www.iFourWinns.com

Hi,

I want to install a flat screen TV / dvd combo in our Vista 248. However, whilst browsing for available sets, I started doubting about what kind of power is available.

When docked, the shore power will provide regular 120 V I guess, but what when you want to use the set when out on sea and you can't to run the generator? Do you need a 12V capable set in that case? Are there any good ones out there?

Thanks,

Richard

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Richard - FL - 2005 Vista 248

Best bet is to install an inverter to run the TV.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Thanks Cougar,

That is a great idea. I moved from Europe and still am getting used to 120 V power...

Researching a bit, it seems like for TV's etc people recommend true-sine wave inverters which are a lot more expensive then regular inverters that generate a modified-sine wave signal.

Is there anybody with experience with both? I guess a 300W should be plenty for a TFT...

Thanks,

Richard

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Richard - FL - 2005 Vista 248

Based on these numbers, 300W should be plenty if you go the inverter route (with room leftover for your 18 watt Wii)...

42" LCD television - 210 watts

32" LCD television - 125 watts

I'm guessing you'll be going smaller so you'll have plenty of headroom. There are some dual voltage (12V/110V) LCD/DVD combos like the Skyworth that West Marine sells which, according to them, is built for the marine environment, but I can't speak to the quality.

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Previously:
2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards

I saw on another forum a terrific alternative which I hadn't considered, one of the new LED TV's.
This 19" LED only draws 35 watts and is thinner and lighter (10 lbs) than comparable LCD's. It also has a base power of 12VDC and runs at 120V with a transformer, so you have good power options as well.
(Due credit to Gary at CSR)

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Previously:
2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards

The LED backlight w/LCD panel is yet another option for a boat TV. That Four Suns guy does not need any more credit references, he gets way to many already.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

That Insignia is pretty nice, but where did you find the power specs?

Thanks

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Richard - FL - 2005 Vista 248

From the back of the TV.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Costco has a 19'' Samsung with an HD tuner for less than 200 bucks. I'd try that one out before any Insignia any day. Check other sites like Newegg... Samsung has some affordable options lately.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Thansk guys.

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Richard - FL - 2005 Vista 248

A 22" insignia is going in our boat as soon as it gets pulled out of storage! Still have not got an inverter for it yet, have a 150w that works and have the gen set as well.

Last year tested TV in location of mirror, front of cabin, we did not like that location at all. Going to be mounting just above aft cabin. This will also make running wires/ cable easier and shorter to head deck, DVD, laptop/notebook.


Has anyone used the West Marine 1000 watt inverter ($100)? Just wondering if its worth looking at. I know it a modified sine wave, does it affect performance and or hum?

Did find a true sine wave 600 watt for $200?????

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

HI!!
I think my father has installed inverter.
We have 32'' L.G installed and works fine.

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NO MORE SPAM

I am also looking to install the 22" Insignia in our 258 this spring. I too want to go the inverter route. I'm a bit challenged when it comes to electrical matters, but given that the inverter will be drawing directly from the DC battery system, I'm guessing that it will have to be wired into that system (as opposed to drawing power from a 120v AC outlet in the head). I'm thinking that I will mount the inverter behind the TV and wire it into the fuse block at the helm.

Am I thinking about this correctly? If that setup will work, what amp fuse am I looking at for the TV/inverter on the fuse block?

As always, appreciate the help!

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2006 Vista 258
2007 Yukon Denali

I am going to place the inverter closer to the batteries, to ensure as short of run of large gage wire from battery to inverter. Yes it will need to be fused.

If all you ever were going to run is the TV, you will be fine. I plan to add an outlet off the inverter for other items as well.

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

Went and got boat out of storage this last Thursday. Spent time this weekend on 22" Insignia (70 watt) TV in boat. Now just need warmer weather. Most lakes around here are starting to thaw.

I ran RCA A/V cable along with VGA for laptop.




Have not bought inverter yet, will have to run generator or shore power.

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos