We are thinking of getting a TV for our boat. Our "Nest" is a 33 and we were thinking of a flat screen that we could mount. We have heard that we needed an electronic antenna - an brand recommendations for either the TV or antenna? We are not dock hounds -- we like to spend lots of nites aboard and sometimes it is nice to watch the news. Our cruising area is New England now and we are about to move to S.Cali. Thank you.
Thinking of getting a TV and need help
- Thread starter Sue22346
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Check out the computer stores....
...or the online computer sites. We found a 17" LCD monitor, which also contained a TV Tuner, from "Envision" for less than the comparable size unit in the TV stores. As it turned out the power supply (you know the little black boxes like on your laptop computer cord) converted 120v to 12v, so I contacted the manufacturer and they approved running straight off my 12v system. I had a 12v outlet installed and a mast top powered TV antenna (looks like a flying saucer parked on the top of the mast). Radioshack was the source for the proper cable to connect the 12v outlet direct to the monitor. This combination works great! (Even better than the in the attic antenna in our townhouse at the marina.) Go for it.
...or the online computer sites. We found a 17" LCD monitor, which also contained a TV Tuner, from "Envision" for less than the comparable size unit in the TV stores. As it turned out the power supply (you know the little black boxes like on your laptop computer cord) converted 120v to 12v, so I contacted the manufacturer and they approved running straight off my 12v system. I had a 12v outlet installed and a mast top powered TV antenna (looks like a flying saucer parked on the top of the mast). Radioshack was the source for the proper cable to connect the 12v outlet direct to the monitor. This combination works great! (Even better than the in the attic antenna in our townhouse at the marina.) Go for it.
Hey Mulf of Chester...
mind letting us in on your source (web site, store) for the monitor? Sounds like what I'm looking for too. Thanks.
mind letting us in on your source (web site, store) for the monitor? Sounds like what I'm looking for too. Thanks.
Antenna - Rabbit Ears
I had a power antenna installed when I bought my 44DS last year. It works fine when you are 10 miles out to sea or further but close in near Chicago the signal was terrible. A friend explained that the powered antennas flatten out and receive signals well only from a longer distance. The answer was a $12 Radio Shack rabbit ears antenna and now it works just fine.
I had a power antenna installed when I bought my 44DS last year. It works fine when you are 10 miles out to sea or further but close in near Chicago the signal was terrible. A friend explained that the powered antennas flatten out and receive signals well only from a longer distance. The answer was a $12 Radio Shack rabbit ears antenna and now it works just fine.
Pictures of our setup are on our web site
Check out #67. Last week I did as Mulf. I removed the brick after confirming 12 volt output and polarity. I didn't call the manufacturer though. I wired it directly to the Computer breaker on my distribution panel on the DC side. Works great. That 17" flat panel draws 3 amps at 12 volts. My laptop also drives it. Love it.
Check out #67. Last week I did as Mulf. I removed the brick after confirming 12 volt output and polarity. I didn't call the manufacturer though. I wired it directly to the Computer breaker on my distribution panel on the DC side. Works great. That 17" flat panel draws 3 amps at 12 volts. My laptop also drives it. Love it.
reply to Don and to John
I got the monitor on sale at Comp USA. I believe it was a closeout sale as the current version of the same unit looks different and is HDTV ready which mine is not. The speakers are built in. Particularly nice is that it comes with a remote control. I have not priced it currently. When I bought it in November of 2002 I think it was $549 on sale. The manufacturer's web site is http://www.envisiondisplay.com/ Here's a link to the current version of the model I bought - http://www.envisiondisplay.com/products.asp?EPage=products&SMenu=e17w221 I just did a quick search on the internet for "LCD TV Monitors" and found this similar unit: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000ZKFKA/qid=1096503457/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2_etk-electronics/002-3081388-9985602?v=glance&s=electronics&n=172282 I originally ran my laptop display to it for the DVD player, but that got to be a nusiance since you could only run the DVD from the keyboard at the nav station. I've since added a 12v DVD player (from Crutchfield) which was pricey but works great and has a remote. This allowed me to mount the monitor & DVD player together on the shelf behind the port side settee on our H410 and we can lounge in the starboard side dinette seats with full control of both units (Is there a nautical version of the term "couch potato" ?).
I got the monitor on sale at Comp USA. I believe it was a closeout sale as the current version of the same unit looks different and is HDTV ready which mine is not. The speakers are built in. Particularly nice is that it comes with a remote control. I have not priced it currently. When I bought it in November of 2002 I think it was $549 on sale. The manufacturer's web site is http://www.envisiondisplay.com/ Here's a link to the current version of the model I bought - http://www.envisiondisplay.com/products.asp?EPage=products&SMenu=e17w221 I just did a quick search on the internet for "LCD TV Monitors" and found this similar unit: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000ZKFKA/qid=1096503457/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2_etk-electronics/002-3081388-9985602?v=glance&s=electronics&n=172282 I originally ran my laptop display to it for the DVD player, but that got to be a nusiance since you could only run the DVD from the keyboard at the nav station. I've since added a 12v DVD player (from Crutchfield) which was pricey but works great and has a remote. This allowed me to mount the monitor & DVD player together on the shelf behind the port side settee on our H410 and we can lounge in the starboard side dinette seats with full control of both units (Is there a nautical version of the term "couch potato" ?).
