Car TVs: Portable With Digital Tuner, Ceiling Mounted And Others. How To Install, Connect And Configure? TV Repair. Rating Of The Best Models

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

Car TVs are a good way to make it easier for the driver and passengers to travel. To choose the right monitor for you, you should familiarize yourself with the specifications and installation guidelines for the device.

Characteristic

Car TV - This is a convenient device in the car, thanks to which you can distract your child during a trip or be distracted by yourself in a big traffic jam . Quite often, such equipment is put in a truck, since truckers spend most of their lives driving, and a car is their second home, which should be decorated with comfort.

To make the right choice, you need to know the main characteristics that portable devices have.

Screen format

Based on the purpose of the TV, you should also choose the screen format . For example, if you plan to watch TV programs, it is recommended to pay attention to ratio 4: 3 . For those who buy a device for watching movies or cartoons recorded on DVD, it is better to look at widescreen broadcasting, the ratio of which is 16: 9.

Screen resolution

This indicator has a direct impact on the level of image quality. At the same time, you need to understand that a small display can have a lower resolution, and at the same time, clarity will not be lost.

Most often you can find car TVs with a resolution:

• 480: 234;
• 720: 576;
• 800: 400;
• 1920: 234.

The higher the value of the numbers, the clearer the picture will be on the screen.

Diagonal

In other words - this is the size of the car TV . The choice will depend on the type of vehicle in which it is planned to operate. For passenger cars, a device with a diagonal of 7, 9 ", 10", 15 "or even 17" will be enough.

If the device will be used in minibuses, you should pay attention to the larger options, for example, 19 inches.

For large trucks called mobile homes, it is recommended to select monitors with a diagonal of 20 to 55 inches.

Viewing angle

The best angle is 180 degrees. It makes it possible view from any point relative to the display axis . Some models have a function "rotate the picture 180 degrees", which will also be very useful.

Color and sound

Many people know that the color transmission is converted into a video signal using encoding. There are several accepted standards:

• PAL;
• SECAM;
• NTSC 3.58 or 4.43.

In Russian television, the second option is used, therefore no need to choose more sophisticated models with different standards . And for those who often and a lot travel the world by car, it will be necessary to provide for the availability of all formats.

Sound is also encoded. There are three standards:

• DK; I;
• BG.

On the territory of the Russian Federation, only the first option is used, but it is best to pay attention to devices that support all existing standards.

With digital tuner

The tuner sensitivity will affect the quality of the TV program reception. Experts recommend purchasing models catching a DVB T2 signal . This is due to the fact that television is actively switching to digital, leaving analog signals in the past. You can buy a receiver or TV tuner later, but models with a built-in one are considered much more comfortable.

Antenna

Each car TV will have a built-in antenna, with the help of which television broadcasting is received within the radius of the tower. In regions or near settlements, such a signal will be strong, but as soon as the car leaves the city limits, the signal confidence will begin to decrease rapidly, and in order to continue to enjoy the broadcasts, an external antenna will be required.

There are several variations of this addition:

• stationary external, pin type, which is fixed in the cabin on the windshield or rear window;
• active, such devices are configured by an amplifier;
• pin electromechanical, it will be fixed on the rear fender and can be pulled out if necessary;
• passive;
• inner mesh that attaches to the rear viewer.

Many people believe that after purchasing an antenna with an amplifier, their device will pick up a high-quality signal everywhere. This opinion is erroneous: in order for the TV to show a high-quality picture everywhere, you should buy a monitor with the ability to receive television broadcasting.

Additional functions

You should also pay attention to other indicators that some users may find useful.

Many TVs are sold not only with DVD-support, but also with USB-input, due to which you can forget about buying discs . In the modern world, this is a very convenient solution. There are also models in which there is a navigator or a prefix with program recording.

Some devices have the ability to integrate with a car radio. There is also a good option - the presence of a built-in FM transmitter . If the TV is equipped with this function, its owner does not need to lay the audio output wires in order for playback to be present using the standard sound system.

The presence of feedback on the video channel will make it possible to watch movies on the head unit

Car TVs can support 1 power 2 Volts or 24 Volts from the car network, or from 220 Volts, be equipped with special adapters.

The presence of auxiliary inputs, in order to connect external cameras, will be convenient for devices that are located on the front of the machine.

Views

Before buying, you need to decide which location of the TV in the car will be optimal in your case, since it is this factor that affects other properties of the device. There are several placement variations.

Location on the torpedo . This option will be relevant for people who have been driving for a long time and purchase a TV in order to brighten up their stay in traffic jams.

Ceiling for a car, or suspended . This method will not allow the driver to watch a movie, but passengers will like it. Most often, this option is purchased for minivans or minibuses. These TVs have the advantage of folding flush with the ceiling, which allows transporting large items or loading. In working order, the device is in an upright position.

On the dashboard … Here the TV is placed in the place of the radio. It will not interfere and catch the eye, but viewing will be comfortable only for the driver with the passenger in the front seat.

Console . They are located between the front seats and are aimed at passengers who are sitting in the back. Often they are bought by parents for their children, so that they watch cartoons during the trip and not be capricious.

In the headrests . This is a mini TV that can be built into every headrest. Using this method, you can solve the problem of disagreement about watching programs.

In the sun visor . They are similar to the ceiling ones, but they are comfortable only for passengers.

You also need to decide whether a mobile or stationary TV version is suitable for a specific user.

Portable

This is a portable TV that is capable of functioning when connected to a simple 220 volt outlet or from a cigarette lighter. There are models that support operation from a built-in battery. Typically, the term of work in this case will be about 2-3 hours.

The small TV has a swivel-tilt mount to the ceiling or dashboard.

Stationary

This is already a large TV if compared with the previous version, which connects to the car's network (the first version will be powered by a cigarette lighter) and is fixed to the ceiling, on the headrests or on the sun visor. They have a screen, sound system, antenna, TV tuner and even a DVD player.

Rating of the best models

To make your choice easier, you can familiarize yourself with the best models of car TVs that are popular in their segment.

Digma DCL-1020

Such a device attracts attention from a large audience for its reliability and affordable price. The model itself appeared not so long ago, but has already received a large number of positive reviews, thanks to which it has gained a foothold in the leading positions.

The diagonal of 10, 1 inches, a clear picture of 1024 by 600 pixels and a large number of available interfaces attract attention. It has HDMI, VGA and USB.

It should be noted that the TV is capable of receiving a perfectly clear DVB-T signal.

Eplutus EP-9511

The manufacturer offers a device with a screen diagonal of 9.5 inches. Users appreciated the comfort when watching their favorite programs, as well as the ability to watch movies in HD quality. It became possible due to the resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels . Also, the TV is characterized by an impeccable signal that can be caught in almost any location.

However, this model does not have a USB input , which some users dislike.

Hyundai H-LCD900

This model has become widespread in the Russian market. The TV is equipped with a USB interface, a viewing angle of 120 degrees, due to which films can be watched from anywhere in the car.

Among the shortcomings, one can single out the screen resolution of 640 by 234 pixels, which reduces the clarity of the displayed picture.

Avel AVS0945T

The model is quite popular, as it has many advantages. The manufacturer has added a large number of games to the device, due to which the TV is popular among children. The headrests are decorated in black leatherette.

Among the disadvantages should be noted screen resolution 800 by 480 pixels which is frustrating for many users.

Ergo ER 9L

This model is considered the most popular. The car TV is distinguished by its spacious and high-quality sound, unpretentiousness in reproduction. The device reads flash drives, SD cards, HDMI, copes with all formats.

The device is fixed to the ceiling, you can buy a black or white color scheme. The screen resolution is 800 by 480 pixels.

Eplutus-101T

The popularity of the TV is due to the fact that it can be used not only for its main purpose, as a TV, but also be used as an e-book. The device can also flip through photos, play radio and watch videos.

You can play materials from any digital media.

The presence of an analog input allows you to connect a game console to the TV.

The antenna has a high signal, the screen resolution is 1024 by 600 pixels

Alpine PKG-2100P

This car TV is considered an indispensable option for both adults and children. The model itself is fixed to the ceiling, it is made of plastic, the matrix base is from Sharp. The device has a DVD-player, the reproduction is notable for the clarity and spaciousness of the sound.

The backlight makes it easier to use the TV at night

Also, the manufacturer took care of functions such as the ability to connect a game console and the option "parental protection ".

Selection rules

You need to choose a car TV based on the characteristics that are suitable for a specific user. It is necessary to take into account the type of the car itself in which the car TV will be installed and, based on this indicator, choose the appropriate screen size . The resolution of the monitor and the viewing angle are of no small importance.

You will also need to understand what the device is for.

