe by motorhome, but wish to watch UK TV, you NEED satellite- digital won’t work abroad.
You will get many extra channels on satellite- a whole bunch of tv and radio stations which embody BBC, ITV stations, SKY Information (relying on bundle), CNN, Movie 4 and lots of others. These are sometimes referred to as “Freesat” channels.
You should buy televisions with Freesat already inbuilt, so you do not want to purchase a separate field with these TVs however you’ll nonetheless want a satellite tv for pc aerial.
Finest Motorhome TV satellite tv for pc aerial
Okay, so you have selected satellite tv for pc. Now, you want an aerial.
NOTE: An aerial is most probably to be some form of ‘satellite tv for pc dish’, both completely fastened to the roof or handbook.
Fastened motorhome satellite tv for pc dishes
There are 2 varieties of fastened dish for satellite tv for pc TV in a motorhome or caravan
- Fastened however handbook tuning
- Fastened and self-seeking
These are fairly self-explanatory, however listed here are some professionals and cons of every.
Fastened, operated by hand dishes
This method implies that the dish is completely fastened to the roof of the motorhome and also you manually management the dish from inside to set all of it up after every journey. It is simple sufficient, particularly you probably have a satellite tv for pc finder, however you do should be exact when aligning with the satellite tv for pc.
Computerized, self-seeking satellite tv for pc TV dishes
This method can be fastened to the roof however is fully-automatic, which means that every thing units itself up with simply the press of a few buttons. Now, this feature is NOT low-cost, but it surely’s rather more handy!
(and for those who suppose THAT’S costly, it’s best to see this one!)
Transportable dishes, handbook arrange
Transportable satellite tv for pc techniques are the most cost effective. You manually get them out of storage every time, place them in the precise place after which must sync with the proper satellite tv for pc.
It will probably imply organising within the rain/ wind/ snow/ chilly/ darkish and you’re then reliant on a tripod/ pole exterior the van, which might be blown over/ knocked down and even stolen.
This is a model on a tripod:
One other drawback is having to retailer the dish within the van when not in use. Though they’re smaller and extra moveable than family satellite tv for pc dishes, they’re nonetheless not simple to discover a dwelling for. Many individuals retailer them on the mattress, which is okay till the time when you do not wish to set it up- after which it’s a must to maintain shifting it across the van.
However they’re a good way of being extra versatile. This one lets you use a pole, that you simply take away earlier than you drive.
Which receiver do I would like for my motorhome television?
You want a receiver to look at satellite tv for pc television. Probably the most well-known one within the UK is Sky ‘Digibox’ however others can be found. Often, together with buying the receiver, if you wish to watch premium channels, you could purchase a month-to-month/ annual subscription (similar to to Sky). Should you solely wish to watch free-to-air channels, a Freesat field can be high-quality.
NOTE: Sky viewing playing cards can’t be moved from one digibox to a different. You both must take your digibox from the home with you within the motorhome/ caravan OR get two containers and viewing playing cards. Additionally, Sky’s Ts & Cs state that the field can’t be taken overseas.
In addition they have one other subscription choice (or they did final time I checked!) referred to as Sky Go. We used to make use of this round Europe high-quality to look at important programmes (Like Sport of Thrones) and to do that we would have liked to make use of a VPN to say that we have been within the UK. We now not use Sky Go, however we do nonetheless use a VPN- we’ll get to that shortly.
What dimension satellite tv for pc dish do I would like for my camper?
The scale of dish you want will rely on the place you are travelling. Within the UK or Eire a 50cm dish ought to be sufficient to obtain all channels. Nevertheless, if you wish to watch UK channels in Europe, you may want a bigger model- the bigger the higher (however keep in mind storage and weight.)
How do I discover the satellites?
If you do not have a totally automated system, all you could do is Google the satellite tv for pc you want, then use a compass and cease when the image on the TV is sweet. Nevertheless, a a lot simpler choice is to make use of a ‘satfinder’ which connects between the dish and the receiver to search out the satellite tv for pc.