You Can Buy A Separate Tuner
You can buy a 15 or 17 inch flat screen monitor with or without speakers and a separate tuner. The tuner is around $125 plus the flat screen. I also use computer speakers that have their own amplifier which work well with the tuner. I have about $350 in a 15" flat screen, speakers and a tuner. The tuner also has the computer video input jack as well so the whole outfit can server as a monitor for the computer or to show DVD's from the computer CD/DVD drive.
You can buy a 15 or 17 inch flat screen monitor with or without speakers and a separate tuner. The tuner is around $125 plus the flat screen. I also use computer speakers that have their own amplifier which work well with the tuner. I have about $350 in a 15" flat screen, speakers and a tuner. The tuner also has the computer video input jack as well so the whole outfit can server as a monitor for the computer or to show DVD's from the computer CD/DVD drive.
Samsung 150MP or 170MP
S & A: Take a look at the Samsung line. I have a 150MP that is a computer monitor and TV. Costco, Best Buys and other electronic stores also have flat panel TV's of assorted sizes.
S & A: Take a look at the Samsung line. I have a 150MP that is a computer monitor and TV. Costco, Best Buys and other electronic stores also have flat panel TV's of assorted sizes.
On Line Shopping
I have found www.pricewatch.com to be very helpful. Look under peripherals and monitors. You will see an array of what is available and you can compare prices. Once you find a model that you like, search that make and model on www.google.com. There are sites like nextag that will list several suppliers and the most competitive pricing. I lucked out and walked into CompUSA prior to last Christmas and found our 15" Viewsonic on sale for $369.00. It is 12 volt, lucky I'd say. It has been great and it looks like a giant in our H376. I agree with Steve D that the Samsung MP150 is sort of the benchmark in my mind. It is a great flat panel. It usually goes for a little more $$$ though. Good Luck, Mike D
I have found www.pricewatch.com to be very helpful. Look under peripherals and monitors. You will see an array of what is available and you can compare prices. Once you find a model that you like, search that make and model on www.google.com. There are sites like nextag that will list several suppliers and the most competitive pricing. I lucked out and walked into CompUSA prior to last Christmas and found our 15" Viewsonic on sale for $369.00. It is 12 volt, lucky I'd say. It has been great and it looks like a giant in our H376. I agree with Steve D that the Samsung MP150 is sort of the benchmark in my mind. It is a great flat panel. It usually goes for a little more $$$ though. Good Luck, Mike D
5.1 surround sound
The Samsung 150MP is a great moniter for the price but its speakers are very small and sound like tin cans. I added a Koss 5.1 channel home theater system KS3102 from Best Buy for $120 that includes a DVD player(+R/RW and -R/RW), FM, 5 surround speakers plus a subwoofer. Amazingly the AC required is low and we are able run both with a WM 175 watt inverter while at anchor. Sounds great and the Admiral is very happy and is now willing to spend more nights on the boat.
The Samsung 150MP is a great moniter for the price but its speakers are very small and sound like tin cans. I added a Koss 5.1 channel home theater system KS3102 from Best Buy for $120 that includes a DVD player(+R/RW and -R/RW), FM, 5 surround speakers plus a subwoofer. Amazingly the AC required is low and we are able run both with a WM 175 watt inverter while at anchor. Sounds great and the Admiral is very happy and is now willing to spend more nights on the boat.
TV. On Board
Susie and Andy We have a Hunter 29.5. Last year I installed a 15" Flat screen monitor on a swivel bracket. I bought it on sale at Best Buy for around $200. They also sell a small TV tuner for about $100.I made a square Antenna out of flat Aluminum that I hoist up the mast. Most times I can get the local channels except CBS and NBC. The Spanish channels come in like cable, which is a mystery to me. The reception is acceptable. My friend uses a Schafer electronic boosted dish type of antenna and gets no better reception than me. When I am at the dock I bring an extra Satellite dish and one of my boxes from home(We subscribe to Direct TV. so you can use those boxes and cards)The dish is mounted to a 5 gallon spackle bucket. I place the bucket on a one of poles - fits perfectly on most and just rotate the bucket and adjust dish until the signal comes in. Remember this is flat screen monitor for a computer, not a flat screen TV. , which are very expensive. The picture quality is much better than most regular TVs. With the swivel mounted on the wall of the V berth I can swing it out into the main cabin for viewing or push it behind the curtain where it is out of the way even when the V Berth is being used. Good luck---Clint
Susie and Andy We have a Hunter 29.5. Last year I installed a 15" Flat screen monitor on a swivel bracket. I bought it on sale at Best Buy for around $200. They also sell a small TV tuner for about $100.I made a square Antenna out of flat Aluminum that I hoist up the mast. Most times I can get the local channels except CBS and NBC. The Spanish channels come in like cable, which is a mystery to me. The reception is acceptable. My friend uses a Schafer electronic boosted dish type of antenna and gets no better reception than me. When I am at the dock I bring an extra Satellite dish and one of my boxes from home(We subscribe to Direct TV. so you can use those boxes and cards)The dish is mounted to a 5 gallon spackle bucket. I place the bucket on a one of poles - fits perfectly on most and just rotate the bucket and adjust dish until the signal comes in. Remember this is flat screen monitor for a computer, not a flat screen TV. , which are very expensive. The picture quality is much better than most regular TVs. With the swivel mounted on the wall of the V berth I can swing it out into the main cabin for viewing or push it behind the curtain where it is out of the way even when the V Berth is being used. Good luck---Clint
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