There are people who buy a TV in the car just for a child to distract him on the way, while others plan to watch TV programs all the time.

The presence of an external antenna is required for those who travel in areas remote from the regions; there are devices with additional interfaces.

Before choosing a suitable device, you need to decide on your requirements and the price category from which the equipment will be selected . Only after that you can start selecting a TV.

Installation

A portable car TV can be installed almost anywhere. This is available through a special stand equipped with Velcro. Such a stand allows you to adjust the tilt angle that is comfortable for viewing, as well as turn the equipment in a way that will be comfortable for all passengers.

Before connecting the TV to the vehicle's network, you will need to disconnect the negative terminal from the battery in the car . This step is required for stationary devices that are powered from the machine's mains.

When installing a mobile TV, only a few steps are required: placing the monitor in the right place and connecting the tuner. Most often, users install the device on the ceiling, on the headrest, in the sun visor. Each location has a different monitor model.

To connect, you need a flat and Phillips screwdriver, electrical tape, foam, knife, glue.

If you plan to install in head restraints, the procedure will be as follows

• First of all, you need to make sure that the selected monitor is suitable for the car headrest … A seven-inch diagonal will generally fit any headrest.
• Then the device is attached to the future attachment point . You need to attach the monitor evenly in order to correctly draw the location of the holes.
• Now you need unscrew the headrest and remove the cover . With the help of a marker, a contour is drawn on the foam and holes are cut according to the indicated contour. The depth of the hole must match the frame of the car TV (the device will be in the foam)
• When everything is ready the monitor will need to be glued to the foam and make a hole in the material for the cable outlet .
• Then the headrest is put back , and a place for the monitor is cut out in the upholstery.
• The cable is pulled through the hole the TV is located in the formed frame.
• The final stage is joining the tuner .

You will need to connect to the adapter and conduct wires to the cigarette lighter.

For ceiling mounting, the following steps are required:

• before work, you need to make sure that there is a sheet of metal at the installation site;
• you need to move the ceiling upholstery, use a solvent to remove the glue from it;
• then a sheet of plywood or metal is inserted between the roof and the upholstery and glued to the upholstery;
• now you can mount the TV on the ceiling, having checked in advance the reliability of the screws;
• wires are routed into the engine compartment along the ceiling and through the door card, if you do not plan to work from a cigarette lighter.

If the monitor is connected to the car's electrical network, you need to know the diagrams and disconnect the car in advance (the negative terminal of the car's battery is turned off). The red wire of the TV connects to the starter's electrical connector, the yellow wire goes to the battery, and the black wire must be grounded.

Installing a TV tuner

Before proceeding with the installation of the TV itself, you need to install a tuner. For work you will need:

• cable;
• screwdriver;
• socket wrench and wrench.

The procedure is as follows:

• you need to open the hood of the car and disconnect the battery terminal;
• then you need to decide where the TV tuner will be located, you can put it in any place where it will not interfere, some people place the device in the luggage compartment or under the seats;
• for fixing, you will need a bracket or screws, they will be included with the tuner, sometimes it is required to create holes for fastening;
• then it is planned to lay a cable to the fuses to power the device;
• the power wire will be connected to an additional button in the fuse box;
• then the IR icon is attached, you need to choose a place from where the remote control with the remote control will reach it;
• then the cable is laid from the video output of the tuner according to the video inputs of the TV;
• the antenna is placed on the windshield, the cable is also laid to the device;
• now you can put the battery in the cable and connect it.

A rear view camera can be attached to the car TV for convenience. Usually, such a solution is relevant for monitors that are located in the torpedo so that the driver can observe the situation on the screen.

To connect the device correctly, you will need to know the wiring diagram . The yellow wire is compatible with camera video output and monitor video input. To eliminate a short circuit, it is recommended to arrange this wire with a 0.5 A fuse.

All connections must be insulated.

Maintenance and repair

The operation of car TVs is not difficult. Each manufacturer includes instructions for use, as well as a guide for installing the monitor in a car. In order for the device to serve for a long time, it will be necessary to exclude the possibility of falling equipment. It depends on the quality of the fixation of the TV. It should also be remembered that the car's wiring must be in good condition.

In the event that the car TV is broken, you will need to take it to a service center for an experienced specialist to diagnose and replace the faulty components. Some users repair such units on their own, but such an action is possible only if there is an understanding of the device of TVs and experience in this activity.