TV / Monitor choice question

Greg In Austin · 10-01-2007, 07:53 PM

As we continue to make build decisions, I came across another question for everyone...

We are looking for a 19 or 20 inch TV that will also function as a monitor.

It need not have a built in DVD player, and it need not have built in speakers. It would need multiple inputs (DVD player, PC, Satellite receiver).

We also hope it has a nice universal hole pattern on the back for mounting purposes. We will have four places that it could be mounted depending on the need and wiring will support this.
1. rear end of gaucho for viewing from front
2. back end of cab ceiling to raise into the penthouse area for viewing from rear
3. hanging from shelf above galley across from gaucho for working from gaucho
4. reversed from #3 to view from exterior with side door open. (this may lead to a magnetic mount on van exterior)

Audio will be piped through the van stereo.

The 19inch Audiovox that SMB is currently using looks like it may have built in speakers (making it larger in size and heavier) and it has a built in DVD player (making it larger and heavier). The DVD player also looks a little fragile the way it sticks out to the side. I think this would work, but I am wondering what else folks hove found that would fill the bill.

Any suggestions out there? good experiences? bad experiences?

Greg in Austin
SMB on order

Buji · 10-02-2007, 11:32 AM

I have a 24" dell monitor in mine, which has dvi input for the xbox
360, component input for the hd satellite reciever, vga input for use
with a computer (as expected) and component input for the dvd player
in the dash head unit up front.

Like the example you cited, the sound is routed via the stereo, which
is a kenwood and supports splitting the front and back speakers into
two zones so someone can listen to music up front while the folks in
the back watch tv or play games etc. If the volume is not cranked up
real high, you actually barely hear the other 'zone' and headphones
aren't necessary at all.

I have a semi-custom layout, and the monitor is mounted on an
extending arm off of my cabinet which has my starcool vents,n fridge
and microwave. SMB and integrated audio was very nervous about
mounting it this way, and we remove the monitor when we leave the
pavement. When the van is in motion, the monitor is strapped down
against the cabinet, but the screen is still fully visible.

One thing to consider with the arm is the tremendous amount of force
that can be put on the mounting location by what is essentially a
large weighted lever.

Another option you may consider is using a sony locationfree tablet,
which you can hook up the base station to your video source, and then
you have a completely wireless tv. it's only 12" though, but works
well outside as well as anywhere in the van. I have one of these at
home for watching tv in the spa, at the bbq, etc and really like it,
but it's a little pricey.

Both the standard computer monitor and location free tv will require
a 110 power inverter, and the monitor is going to be picky about it
being a nice true sine-wave inverter.

Most lcd computer monitors have a standard "VESA" mounting pattern on
the back, which can be slightly different than the standard "VESA"
mounting pattern for TVs. They are supposed to be the same, but it
turns out there are variations. Make sure you pair the display device
with appropriate mount.

BTW - my experience with it is EXTREMELY positive. the monitor
outperforms about any lcd tv out there for display quality, and my
van is the best place in my house to play xbox. Everyone who rides in
the van is impressed with the monitor and how we have it installed,
but not everyone can watch tv or play games while the van is in
motion.

You can see it here:

Greg In Austin · 10-02-2007, 12:33 PM

Thanks Buji.

I remember seeing that photo before.
That is probably a little larger than we are looking for, but I like the ideas.

I did forget to mention that the AudioVox is 12v, which would be very nice.

Buji · 10-02-2007, 03:24 PM

http://www.roadtrucker.com/electronics-4.htm
Also has a 12v 19" tv with built in atsc tuner (a nice positive) but I would be surprised if it could work as a monitor.

Also, the badgers have a 20" Cintiq tablet which has an external dc converter, and Eric's managed to conver the tablet to 12v.

I have one of these in my office as well, but I didn't want to mess with it in the van.

Amy needs one in the van for her graphic design work (which is what I use it for as well) and they use it as a computer monitor as well as a tv, but for only watching dvd movies off the computer I believe.

They are not cheap monitors ($2500) as they are really high-end graphic art input devices.

mmocken · 10-16-2007, 03:31 PM

Although not 19", i was thinking of Insignia 15" at Best Buy. It is 12V, tuner dig tuner, HDMI ... most imporatant, cables face downward, so mount it flush...or move it around and no have cables hanging from the side. Unfortunately, it went from $180 to $269

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 5610379139

I think Insignia 19" was also 12V. I was debating buying it too

I think 19" is too big. It's tough enough trying to move around in the SMB.

Short on cash right now...This winter, I'll be pulling out the 9" TV cabinet and want something about the cabinet size.

Good Luck, Marty

stiggs · 10-18-2007, 06:43 PM

I went back and forth trying to figure out what kind of tv/display to get thought about something bigger, but finally settle on a cheap alternitive. Pepboys had a 5.6 LCD Colby DVD Player tv receiver / radio / cd player for 99 bucks. Sits nicely on the table across from the gaucho has an antenna in if i was ever so inclined to have the ability to plug it into something. Good for little watcher, maybe down the road I will upgrade to something larger - upgrading the tape deck comes first.