Finest sort of motorhome and caravan tv
LCD
For many motorhomes and caravans, a modern-type 12v LCD TV might be finest, except you’ve gotten LOTS of energy accessible. Nevertheless, the screens are somewhat extra fragile than older variations, and will be simply broken if not saved correctly. Additionally, they are often delicate to voltage fluctuations, so that you would possibly discover a voltage regulator is definitely worth the cash.
Trendy 12v LCD TVs typically have both a built-in digital satellite tv for pc and/ or Freeview choices and generally even embody built-in DVD gamers or card readers in order that photographs will be considered on a giant display. You will want some form of USB stick to place the photographs on first, except there’s wifi streaming.
Finest 12v Motorhome TV to purchase within the UK
Okay, so in any case these explanations, what are one of the best motorhome TVs to purchase? Effectively, clearly that depends upon what sort you selected above, however listed here are a number of of one of the best in the marketplace within the UK and worldwide.
Avtex 12v motorhome TVs
Avtex have shortly turn into an trade chief in motorhome and caravan 12v televisions. They at present have a number of fashions in the marketplace, starting from 24″ all the way down to 16″. Most of them have very comparable options, though some fashions are equipped with a USB file stick, which is perhaps very helpful if you wish to file one thing while you are away from the van.
Avtex 199DSFVP 19.5″ 12V/240V Wi-Fi Related HD TV with Freeview Play
This is among the newest fashions (2020) from Avtex they usually’ve made a superb product even higher! The TV is now wifi-connected and likewise has the next options:
- Constructed-in HD satellite tv for pc decoder producing sensible readability and a pointy image.
- Compact design with edge to edge frameless display with crystal clear sound.
- Wi-Fi built-in for related companies and additional channels, however even for those who haven’t bought an web connection you may nonetheless take pleasure in HD TV by means of your common aerial or satellite tv for pc dish with out the necessity for additional gear.
- Freeview Play and HD – Benefit from the greatest exhibits reside and on-demand in a single place. Consists of BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4, My5 and UKTV Play.
- DVBT & DVBT2 Digital Terrestrial Tuner = to be used with aerials. DVB-S & DVB-S2 Digital Satellite tv for pc Tuner = to be used with Dishes. Powered by 12v / 24v DC or 240 volts AC for ultra-low energy consumption.
- Dimensions: 51 x 35.2 x 15.4 cm; 3.86 Kilograms
| Model | Avtex |
| Decision | 1080p |
| Connections | Wi-Fi |
| Show know-how | LED |
| Supported Web Companies | BBC iPlayer, My5, ITV Hub, UKTV Play, All4 |
| Show | LED |
| Show Dimension | 19.5 Inches |
| Tuner Expertise | DVB-S, DVB-T, Freeview, DVB-T2 |
| Wi-fi Communication Expertise | Wi-Fi |
Avtex L219DRS-PRO 21.5″ Inch 12v/240 Volt TV with built-in HD Freeview/Satellite tv for pc Tuner DVD/PVR Document
This is among the main motorhome TV fashions in the marketplace.
Particular options embody: DVD participant; USB Document; HD Satellite tv for pc Tuner; HD Freeview Tuner; 7 Day EPG; 3 12 months guarantee
| Model | Avtex |
| Decision | 1080p |
| Connections | 2xHDMI/2xUSB/phono/headphone/audio in/co-axial audio-out |
| Show know-how | LED |
| Supported Web Companies | Freeview |
| Dimensions | 49.00 x 4.60 x 29.00 cm |
| Color | Black |
| Merchandise Weight | 3.1 Kilograms |
| Mannequin Yr | 2018 |
| Tuner Expertise | Freeview |
As you may see above, this 21.5″ TV has each satellite tv for pc and Freeview know-how already inbuilt. It has a frameless edge-to-edge LED display, with full HD Extremely-wide viewing angle. The built-in twin DVB-T/T2 and DVB-S/S2 tuners let you watch TV, DVD or hearken to the radio and concurrently file terrestrial or satellite tv for pc TV.
Extremely slim, gentle and compact, this Avtex L219DRS-PRO mannequin boasts AQT one button tuning, an on-screen leisure battery meter and lots of different options you’d anticipate from the main cell leisure particular TV. Requires 2 x AAA batteries and comes with a cigarette lighter adaptor.
Avtex L249DRS-PRO 24″ 12V LED Full HD TV for Caravan Motorhome Truck & Boat
A 24″ model, with many comparable options to the mannequin above, together with HD Satellite tv for pc; HD Freeview; DVD participant; USB Document and playback
| Model | Avtex |
| Decision | 1080p |
| Connections | 2xHDMI/2xUSB/phono/headphone/audio in/co-axial audio-out |
| Show know-how | LED |
| Supported Web Companies | Freeview |
| Mannequin Yr | 2018 |
| Color | Black |
| Show Dimension | 24 Inches |
| Merchandise Weight | 5.15 Kilograms |
| Dimensions | 53.40 x 4.60 x 33.00 cm |
This Avtex L249DRS-PRO 24″ mannequin additionally has edge-to-edge design for the LED display. It lets you watch a DVD and file a TV programme on the similar time, plus pause/playback reside TV/Prompt file to USB on each Satellite tv for pc and TV.
Avtex L199DRS-PRO 19.5-Inch Full HD LED TV
That is the 19″ model of Avtex motorhome television‘s, which additionally has a CD participant, in addition to Full HD widescreen LED edge-to-edge frameless design. You’ll be able to nonetheless watch one programme and file one other on the similar time, in addition to watch a DVD and file TV on the similar time or watch terrestrial TV and file satellite tv for pc TV on the similar time. You too can timer file from programme information and pause/playback reside TV. Can be utilized on 240v or 12v
| Model | Avtex |
| Decision | 1080p |
| Connections | Sure |
| Show know-how | LCD |
| Merchandise Dimensions | 4.60 x 44.91 x 25.91 cm |
| Color | Black |
| Show Dimension | 19.5 Inches |
| Merchandise Weight | 5.95 Kilos |
| Refresh Charge | 50 Hz |
| Tuner Expertise | Mpeg4 |
Avtex L168DRS 16-Inch Widescreen Tremendous Slim LED TV with Freeview HD
Final within the present vary of Avtex motorhome and caravan TVs is the smallest- the 16″ mannequin. The options are much like different fashions within the vary and embody:
- 16″ Widescreen LED HD display
- 12/240 Volt TV – Each Leads Provided
- DVBT & DVBT2 digital tuner & DVB-S & DVB-S2 digital satellite tv for pc tuner
- Skill to pause/playback reside TV/Prompt file to USB plus Timer file from programme information (EPG)
- Constructed-In DVD/CD Participant/ USB / HDMI / PVR Document
Vitality consumption
Vitality consumption is 26 Kilowatt Hours per 12 months, based mostly on the ability consumption of the tv working 4 hours per day for 12 months. (The precise power consumption will rely on how the tv is used.)
| Mounting Sort | Wall Mount |
| Model | Avtex |
| Decision | 1080p |
| Connections | USB |
| Show know-how | LED |
| Weight | 2.84 Kilograms |
| Color | Black |
| Show Dimension | 16 Inches |
| Dimensions | 23.5 x 4.4 x 37.6 cm |
Okay, that covers Avtex motorhome TVs, however there are different manufacturers accessible too- and sometimes for a greater worth.
Considered one of these is Cello, a UK-built model.
Cello 12 volt 32″ inch C32F Traveller LED TV with DVD and Satellite tv for pc
One of many largest 12v TVs in the marketplace, the Cello 32″ runs on both 12v or 240v and will be wall mounted or free-standing. Some options of the TV embody:
- 32″ Full HD LED TV display
- DVD participant
- In-built Freeview HD
- Constructed-in satellite tv for pc tuner for all free to air channels (DVB-S2)
- USB 2.0 enter so you may file digital TV or play media information.
