TV viewing

Aww, thanks everyone, lots of helpful advice! So much to learn!!🤣

Just one minor point - using the TV on 12V is usually a much neater solution.  Our Avtex can run on either 12v or 240v but I always use the 12v option, regardless of whether we are on EHU or not, because it avoids having to use that additional bulky transformer and the lead that goes with it. Using a set on 12v doesn't make any difference to signal reception because, however it is powered, it's using 12v internally, anyway.

Thinking ahead, you may wish to consider one with an in-built satellite decoder rather than having the additional clutter of a separate box needing its own power supply.

We use an EE Mini Wifi together with an Amazon Firestick get catch up TV and all the streaming channels but I believe the new Avtex models are already 'smart'.

Just one additional point to consider which I don't think has been mentioned yet - if buying a bog standard cheap free view TV, check details of angle of vision. The last TV we bought was dreadful, if sitting on opposite sides of the van one person got a perfect view the other might as well have taken the dogs for a walk!  

Totally agree Moulesy - I was a bit reluctant to say "you get what you pay for" but it's true.  I bought a cheap(ish) one from a certain German-owned supermarket when they had a 'Special Buy' promotion.  It was rubbish - partly for the reason you identify, but also it kept dropping the signal in an area where we had previously always had excellent reception. It went back and I bought an Avtex.  Not cheap, by any means, but it has performed well - consistently - and I know they are built to withstand the rigours of being shaken about in a caravan.

I always used to power my previous caravan telly from 12 volts .... it also keeps the telly going when you trip the bollard 😂

I would agree re the Avtex, although rather expensive, even at quite acute angles of view and when sitting below you get a decent quality of picture. Our first came as part of the deal with a caravan. We probably wouldn’t have bought one as we already had a cheap version. However, we were so impressed with the quality, when we switched to a MH we bought the small 16 inch version ( as we were sat closer to the screen). It has a free view tuner, satellite tuner, as well as a DVD and weighs about 1.5 kg. As mentioned above although it also works on 240 volts, we always use it on 12 volts wether on EHU or not. Another benefit is that if your aerial requires a power source, as ours does, the  Avtex TV is capable of providing it via the aerial coaxial.

Another vote for Avtex here. We sourced one second hand and run it on 12v not mains as said earlier avoids bulky transformer etc. It automatically provides power down the co-axial lead to what looks like a cheapo Avtex suction mount aerial. It has not so far failed to find good reception with the minimum of effort.

Angle of view, colour and sound are all excellent. Ours has a built in dvd and free-sat receiver. When abroad we are away for 4/6 weeks and take a Snipe dish and quickly manage to receive a signal well down into the Dordogne. The dish was a bit of an [expensive] novelty but well worth it. We started with a compact Multimo which was good, not knowing what to buy as we don't have a dish at home.

Colin

The aerial will work well in good signal areas but can I suggest you get the "Antenna aligner" its free phone app and gives the local TV transmitters their signal strength, direction, polarization plus a compass  

We tried various configurations, caravan Ariel, sat dish. plug in ariel.

we now have a decent LG TV which connects to a smartphone with unlimited data plan.

Sorted, Netflix, iPlayer etc etc. We also have an Amazon Echo (Alexa) in the van just so I have someone to talk to when the wife ignores me. 

We also sought out a TV with a headphone socket and put an extension lead from the socket to our aux in on the caravan audio system. We now get decent audio through the van speakers rather than the tinny sound of the tv.

Butting into the thread - we’re gradually changing bits and pieces so they will run on 12 volt. We’re not too bothered about the television - ours is an ordinary household one, always used on EHU. But I understand we can use an “inverter” to run it on 12 volt. Looking into it I’m just confused - how do I find out what to buy? Any links to easily accessible ones greatly appreciated.

We may stick with IPlayer on an IPad. Or just music from various devices.