Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Camping under canvas

Topic: The basics of running a TV in the tent

Page: 1 2

ANGEDAWS

07/6/2014 at 5:30pm
Location: Northern England
Outfit: Coleman Mosedale 5

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 09/6/2004

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1152
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	24

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	1

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	4
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	1

I know to some people the thought of taking the TV camping fills them with horror. However, we have always had a small portable DVD player for cold wet evenings or when the kids just want a bit of quiet time. The DVD player has gone on the blink so we wondered about getting a small portable TV instead.

Now, everything I read about TVs in tents or caravans seems really complicated and really expensive. If we bought a little TV with built in freeview and a satellite dish on a tripod (seen one for £40) is that it or do we need more?

Can someone explain it to me in very simple terms?

Of course we would have the sound down very low or be using headphones and would make sure the noise wasnt bothering anyone else.

I dont want to spend a silly amount of money because we wont use it that much and if its going to be difficult we will just buy another DVD player.

Tynxuk

07/6/2014 at 8:14pm
Location: Sunny Suffolk (West)
Outfit: inflatable dome Palamos6 frame tent

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 11/8/2011

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2395
Tent Reviews: 4

Site Reviews Total:	16

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I think you will need either a digital aerial for freeview or a freesat box & signal finder for satellite.

Does the dvd player have a usb input? ours does and it's much easier to upload DVDs to a USB stick and use that in our portable DVD player than taking a DVD collection.

mark e

07/6/2014 at 9:40pm
Location: Rhondda Valleys South Wales.
Outfit: Gelert Beyond Corvus 6+2.

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 14/4/2009

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 55

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Nice 15" freeview tv and digital areial on a little stand. Dont spend less than £15 on an aerial of you wont get a good picture. I take my tv from my daughters bedroom and the quality aerial. Simples.

-------------
Pup tent > Family tent > Caravan > Family tent > Motorhome > Tent Beyond Corvus 6+2 + trailer

pwatson

07/6/2014 at 9:55pm
Location: North Hertfordshire
Outfit: Filey 6 Sherpa 3 Force 10 Mk3

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 04/2/2007

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 325
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Just a point of clarification - Do not be mislead by claims for 'digital aerials'. There's no such thing!

What you do need is a good quality wideband aerial as you will need to be able to receive signals from any transmitter. Some retailers suggest that log periodic aerials are a good choice for mobile applications.

weeshell

07/6/2014 at 11:25pm
Location: scotland
Outfit: Outwell Montana Lake

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 07/5/2009

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 180

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I use my laptop and have Pinnacle PCTV 80e HD Mini Stick, It comes with a small aerial and works fine but we now plug it into a indoor aerial with a line amplifier so we are guaranteed to get all channels. This system works really well and doesn't take up too much space.

Bramston

08/6/2014 at 12:49am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/8/2013

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 854
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Get a laptop with a usb tv dongle (including freeview), then enough solar power to run it for a couple of hours per night.
More than that you will need a leisure battery (gel car battery) and more serious solar or EHU connections.

-------------
Enjoy the liveliness of the syntax.

ANGEDAWS

08/6/2014 at 8:25am
Location: Northern England
Outfit: Coleman Mosedale 5

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 09/6/2004

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1152
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	24

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	1

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	4
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	1

Thanks all. Looking at usb tv dongles there are loads out there and they vary so much in price but this might be the way to go. Will do some more research.

The downside of this is taking the laptop camping which I am usually reluctant to do, in terms of value and security a cheap telly might be better.

Any recommendations for aerials?

sunvalleysue

08/6/2014 at 8:53am
Location: The Love Shack
Outfit: BearLake 6 and a hot water bottle.

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 20/9/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3509
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	5

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

We take a small 15" tv with built in dvd player.We knock one of those spikes into the ground(those that are for washing poles etc) and then insert a 3 section mast(held firm by some small wedges as the pole is smaller than the spike recess) that we connect a cheapo aerial to it.Just set the tv to auto tune and its sorted.

(See photo)

Post last edited on 08/06/2014 09:03:51

-------------
Sue & Phil
--------------------- I Love My AeroBed

ANGEDAWS

08/6/2014 at 9:19am
Location: Northern England
Outfit: Coleman Mosedale 5

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 09/6/2004

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1152
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	24

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	1

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	4
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	1

Quote: Originally posted by sunvalleysue on 08/6/2014
We take a small 15" tv with built in dvd player.We knock one of those spikes into the ground(those that are for washing poles etc) and then insert a 3 section mast(held firm by some small wedges as the pole is smaller than the spike recess) that we connect a cheapo aerial to it.Just set the tv to auto tune and its sorted.

Brilliant, that looks good and wouldnt cost a lot to buy. Thank you

sunvalleysue

08/6/2014 at 11:07am
Location: The Love Shack
Outfit: BearLake 6 and a hot water bottle.

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 20/9/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3509
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	5

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by ANGEDAWS on 08/6/2014

Quote: Originally posted by sunvalleysue on 08/6/2014We take a small 15" tv with built in dvd player.We knock one of those spikes into the ground(those that are for washing poles etc) and then insert a 3 section mast(held firm by some small wedges as the pole is smaller than the spike recess) that we connect a cheapo aerial to it.Just set the tv to auto tune and its sorted.

Brilliant, that looks good and wouldnt cost a lot to buy. Thank you

We have just returned from Boroughbridge C&C Club site and got excellent reception on all Freeview channels.The aerial mast will go quite a bit higher than in the photo.Its just a case of trying what is best,just look at which direction others have their masts pointing.
Good luck with what you decide to get.

-------------
Sue & Phil
--------------------- I Love My AeroBed

tezza1

08/6/2014 at 5:01pm
Location: Sunderland
Outfit: Arapaho 6DL Atakama 5

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 28/9/2011

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 160
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	1

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	4

While I usually take a sky dish and my freesat box, I have noticed that on some of the EHU's on sites, there is a connection socket for Freeview tv! Found this out at Wild Duck in Norfolk, when there were too many trees for a sat box. You would just need a long ariel cable with F connecter one end and normal tv connecter the other.

It would be worth checking with the site and asking, after all, just a tv lead and telly is better than spikes-poles and ariels!

Terry

NickH

08/6/2014 at 6:42pm
Location: North Surrey
Outfit: Bailey Unicorn Valencia S3

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 07/6/2010

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 697

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by ANGEDAWS on 08/6/2014
Thanks all. Looking at usb tv dongles there are loads out there and they vary so much in price but this might be the way to go. Will do some more research.

The downside of this is taking the laptop camping which I am usually reluctant to do, in terms of value and security a cheap telly might be better.

Any recommendations for aerials?

Angedaws, if you want to take your laptop and have security, you could get one of these,
example, and secure around something solid

-------------
Nick

2017
April - New Forest(9)
May - Dorset (9)
August - Camping Le Pin Parasol, Vendee (18)
October - East Mersea (8)
and five nights in the one man tent!

Queen Vic

08/6/2014 at 8:05pm
Location: Liverpool
Outfit: Vango Storm200 Atlas300 Berkeley400

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 04/9/2013

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 566
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I've just bought this
to take camping. It has a usb as well as card slot too. Will be trying it out camping in a few weeks but seems to be working great. Lots of tv channels and radio stations, so plenty of options. Although "used" it is fully refurbished by Maplins and looks brand new. Comes with the same 1 year guarantee as their new items.

-------------
2015
Wherever the wind takes me

Hunter30062352

08/6/2014 at 9:18pm
Location: Frinton - Essex
Outfit: Vango - Nile 600

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/4/2014

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 159
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

sue that's a lovely set up!

-------------
The great outdoors, sunshine, laughter.. a moaning wife and screaming brat!

May - Warren Wood Cromer
June - The Warren Folkstone
July - Fforest Fields
Aug - Goonreeve House Cornwall

sunvalleysue

08/6/2014 at 10:33pm
Location: The Love Shack
Outfit: BearLake 6 and a hot water bottle.

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 20/9/2007

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3509
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	5

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by Hunter30062352 on 08/6/2014
sue that's a lovely set up!

Thanks

Just to show the tv works...

-------------
Sue & Phil
--------------------- I Love My AeroBed

hrob487

09/6/2014 at 9:49am
Location: preston lancs
Outfit: vango aspen 700 & sunncamp residence

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 16/4/2007

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 461

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by sunvalleysue on 08/6/2014
We take a small 15" tv with built in dvd player.We knock one of those spikes into the ground(those that are for washing poles etc) and then insert a 3 section mast(held firm by some small wedges as the pole is smaller than the spike recess) that we connect a cheapo aerial to it.Just set the tv to auto tune and its sorted.

(See photo)

Post last edited on 08/06/2014 09:03:51

That's Exactly what we do, Works perfect.

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Jump To Page: 1 2
Quick Links - All Forums - Camping under canvas - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

3938 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Special Offers]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024