We want to buy a TV/DVD to put in our folding camper. It's for our autistic son, who will use it mainly for watching DVDs. In the past we've taken portable DVD players, but he is very heavy-handed with them and they keep breaking, so we thought a TV would be more robust!
So my question is - what sort of set-up would be best? We need one that would work off EHU and when we're on sites without hook-up. It needs to be totally reliable - autistic meltdowns over non-functioning equipment being something we'd like to avoid on holiday if possible! Given that we won't really need the TV, do we need an aerial, and if so, what kind? Total novices about this sort of thing - if it was up to us, we'd leave all electronic devices at home.
If you Google 12 volt tv's you will find a number of sites selling them.
Not sure that you can guarantee that any TV is totally reliable, but given your circumstances would not the cheapest option be best so that it can be replaced?
If the DVD is part of the TV then no ariel lead is required. If you want to watch TV programmes then a lead and an ariel will be needed.
Avtex is a good tv with dvd which works on 12v and you can also buy a case which we have to store it or when in transit, pricey tv but good quality. When we had the tent we used a Maplin one for all flat antenna which we found picked up a signal if there was one to be had.
My lad is also on the Autistic Spectrum, so I can sympathise with the odd heavy-handed use of stuff like this.
Now I know this doesn't include the TV, but just as a suggestion in case TV isn't important (following from your comment of mainly DVD use), I'd recommend the Nextbase SDV47 range of portable DVD units. These are ok for use in the car and on site, have motorised DVD slots (no eject trays etc., just a slot that draws the disc in) and are very rugged.
Thankfully, my son has become able to manage his own condition as he's become older, but the Nextbase product I have is still going strong and still in use.
Thanks for all your replies. Paul - I think you may have the answer! The problem with the portables we've used so far is that they all have flip open covers - when not under supervision my son opens the cover, stops the disk with his hand and then takes it out and puts a new one in. This obviously ruins the mechanism after a while. Something with a motorised slot would be much better.
A blast, I thought the 37 was still about and the 47 was it's big brother, my apologies. Just checked and there was side loading model 47 but it's been superseded with the one in the link.
That's a shame as they're built very robust and one would be almost bomb-proof for your needs.
I'll keep an eye open.
we bought our portable dvd player about 18 months ago and it has a USB slot, we load all the stuff onto a USB stick via the computer at home so there is no need for them to change the disc just select what they want to watch in the menu. Some TVs also have a USB slot so could be used in the same way.
I have just purchased a Maplin's Tv/ video player and have to say I am thrilled with it! The aerial supplied is worse than useless so we bought an amplified one from Maplins and it's excellent. Picture quality is great. I have also loaded films onto my memory stick and it plays them all including AVi filles with.no problem. Absolute bargain at 99.00
we purchased one from currys about 4 years ago never had any problem with it also took out their insurance as it covered accidental damage .never nnede it tho so well just buy a new one now whenever owt happens to this one.they are cheap enough these days
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