Battery operated TV??

DMKRV · 03-21-2021, 06:55 AM

This isn’t for camping, but I thought you guys might have an answer. My elderly parents that are in assisted living want a battery-operated TV in case power goes out during a storm, so they can watch the local channel for weather. It’s for emergencies, not something they will watch routinely.

They seem to have problems with all things that involve rechargeable batteries. Since these TV’s will only run 1-3 hours on a charge, I would like to find something that can use either standard batteries or have standard rechargeable batteries. Most of what I see either has permanent rechargeable batteries built in, or proprietary battery packs. (By problems I mean they aren’t charged when they are needed, or they are shot and finding a replacement is drama.) Some standard rechargeable or disposable battery that they could have extra sets on-hand would be great.

The other requirements are that it has an antenna on it, not an antenna input, and that it is at least a 9” screen, bigger would be better. They are in a city and close to the local TV tower. Long range won’t be a requirement.

Thanks for any input.

jasin1 · 03-21-2021, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMKRV

This isn’t for camping, but I thought you guys might have an answer. My elderly parents that are in assisted living want a battery-operated TV in case power goes out during a storm, so they can watch the local channel for weather. It’s for emergencies, not something they will watch routinely.

They seem to have problems with all things that involve rechargeable batteries. Since these TV’s will only run 1-3 hours on a charge, I would like to find something that can use either standard batteries or have standard rechargeable batteries. Most of what I see either has permanent rechargeable batteries built in, or proprietary battery packs. (By problems I mean they aren’t charged when they are needed, or they are shot and finding a replacement is drama.) Some standard rechargeable or disposable battery that they could have extra sets on-hand would be great.

The other requirements are that it has an antenna on it, not an antenna input, and that it is at least a 9” screen, bigger would be better. They are in a city and close to the local TV tower. Long range won’t be a requirement.

Thanks for any input.

Can you get a portable power station and leave that plugged in to the wall for charging? Then your parents would simply plug their portable tv into it when power went out..or leave a portable tv permanently plugged in and ready and waiting..that way they could also charge a cellphone if they need to

**flybouy** · 03-21-2021, 08:37 AM

Just have to ask, how often does the power go out? I haven't seen a battery operated tv with replacebale batteries in AA, C or D size for 20 years. Maybe a batter pack as suggested with a small inverter, say 100 watts for a small tv?

**chuckster57** · 03-21-2021, 08:39 AM

Jensen makes a line of 12VDC TV's for the Sun Seeker class C. Nice pictures and if you could figure out a way to have 12V they would be good..

**JRTJH** · 03-21-2021, 09:34 AM

A 1500 watt UPS would give you about an 90-120 minutes of run time for a 19" LED TV. You can often find an APC UPS on sale for $149 or less. Set it up with only the TV plugged into it and when the power goes off, it automatically provides power to the TV. Just turn the TV on and away you go. Remember, when the TV is plugged in, the remote monitor circuits will draw power as will the "instant on feature" so you'll need to either adjust the TV settings or unplug it when they aren't using it for weather reports.

wiredgeorge · 03-21-2021, 02:20 PM

Many years ago when living in Maryland above the DC line, we were invited to a time share presentation. For going, you got your choice of a recliner or LCD tv. Sat through a couple hours, didn't bite and was given my choice of valuable prizes. The recliner was a lawn chair and the LCD tv was teeny-tiny with a 2" screen. It was battery operated and I probably still have it somewhere although not sure it works on digital channels. Even when my eyesight was younger, a 2" screen just was too darn small. Thankfully, football teams use different color jerseys!

jasin1 · 03-21-2021, 02:44 PM

I love the office

notanlines · 03-22-2021, 02:13 AM

Our 32" Samsung in the RV bedroom is a smart TV 12 volt. I believe there are literally dozens available in all sizes online. How you power it is your job to configure. I believe John's UPS idea would fly if used in an extremely small TV.
Are they just hell-bent to watch Jim Cantore on Weather Channel or would they be better served with radio-based weather reporting?

You may also like: