TV/DVD Tv/dvd Combo....revisted....again

I just talked to Cary and I am going to order a 560 within the week. I know I have a lot of time before production begins on my trailer, but I have a question on one option that remains unanswered.

I have read the posts about people foregoing the TV/DVD option, and instead going with a tablet or lap top. This strikes me as a great idea for a number of reasons, most of which have already been discussed. Here is my question.

If I were to "mount" the tablet (10") where the TV would be, is that not a little small when you are sitting on the couch that is about 4 feet away? A lap top is out of the question as: #1 mine is way to big, #2 a smaller one cost more than the TV option, #3 I HATE computers.

As I have not seen / been in a 560 I am not sure the distance from the couch to the TV Cabinet.

I would love some input to help make this final decision.

Thank you in advance.

Joe B

 

Have you tried putting the tablet on a table about 4 feet away to see how it is? I have put my iPad on a coffe table at that distance and had no problem watching it. I have the tv option in my 560.

 

Good suggestion, I will try that. I am curious, what is the distance from the seated position in the 560 to your TV? My distance of 4 foot was a guess, I am sure I am off one way or the other.

 

The space will be configured differently if you do not have a TV installed. CHeck on-line photos of units with and without TV's.
Many who do not order a TV will open both lower cabinet doors, place the laptop on the pop out shelf, as I call it. My laptop fits there, but find the angel is off, so usually place laptop on bed to watch movies.

 

We made a shelf that fits between the two cabinet doors when open for the tv, laptop or kindle and it works great.

 

Joe,

The distance from the TV screen to the tip of my nose sitting on the sofa is about 5.5'.

We used to use a 9" TV which was fine in a 550 but on the 560 it was far too small because of the extra distance. Our testing showed it needs to be at least the 15" we use currently.

Cary

 

That is what I expected. 5'6" is a good distance. TV/DVD Combo it is.

Thanks

Joe B

 

How is the storage space affected if the TV/DVD option is installed? Aside from the additional expense, is there a down side to having the television?

 

THe list could be endless:
Same issues as having the television in a home....

I watch DVD's on the laptop at times.

Jean

 

I guess I was wondering if the wiring and whatever else it needs for the tv/dvd install takes up storage space. I'm getting the a/c and the heater which eats up a lot of cabinet storage. It looks like the actual tv is on the outside of the cabinet door, so it doesn't really take up much usable space.

 

We have the TV/DVD option in Dewey and we love it. You do not lose storage space, it is cleverly designed, it tilts down to reveal the shelf space behind it. You can watch DVDs on your laptop if you remember to bring it, but you can't watch the local news and weather on it.

Michael

 

We are loveing ours so far all though most of the viewing has been in the garage with the grandkids! Storage space behind the tv is good for 20 plus DVD's and the remotes. I use a small "jambox" speaker which fits as well.
MDP
Mike & Denita

 

In addition to storing videos in the cabinet behind the television, I store the CI owner's manual, extra CI brochures, and the solar panel connector/cable (so that it doesn't accidentally get forgotten or damaged) with room to spare. I find it is actually a handy little space to use.

Because my trailer is stored outside in the winter, I was a bit concerned how the television would fare in the cold temperatures, but (a few years later) no problems.

 

That's good to know. Originally, I was thinking about using a laptop to watch dvds. But many of the newer laptops don't have a dvd drive--apparently like the video cassette, dvds are becoming obsolete. Streaming uses a lot of data and requires an internet connection. I guess I can load a bunch of movies on a jump drive before setting out....

 

I have a two terabyte removable hard drive with movies and TV series, it would take the rest of my life to watch all of them. The TV/ DVD is outdated technology it does take up cabinet room and power from the battery. It also ruins the look of the wood cabinet. Get a tablet and a removable drive then look on the torrents for movies.

 

Just an FYI, I use an antenna for the local stations/news. Limited but near a city pics up a lot and also HD channels...

There's a little antenna hook up on the outside, you just get a cheap TV rabbit eared one and weight it down on the roof, it can work.

But I do agree, the TV thing needs to be updated, with data plugs/WiFi or USB lines for input and a bigger screen would be nice. Instead of the oval retro look, maybe an option of the full size, rectangle ... just a thought...

fun.. always something new they come up with eh??

 

So, if you have a laptop, you can pick up a USB TV Tuner for it and then you can watch local channels.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116034

This works with Win 7. I am guessing there are Win 8 versions out there if you are running a newer Win 8 laptop.

The beauty of a PC is that it can serve multiple purposes...if your campground has wifi, you can use it to read this forum, surf the internet, with a TV tuner you can watch local TV, play games, watch DVDs, and more. If you have a Hard Drive collection of movies like me, you can have a vast library without carrying around DVDs. However, there are drawbacks, cost being one of them (at least for decent h/w specs). Power draw can be high on some models.

 

Jack,
Power draws...
As I understand it, the TV/DVD in the Camp Inns are on a 12v system and while it takes a lot, it can work.

The laptops are a 16v? system and "may?" work but might damage it?
So you can only use the laptop on the Computer batteries or Power

I ask as I don't take my laptop if I don't have shore power. I'm sure they have external batteries for laptops, but it's still a battery, subject to 'Drainage'..

If you can clarify it, that would be great.
Thanks...

 

Frank, you are correct, you cannot connect a laptop DC input directly to the CI 12v. However, for most laptops you can get a 12v input charger that will work just fine off the camper battery. It looks just like the standard charger brick, but has a 12v connector. I have one for my Lenovo that has two cords and will run off AC 100-230v or DC 12v.

There are some universal chargers like this available, just be sure it has the correct voltage for the laptop, and the correct laptop connector.

 

With the tablets you use the USB cable and the 12 volt cigarette lighter plug to run and charge from the battery. Or plug it into the tow vehicle. As technology changes your not stuck with the DVD thing. I can also sit outside with the tablet, I'm not stuck inside. Sometimes you see the older trailers with the older style TV/DVD combos and you know they wish they had the newer flat screen TVs.