I'm looking to get a DVD/TV for my boat (post Christmas present to myself!). I'd like to mount the TV screen so the portable flip up models won't work as well for this. I'm thinking of either a flat panel TV/DVD combination unit or just a flat panel screen with a separte "in-dash" stereo that plays DVDs that I can mount in the Nav Station (I'm planning a stereo here anyway for music). Anyone have any set ups or products they'd recommend? Also I'm looking at about a 10" size screen. A 15" screen is a little big for my mounting location and there is not much in between those sizes that I can find. Our boat is a 34' Beneteau and my guess is that a 10" screen is just about the minium size that is convenient to see from the salon seats. Thanks, Bob
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Great project Bob
If at all possible, go with the biggest screen that fits. Consider a remodel. You won't regret not having to squint. My system is a 17" LCD with a Home Theater 5-1 sound with sub. It rocks. Love it. But it's over two years old now so it won't help you. But a picture might give you an idea. Have fun. Oh, if you send me your money, I'll do the shopping.
Hmmm, for some reason photos don't work this morning. (noon) But it's picture #68 on my web site.
If at all possible, go with the biggest screen that fits. Consider a remodel. You won't regret not having to squint. My system is a 17" LCD with a Home Theater 5-1 sound with sub. It rocks. Love it. But it's over two years old now so it won't help you. But a picture might give you an idea. Have fun. Oh, if you send me your money, I'll do the shopping.
Hmmm, for some reason photos don't work this morning. (noon) But it's picture #68 on my web site.Is this it?
Is this like what you are looking for? I use this company a lot and they are reliable to purchase from.
Is this like what you are looking for? I use this company a lot and they are reliable to purchase from.
Built In DVD - LCD Hitachi
Bob. What a coincidence on this subject as my wife and I went to Sears last night just to find something suitable for our boat (Catalina 30 for now). We are currently using our daughters old 13" RCA with VHS built in player, but we want to upgrade. VHS will eventually go like the 8-track!! Man....the TV/DVD unit choices are endless. The built in DVDs are in my opinion the best as it requires only one power cord, less room, less heat and less to worry about. Price and size of course dictates everything, but we are convinced that investing in the latest technology (LCD, Flat Screen, with built in DVD/CD player) is the way to go. We came across a beautiful 14" Hitachi that was on an oval stand that could be adjusted high and low or almost bend over the stand. It was thin and the picture quality with a DVD was fantastic. Unfortunately the price was $499. Ouch!! but the lower priced tube flat screens (13 inch to 17 inch) from $150 - $350 did not come close to picture quality. Again, money drives the decision. Many choices in the 13-17 inch screens. I figure if you planning on living aboard or expect to use this entertainment on a continuous basis, the WOW factor in picture quality pays for itself. Happy searching.......... Bob
Bob. What a coincidence on this subject as my wife and I went to Sears last night just to find something suitable for our boat (Catalina 30 for now). We are currently using our daughters old 13" RCA with VHS built in player, but we want to upgrade. VHS will eventually go like the 8-track!! Man....the TV/DVD unit choices are endless. The built in DVDs are in my opinion the best as it requires only one power cord, less room, less heat and less to worry about. Price and size of course dictates everything, but we are convinced that investing in the latest technology (LCD, Flat Screen, with built in DVD/CD player) is the way to go. We came across a beautiful 14" Hitachi that was on an oval stand that could be adjusted high and low or almost bend over the stand. It was thin and the picture quality with a DVD was fantastic. Unfortunately the price was $499. Ouch!! but the lower priced tube flat screens (13 inch to 17 inch) from $150 - $350 did not come close to picture quality. Again, money drives the decision. Many choices in the 13-17 inch screens. I figure if you planning on living aboard or expect to use this entertainment on a continuous basis, the WOW factor in picture quality pays for itself. Happy searching.......... Bob
If you decide on the monitor/player combo
there are ceiling mount screens larger than 10" but smaller than 15". I've attached link to Etronics which has various sizes available, I've ordered from them in the past without problem.
there are ceiling mount screens larger than 10" but smaller than 15". I've attached link to Etronics which has various sizes available, I've ordered from them in the past without problem.