- Two HDMI inputs to your exterior units
- 12-volt AND 240v energy adapters included
- PAUSE, REWIND, RECORD reside TV (USB storage machine required)
| Model | Cello |
| Decision | 720p |
| Connections | VGA, USB, HDMI |
| Show know-how | LED |
| Merchandise Dimensions | 73.10 x 19.60 x 47.50 cm |
| Color | Black |
| Show Dimension | 32 Inches |
| Merchandise Weight | 5.5 Kilograms |
| Refresh Charge | 60 Hz |
| Tuner Expertise | Digital |
Cello C22227T2S1 22″ inch Battery Operated & Photo voltaic LED TV with Freeview T2 HD & Satellite tv for pc Tuner
This motorhome TV is fascinating- it may be battery or photo voltaic powered. Different options embody:
- 22” Full HD LED TV widescreen
- BATTERY OPERATED: 240v & photo voltaic Rechargeable LiFe PO4 Battery operation
- CHARGING TIME: Cost in 2 hours / Look ahead to 8-10 hours
- Constructed-in satellite tv for pc tuner
- Sensible Aerial
- Freeview T2 HD channels
- Document digital TV and play media information from different units utilizing USB
- HDMI enter to your exterior units and consoles
- Could be wall mounted ( bracket not included)
- 2019 mannequin
- Dimensions: 50.9 x 16.5 x 34.1 cm
| Model | Cello |
| Decision | 720p |
| Connections | VGA, USB, HDMI |
| Show know-how | LED |
| Show | LED |
| Color | Black |
| Show Dimension | 22 Inches |
| Merchandise Weight | 4 Kilograms |
| Refresh Charge | 60 Hz |
Sniper 22″ HD LED Journey TV with inbuilt DVD, Satellite tv for pc and Freeview, 12V, 24V & Mains. DVB-T2 & DVB-S2
Final on our listing of suggestions is the Sniper motorhome TV. Sniper are well-known for different electronics, and their TV’s are effectively price a glance. That is the 22″ model however there are a number of different sizes accessible, all with comparable options, which embody:
- 12/24 volt energy lead to be used in motorhome, caravan or boat, plus mains adapter
- Freeview HD and HD satellite tv for pc receivers built-in
- DVD/CD participant
- Constructed-in Bluetooth audio for soundbar or headphones
- USB PVR perform for pausing reside TV and recording
- Grade A LED Display screen, very low energy consumption 22 watts
| Model | Sniper |
| Decision | 1080p |
| Connections | VGA, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI |
| Show know-how | LED |
| Show | LED |
| Show Dimension | 22 Inches |
| Tuner Expertise | Freeview and Freesat |
| Wi-fi Communication Expertise | Bluetooth |
Catch up on-line
I will be trustworthy, since our first motorhome, we do not have a devoted motorhome TV. We realised we hardly ever watched TV ‘reside’ and tended to look at catch up channels as a substitute. Additionally, we realised that to get UK TV in Europe, we both wanted an costly and heavy satellite tv for pc system, or discover a method to watch on the web.
So now, we solely ever watch TV on our laptops or iPads and entry UK catch up apps similar to BBC iPlayer from all around the world, utilizing a VPN. We have now used Categorical VPN with out drawback for years. We additionally watch Amazon Prime and Netflix utilizing this, and it is labored effectively for us.
NOTE: We proceed to pay for a UK TV licence. We nonetheless have one registered on the identical handle the place our mail goes, which covers us to be used after we are again within the UK and likewise when overseas.
Clearly, so as to watch TV on-line, you will have to have web. You’ll be able to both use the 3G/4G which is in your cellphone/ iPad (you should use it as a hotspot for a laptop computer) OR you may join it to a wifi dongle. Learn extra about how we get web in our motorhome.
Another choice is to make use of a ‘stick’ which plugs right into a laptop computer or perhaps a TV, and offers you TV that manner. Two of the most well-liked are the Amazon Firestick, and the Roku stick. Once more, you will have a wifi/ web connection for both of those to work.
Remember, many campsites have wifi, however they prohibit it, so you’ll be unable to obtain films or stream TV (stream means watch it in real-time). This may be irritating (particularly when there is a sporting match on) so you probably have your individual web you may be a lot happier!
I hope that helps you select the precise sort of caravan or motorhome TV for you. Let me know which one you get!
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