I was thinking of what TV I want to install in my 270 Amberjack. I am trying to find a bluetooth TV that has external storage and will fit my spot fully. I think I am going to need like a 28"-ish . However I am having a hard time finding a 12V version. I was thinking maybe it is better to just get a normal 120V and use a small inverter to run it?
TV in Cabin
- Thread starter DavePant
- Start date
Phasma
Phasma2128
Go to a fireTv and add a usb thumb drive. You won’t have to worry about getting a smart tv
Inverter will work but would be terribly inefficient. The TV internals likely run on between 12 and 19 Vdc. so you would effectively be converting 12V -> 120V -> 12-19V which losses at each stage. Start by looking for TVs with external power bricks. Then research each one to find one with a brick that outputs 12Vdc.
While the TV may not be advertised as 12V, if that's what the brick outputs, you should be able to bypass the brick and wire directly to your boat's DC. Even if the brick outputs 19VDC, you can get a DC - DC converter on Amazon to drop it to 12V. That would still be much more efficient than the inverter route.
As @Pasma mentioned, I wouldn't worry too much about a "Smart" TV. It will be obsolete 5 minutes after you buy it. Instead, go with a Fire stick, Android TV box, or even an Apple TV converted to 12V. That way you can change sources as the technology or your whims change.
While the TV may not be advertised as 12V, if that's what the brick outputs, you should be able to bypass the brick and wire directly to your boat's DC. Even if the brick outputs 19VDC, you can get a DC - DC converter on Amazon to drop it to 12V. That would still be much more efficient than the inverter route.
As @Pasma mentioned, I wouldn't worry too much about a "Smart" TV. It will be obsolete 5 minutes after you buy it. Instead, go with a Fire stick, Android TV box, or even an Apple TV converted to 12V. That way you can change sources as the technology or your whims change.
Craig
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- Feb 8, 2007
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Mike sandor
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- Jul 28, 2017
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Rodger that on the battery bricks in line. I put a Samsung in my 320 with a brick output voltage of 19 volts. Bought a small 12 to 19 volt step up transformer. Been working for the last 2 seasons with out issue. Check your needed wattage . The stand alone cd used a brick as well, but the output voltage was at 12. I don’t believe the larger flat screens use a in line ac to dc adapter.
Henry Boyd
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That's exactly what I did for our 280. I went the cheap route and used one of the Best Buy house brand / Insignia tvs.
When I did the TV for the new boat I went with the AC option as we have a built in inverter/charger and a big house battery bank. It is less efficient but our tv viewing habits make watching tv while without shore power infrequent. Basically in any location where we would be on the hook tv reception would be non existent anyways.
H
370Dancer
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- Oct 2, 2006
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Don't forget computer monitors too. You only need a TV if you are going to have an antenna and receive over the air stations. I have a monitor with a roku hooked to it in one of the cabins. Works great. (wifi needed)