My new system
Is one of the new expensive laptops. $2300, a bit of a punch to the bankaccount, but it does it all for me. Has a 17 inch LCD Xbrite screen that is so bright I have to turn down the brightness, even outside. Has a read/write DVD/CD player and good speakers for a laptop, but since I don't listen to the radio these days, I download MP3s and hook up the machine to some 500W speakers that can make waves It also came with an awesome top of the line built in wireless that I pick up all kinds of hotspots in the marina that others can't get (that right there is going to pay for the machine saving me $45 a month) and the download speed is unreal. I thought about getting a normal laptop and a seperate TV but the fact that I can take this machine outside and watch TV was the deciding factor. EDITED: Forgot to say that it comes with a built in TV tuner. Just plug in the cable or antenia. I can also order PPV movies and record them and then burn them to DVD, saving even more money
Is one of the new expensive laptops. $2300, a bit of a punch to the bankaccount, but it does it all for me. Has a 17 inch LCD Xbrite screen that is so bright I have to turn down the brightness, even outside. Has a read/write DVD/CD player and good speakers for a laptop, but since I don't listen to the radio these days, I download MP3s and hook up the machine to some 500W speakers that can make waves
It also came with an awesome top of the line built in wireless that I pick up all kinds of hotspots in the marina that others can't get (that right there is going to pay for the machine saving me $45 a month) and the download speed is unreal. I thought about getting a normal laptop and a seperate TV but the fact that I can take this machine outside and watch TV was the deciding factor. EDITED: Forgot to say that it comes with a built in TV tuner. Just plug in the cable or antenia. I can also order PPV movies and record them and then burn them to DVD, saving even more money Other things to think about
I wanted to do the same type of thing. I didn't want a TV/DVD combo, as they were more expensive than buying the 2 items separately, and then if one part goes out, you have to replace the whole thing. Having a boat without an inboard and alternator, (Catalina 27 w/outboard), I also wanted low 12V power draw. I ended up buying a used Casio 10.4" LCD TV on e-Bay (I don't remember the model number - maybe 1100?). It uses about 2 amps. The thing was advertised as for 110V AC only, but after some research I found it actually runs on 12V DC, and just has an AC adaptor to plug it into the wall. Found a person selling one on e-Bay w/o the AC adaptor, which most people thought was require to use it, so I got it for cheap (like about $125 - list was about $300 then). Bought a $35 110V DVD player and a cigarette lighter inverter, both of which together use about 2.5 amps. Some cables, and I'm probably into the whole thing maybe $200, and burn less than 5 amps. I later bought another AC adaptor for the Casio to run it on 110V, and I use it to watch the news in my kitchen while cooking when I'm not on the boat. Mounted the back of the TV on a piece of acrylic which with snap-apart hinges allows it to attach to the underside of the deck in the main saloon and swing up to horizontal, out of the way. Is also easily removed to take home to the kitchen. The stereo audio output jacks allow the TV or DVD player to input into my stereo in the boat's cabin to get 4-speaker stereo. I keep the whole setup, plus about 10 DVDs in a soft-sided briefcase which allows it to be to easily moved to/from the boat. With that, I've also taken it on a friend's boat that I helped deliver to San Diego for last year's Baja HaHa. We watched Master & Commander in Santa Barbara while we recuperated after passing Pt Conception.... Make sure you get a real TV (with tuner) so you can watch the local news and weather.
I wanted to do the same type of thing. I didn't want a TV/DVD combo, as they were more expensive than buying the 2 items separately, and then if one part goes out, you have to replace the whole thing. Having a boat without an inboard and alternator, (Catalina 27 w/outboard), I also wanted low 12V power draw. I ended up buying a used Casio 10.4" LCD TV on e-Bay (I don't remember the model number - maybe 1100?). It uses about 2 amps. The thing was advertised as for 110V AC only, but after some research I found it actually runs on 12V DC, and just has an AC adaptor to plug it into the wall. Found a person selling one on e-Bay w/o the AC adaptor, which most people thought was require to use it, so I got it for cheap (like about $125 - list was about $300 then). Bought a $35 110V DVD player and a cigarette lighter inverter, both of which together use about 2.5 amps. Some cables, and I'm probably into the whole thing maybe $200, and burn less than 5 amps. I later bought another AC adaptor for the Casio to run it on 110V, and I use it to watch the news in my kitchen while cooking when I'm not on the boat. Mounted the back of the TV on a piece of acrylic which with snap-apart hinges allows it to attach to the underside of the deck in the main saloon and swing up to horizontal, out of the way. Is also easily removed to take home to the kitchen. The stereo audio output jacks allow the TV or DVD player to input into my stereo in the boat's cabin to get 4-speaker stereo. I keep the whole setup, plus about 10 DVDs in a soft-sided briefcase which allows it to be to easily moved to/from the boat. With that, I've also taken it on a friend's boat that I helped deliver to San Diego for last year's Baja HaHa. We watched Master & Commander in Santa Barbara while we recuperated after passing Pt Conception.... Make sure you get a real TV (with tuner) so you can watch the local news and weather.
TV/DVD 19 to 21" range
I am looking for something a bit larger, has anyone does this in a 19 to 21" size range ? What are the pros/cons of running this off an inverter, vs. finding a unit that will do 12 VDC direct ?
I am looking for something a bit larger, has anyone does this in a 19 to 21" size range ? What are the pros/cons of running this off an inverter, vs. finding a unit that will do 12 VDC direct ?
Etronics - - NO NO NO NO
I purchased something from Etronics. The item was supposed to have a remote included. I received the item, a gift for my wife, with no remote to be found. When I contacted Etronics, they told me I was wrong. So I sent them a copy of their web page that clearly stated a remote was include. Etronics still would not agree to supply the remote. They said I was wrong - no remote. The people I spoke with were very difficult to understand - heavy accent and poor English. Because a made the purchase with my AMEX card, I was able cancel the charges. I was interviewed by UPS. Etronics told UPS I said no package was ever delivered - LIARS. I was interviewed a second time by UPS. Etronics contacted AMEX and said "customer received the item - and must pay". SIX MONTHS LATER, no joke, I got my remote. Stay away from these people. It's just not worth it.
