Battery Powered Digital TVs
Jan 4, 2009 | 12:04 pm
#1
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Battery Powered Digital TVs
Many of us have old standby battery powered analog TVs that we use for prolonged power issues... blizzards, hurricanes, and ice storms etc. Mine is a 6 inch B&W that I bought in the early 80s. These battery powered TVs will become useless with the conversion to digital broadcasts in a few weeks.
So what is the consensus advice on battery powered digital TVs? It does not seem that this niche in the market is being addressed very well, does it?
So what is the consensus advice on battery powered digital TVs? It does not seem that this niche in the market is being addressed very well, does it?
Jan 4, 2009 | 12:47 pm
#3
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A USB tuner is a great idea, but don't forget the antenna too.
There don't seem to be too many options.
http://www.amazon.com/Axion-AXN-8701.../dp/B001FWYLLG
- Doesn't say how long the battery lasts.
- Looks the same as one that Best Buy is selling
http://www.amazon.com/Haier-HLT71-7-.../dp/B001E78UQY
- 2.5 hours of battery life
An ad on amazon.com linked to http://www.lcddigital.tv/, which has a few models listed there along with a battery pack that will run one of their TV's for over 12 hours. (I know nothing about this site, could be a scam for all I know, I just thought it was an interesting option)
There don't seem to be too many options.
http://www.amazon.com/Axion-AXN-8701.../dp/B001FWYLLG
- Doesn't say how long the battery lasts.
- Looks the same as one that Best Buy is selling
http://www.amazon.com/Haier-HLT71-7-.../dp/B001E78UQY
- 2.5 hours of battery life
An ad on amazon.com linked to http://www.lcddigital.tv/, which has a few models listed there along with a battery pack that will run one of their TV's for over 12 hours. (I know nothing about this site, could be a scam for all I know, I just thought it was an interesting option)
Jan 4, 2009 | 12:53 pm
#4
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I am talking about a digital TV powered by D cell batteries with an alternative AC power cord! Both of the models that are linked above have rechargeable batteries. The product that I think is needed is one that can be powered on replaceable D cell or C cell alkaline batteries!
There is a big market for this product!
Jan 4, 2009 | 1:34 pm
#5
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Jan 4, 2009 | 2:00 pm
#6
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But how long will D cell batteries last ? and how many sets do you have ?
I have enough cars around to go for weeks
, plus 12v battery jumpers too
But yes you need a 12v to 110v converter to charge things ,
Ohh and have a hand powered can opener !
Rally
I have enough cars around to go for weeks
, plus 12v battery jumpers tooBut yes you need a 12v to 110v converter to charge things ,
Ohh and have a hand powered can opener !
Rally
Jan 4, 2009 | 2:09 pm
#7
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I agree that the ideal emergency TV will have a car power cord (tailgating etc.) But if we plan to use these for hurricanes etc., then they need to have the capability of running on alkaline batteries.
Jan 4, 2009 | 3:49 pm
#8
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Maybe you should just use a radio instead, since the battery will last longer? But I guess that's an even bigger problem, since I can't find any radios that will tune TV stations after the digital switch.
Guess it's time to find a good AM radio station
Jan 4, 2009 | 4:24 pm
#9
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Some power outage emergencies are boring and last too long. For those of us without an attached garage, being able to watch TV in a robe and slippers is important.
An acquaintence has a cabin "off the grid". A few months ago he was complaining he hadn't been unable to find a digital TV that would work with his current solar charger. I recall he charges D cells, but he may be moving up the technology ladder soon.
An acquaintence has a cabin "off the grid". A few months ago he was complaining he hadn't been unable to find a digital TV that would work with his current solar charger. I recall he charges D cells, but he may be moving up the technology ladder soon.
Jan 4, 2009 | 6:36 pm
#10
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I don't have personal experience with it, but I'm looking at the Accurian, available from RS. My wife's sister and her family picked one up in the wake of Ike, and it seemed very capable. IIRC, it'll handle cable channels and then switch to OTA when the power's off. I need to get something before February...
Jan 4, 2009 | 8:27 pm
#11
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In the same situation. Have an old Sony portable from the 80's that has lasted me through a few hurricanes. Now that the switch is coming the TV will be worthless. It's a shame to as the TV was great and ran on AA batteries.
Jan 4, 2009 | 8:36 pm
#12
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I don't have personal experience with it, but I'm looking at the Accurian, available from RS
Jan 5, 2009 | 6:53 am
#13
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I've got an Acer Aspire One that works just fine with Pinnacle's USB "digital television on a stick." The Aspire can run for close to 6 hours on a battery charge. Not the perfect solution, particularly for emergencies, but it does work well for those occasions when I must have digital TV access.
Jan 30, 2009 | 1:03 pm
#14
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I just got an ad today from Thrifty drug stores for a 7 inch portable digital TV for $99.99
So look for them , they are available
Rally
So look for them , they are available
Rally
Jan 30, 2009 | 1:26 pm
#15
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From the Chicago Tribune Wednesday
http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune....need-work.html
for a review on the Haier and LCDdigital.tv models.
Or just read the headline
Portable digital TVs have promise but need work
http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune....need-work.html
for a review on the Haier and LCDdigital.tv models.
Or just read the headline
Portable digital TVs have promise but need work