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04-16-2008, 02:42 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Baja Whenever Possible
Posts: 1,012
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Mid-Sized Flat Panel TV Needed. Recs?
I see the other posts about biggest TV, etc., but that's not for me. I need a reasonably size tv/monitor to watch DVDs and, perhaps, later install a sat system. The drop down screens are too small and some of the monitors discussed here are too big. Just call me "Goldie" as need something in the middle. I have a Prosine 2.0 inverter and solar, so my power should be good. As always, looking for something reasonably priced (I'm not an audiophile/videophile, but if I've got it, I'll crank it up). Since my goucho sits lengthwise, I want to mount it on the opposing side (probably above my range with a quick release system in case I ever need to use the range (unlikely as I've only cooked outside due to moisture, smells, greese, etc.)). If you look closely, you can see in this pic the remains of the PO's TV mount above the stove. That's where I plan to do it. Would like to tie into the van's sound system if reasonable. Guessing I'd have to buy a different stereo to accomidate that, but don't know (Pioneer, but no aux jacks). So, Buji and others in the know, what are your thoughts? Thanks.
__________________
It takes a village to raise an idiot.
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04-16-2008, 04:34 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Tucson
Posts: 185
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I went with a 13" monitor between the drivers seats. I decided this was better than a side mount because I didn't want to hassle with moving the screen from time to time. I was able to find one that swivels 270 degrees which allows better viewing from the rear and from outside. It can even be tilted up so you can see it from the top bed. Not ideal though. You can find these as big as 14" (full swivel ones). My system has dual output so the kids can basically do whatever they want in the back with infra red headphones on and not bother the driver. I even hooked up some aux inputs so they can play the xbox.
Hope that helps.
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04-16-2008, 05:45 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 205
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I WANT!
where'd you get it, have you got a link?
__________________
Tent camping for now. Dreaming up a new 4x4 SMB. Gas or Diesel?
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04-16-2008, 07:50 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Chicagoland
Posts: 308
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The 15" Insignia HDTV from Best Buy is popular for DIY camper trailers.
Advantages
- 4:3 ratio
- Computer monitor too
- 12VDC, no inverter needed, should be a lower power draw.
- Good overall size,
- Only 3" deep
- All cables face downward, therefore the monitor can be mounted against the wall
- Cheap, as low at $180 on sale
Disadv
- Speakers fair/poor
- not widescreen
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... ductdetail
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04-16-2008, 07:52 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 7,644
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How about mounted on the passenger wall at the end of the counter?
A swing arm in the corner and you could leave it flat against the wall for counter space and swing it out at an angle for viewing from the sofa.
Ditto Panions TV.
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it was good to be back
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04-16-2008, 11:02 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: santa rosa ca
Posts: 994
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The Monitor that SMBW's A/V guru recommended is made by Eiger www.eigervision.net but, boy were they expensive. Installed cost was $1,100 for a 12" flip down. I passed on it for now.
__________________
... Charlie
EV-2 build is now complete, (yeah right).
KZ6T
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04-16-2008, 11:56 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,071
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I used an inexpensive 19" Computer Monitor. Of course it does not have a built in tuner but I mainly use it for watching DVD's that are played through my Alpine headunit. The monitor is connected to a switch box (you can get a cheap one at Fry's or online) that has a tuner built in and lets you switch from different sources. I have a portable Satellite Dish for DirecTV connected up to it too and a single cable comes from the Alpine into it. This also functions as a secondary computer monitor if you need to use it as such. I use a RAM Mount arm so it can swing out. It is very sturdy and locks down just fine. I have the 50 floorplan and the arm is mounted behind the driver seat.
steve
__________________
'05 Ford V-10 4x4 SMB "50" White
'00 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 Highly Modified
'04 Jeep Grand Cherokee- wife won't let me modify it. :-(
Does anyone really read this stuff other than surfgeek?
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04-17-2008, 06:15 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 197
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Steve- could you post some pics of your setup? My small drop down monitor needs to be upgraded as well and I like the sound of your setup in a 50.
Thanks
Adam
__________________
Back to a Build Sheet and a Dream...
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04-17-2008, 12:48 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Baja Whenever Possible
Posts: 1,012
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Thanks for all the quick replies. Not getting notifications, so didn't know you all chimed in. I'll be in the big city next week for a conference/training. There is a Circuit City and Best Buy near the conference. I guess I know what I'll be doing during at least one lunch break.
__________________
It takes a village to raise an idiot.
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04-17-2008, 02:46 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Tucson
Posts: 185
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lowracer
I WANT!
where'd you get it, have you got a link?
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I bought mine from someone on ebay. I just looked again with the search "flip down 360" and it came up with 8 options. Here is an example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-14-Flip-Down-TF ... dZViewItem
Two things to consider if you use one of these. They aren't the best quality. I tried to find a better one, but it looks like only the cheapo guys are making them so far. The viewing angle isn't that good on mine. With that said, I'd do the exact same thing if or maybe when this one dies.
Because it mounts backwards I had to move the infra red transmitters to the back of the unit. Wasn't that difficult, but if you drill holes like I did there is no sending it back.
I'm always impressed with how many different ideas come up on a post like this. Some really good options I had not considered.
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