I purchased something from Etronics. The item was supposed to have a remote included. I received the item, a gift for my wife, with no remote to be found. When I contacted Etronics, they told me I was wrong. So I sent them a copy of their web page that clearly stated a remote was include. Etronics still would not agree to supply the remote. They said I was wrong - no remote. The people I spoke with were very difficult to understand - heavy accent and poor English. Because a made the purchase with my AMEX card, I was able cancel the charges. I was interviewed by UPS. Etronics told UPS I said no package was ever delivered - LIARS. I was interviewed a second time by UPS. Etronics contacted AMEX and said "customer received the item - and must pay". SIX MONTHS LATER, no joke, I got my remote. Stay away from these people. It's just not worth it.
Timely Article
This evening was at Best Buy in Wichita and they had a very nice Sansui 12 inch combination color tv and DVD.....It is exactly like ours although some other company is clearly making them as our is different brand. It has a great picture and the dvd and remote is just tops and the best part ...only $ 139.00 go shoppping........Pat
This evening was at Best Buy in Wichita and they had a very nice Sansui 12 inch combination color tv and DVD.....It is exactly like ours although some other company is clearly making them as our is different brand. It has a great picture and the dvd and remote is just tops and the best part ...only $ 139.00 go shoppping........Pat
Best feature onboard
Buy a flat screen tv lcd 15-17" mount it on the wall, or where ever best seen. Sony makes a nice one, they run $200-400. Use any dvd player, they run under $100. I have a 15" sony here, ($199 floor model) and a $89 panasonic DVD player (best buy) with an inverter, it pulls very little power off battery's. I can pull in a few channels off the antenna, and dvd's can run around 6 hours before battery runs low. (inverter is tied to one battery with clamps) I have a 33' Cal and this has been the most important feature getting the wife and kid on the boat.
Buy a flat screen tv lcd 15-17" mount it on the wall, or where ever best seen. Sony makes a nice one, they run $200-400. Use any dvd player, they run under $100. I have a 15" sony here, ($199 floor model) and a $89 panasonic DVD player (best buy) with an inverter, it pulls very little power off battery's. I can pull in a few channels off the antenna, and dvd's can run around 6 hours before battery runs low. (inverter is tied to one battery with clamps) I have a 33' Cal and this has been the most important feature getting the wife and kid on the boat.
Labtops with bose
I also use my labtop, hooked up with the bose surround sound it's great for movies, music, showing photos, internet ect. and can run on its own battery. Great for overnights when you want to watch a movie in a location other than salon.
I also use my labtop, hooked up with the bose surround sound it's great for movies, music, showing photos, internet ect. and can run on its own battery. Great for overnights when you want to watch a movie in a location other than salon.
Combo LCD set
Bob, at a discount operation the other day I happened to notice a flat screen LCD TV with a DVD player built into the right side. It was either a 13 or 15 inch screen. As I already have an flat screen LCD and a separate DVD player on my boat, I didn't examine it more closely or note the price. As an aside, most flat screen LCD units have a 75mm or 100mm square set of threaded mountings on their back that will mate up to a wall mounting unit. I used an articulating arm on mine, but you can also get a fixed or fold down style one--found mine at Circuit City. S/V Intrepid H34 #113
Bob, at a discount operation the other day I happened to notice a flat screen LCD TV with a DVD player built into the right side. It was either a 13 or 15 inch screen. As I already have an flat screen LCD and a separate DVD player on my boat, I didn't examine it more closely or note the price. As an aside, most flat screen LCD units have a 75mm or 100mm square set of threaded mountings on their back that will mate up to a wall mounting unit. I used an articulating arm on mine, but you can also get a fixed or fold down style one--found mine at Circuit City. S/V Intrepid H34 #113
William, where the hell was the Bose?
William: The only thing I say was a nice looking lady and an adorable baby!
William: The only thing I say was a nice looking lady and an adorable baby!
12" Audiovox flatscreen/dvd
Installed a 12" flatscreen/dvd from audiovox in my hunter34. It works on both ac & 12 volt. Mounted on wall in main salon and kids love it. With ant. I can even watch the 49ers lose. Only 499 at Sound Advice.
Installed a 12" flatscreen/dvd from audiovox in my hunter34. It works on both ac & 12 volt. Mounted on wall in main salon and kids love it. With ant. I can even watch the 49ers lose. Only 499 at Sound Advice.
Thank you steve
The bose companion speakers for the labtop run around $89 for the pair. Sound is great, actually one speaker you see in the other post is next to my girl's right ear. Bose makes a higher end version with a bigger base, but this set up is really nice. Keeping the crew happy, keeps me sailing.
The bose companion speakers for the labtop run around $89 for the pair. Sound is great, actually one speaker you see in the other post is next to my girl's right ear. Bose makes a higher end version with a bigger base, but this set up is really nice. Keeping the crew happy, keeps me sailing.
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