When choosing a TV, you will probably already have a good idea of the sort of thing you're looking for: colour or black & white, 5", 10" or 14" screen, teletext or not and so on. But there are many more features available on portable TVs and you should carefully consider the following options:  

       Will you want to operate the TV on 24 volts or only 12V & 230V?

       Will you be taking your TV abroad?   

       How much power can you afford to use whilst watching TV?

       Will you want to want to use your TV to watch video tapes or as a monitor for a camera?

If you want to watch TV abroad, you'll need to buy a model which is compatible with the systems used in the countries which you'll be visiting. Most countries in Western Europe use a system called PAL BG but the U.K. has a slightly different system called PAL I. The French have a completely different one altogether - SECAM L while Russia and most other Eastern European countries use a variety of SECAM called SECAM BG.

A television designed to work only in the U.K. will simply not work in any other European country except Ireland but, even there, some areas are only served by VHF services which some TVs may not be able to receive.

If you never go to France or Eastern Europe, a dual PAL system TV could be just the thing. Look for PAL I/BG in the specifications. For most people venturing abroad however, the most practical solution is a full multi-system set which will work absolutely anywhere in Europe. We have several to choose from, including TV/video combinations. Look for sets which operate on PAL BG/1 SECAM BG/L.

If you're concerned about power consumption, bear in mind that a B&W set will use far less power (1 amp per hour approx. for a 10" screen) than a colour set (4 amps per hour approx. for a 10" screen).

A small screen TV will use less than one with a large screen. A 5" colour screen will use approx. 1.5 amps per hour. Least power-hungry of all are L.C.D. TVs. A 4"model can use less than one amp per hour.

Running your TV from home with an inverter while away in your caravan, boat or truck might sound like a good idea but many inverters will produce a certain amount of interference on most TVs. The interference may be slight - usually it's a thin white line scrolling up the screen - but, once you've spotted it, you may find yourself watching the interference rather than the programme. Some TVs are affected more badly than others but you won't know how badly your TV will be affected until you try it.

Another pitfall to be aware of is that, although a domestic 14" TV may only draw in the region of 50 watts, when the TV is first switched on it can draw an awful lot more - more than some small inverters are able to provide. So a 150W inverter may not necessarily be powerful enough.

Furthermore, an inverter will consume power itself so that running a TV via an inverter will use significantly more electricity than a TV running on 12V or 24V D.C.

If you must use an inverter and you want to be sure that you won't have problems, use an inverter with a pure sine wave output or one that has been produced with the necessary filters to remove potential sources of interference.

Several portable TVs now come with teletext and it can be a very useful feature to have. However, teletext is very dependent on a strong signal and, if you're in an area with poor reception or your TV aerial is not particularly efficient, you may not be able to receive teletext properly. Instead, you will see partial pages and gobbledygook.

If you want to be maximise your chances of receiving text, use a good quality, external aerial with an amplifier.

The picture on any TV can only be as good as the signal it receives from the transmitter. Teletext, in particular, will not work at all without a strong, clear signal. All our TVs have built-in aerials but, in areas of poor reception, you may still need an external aerial, preferably one that amplifies the signal before passing it to the TV. We have several to choose from.

Another point to bear in mind is that, the higher the aerial, the better your chances of getting a good signal. If possible, mount your aerial on a pole.

Can you receive digital TV on a portable set either now or in the future? In theory yes, in exactly the same way as you can receive it at home - via a set-top box. This could be powered from a small inverter without difficulty. Of course, digital TV is available at the moment via satellite, cable or Freeview and the satellite method is currently the only reliable way to receive digital transmissions when you're on the move.

In America though, many campgrounds and truckstops have cable TV & internet hook-ups available so, maybe one day……

Yes and no. The law states that if you have a licensed TV at home but then go away and watch another TV in your truck, boat, motorhome, caravan, etc. you do not need another licence. Unless, that is, there are still people in your home who will be watching the TV you left behind. In that case, you must buy a second licence in the normal way to cover your portable set

If you're having a problem with your portable TV, a good first move is to try using it at home with it powered by 230V A.C. and connected to a domestic aerial or cable feed. If the set works but won't work in your vehicle, have a look at the following checklist.

No power at all:

Check fuses in the power cord plug, the circuit feeding the socket and - if you are technically competent - inside the set itself.

Note: Never start a vehicle's engine while a TV or any other appliance is connected to a lighter socket or other socket powered from the engine's electrical system. A surge of power can blow fuses or cause more serious damage

Set won't switch on even though there's power getting through. AND / OR Picture appears too small for screen:

Probably caused by lack of power. The battery may be low or the distance from power source to the TV is causing voltage drop in the cable. The best course of action is to see if the TV works on mains power or when connected to another source of D.C. power. If it does, check the vehicle's battery and, if possible, check the voltage going into the TV while it is switched on. If battery is OK but voltage at the TV is low - < 12V - consider using thicker power cable or plugging the TV in nearer the battery to reduce voltage drop.

There's a picture but no sound:

This is a surprisingly common problem and often arises when someone has taken advantage of a bargain seen in a French or Spanish service station. TVs sold on the Continent, unless there's a label on the box which specifically states that the set works on PAL I, will not pick up sound on UK TV.

Set comes on but it won't tune in:

Make sure that all switches on the TV are set to the correct positions.

Check that the aerial is connected correctly.

Introduction

Freeview is the terrestrial digital TV transmissions broadcast in the UK. It can provide over 30 TV channels and 20 radio stations through your existing TV aerial. History The first digital TV transmissions in the UK were broadcast by a commercial company called OnDigital. These required an upfront payment to buy a receiver box, then a monthly subscription to receive the service. OnDigital receivers were based on a closed platform (MediaHighway), and a limited number of manufacturers produced them. They all had to run the same MediaHighway middleware. The OnDigital service struggled on for a few years, gaining market penetration, but eventually failed. Following the demise of OnDigital, the BBC spearheaded the Freeview initiative, which was launched in 2002. The idea was that the platform would be opened up, providing the opportunity for more equipment manufacturers to enter the market. This would increase competition, and drive down the cost of the boxes. Also since no subscription was required, the cost to the consumer became a single on-off payment to purchase their receiver.

Freeview Channels

Freeview includes some great channels, some not so great. You get over 30 TV channels, including all 4 main BBC channels and all 4 main ITV channels, childrens channels, news channels from the BBC, ITV and Sky, music channels and various lifestyle and shopping channels.

Freeview Set Top Box

 Introduction

One way to get Freeview is using a set top box. There are so many of these available that it can be difficult to choose the one that is right for you. This page should help you come to some decision.

Main Features

There are some fairly large decisions you need to come to first.

There are 3 main types of freeview box available:

Standard Set Top Box

Your TV aerial is plugged into your set top box, which is connected to your TV (usually using a SCART socket). The set top box decodes the digital signal and outputs it in analogue format for your existing TV to display. This is the cheapest option for receiving Freeview.

PVR

Similar to the standard set top box, but had a built in hard disk. This can be used to pause live TV and record programs for watching later. The cost of PVRs has fallen, making them an attactive option now. DVD Recorder Similar to the standard set top box, but had a built in DVD recorder, which can be used for record programs. Make sure it's got a Freeview tuner in it though or you won't get Freeview.

Freeview TVs are also available

if your TV needs replacing you may want to consider replacing it with a TV capable of receiving Freeview.

Other Features

Some other features that you may want include:

EPG (Electronic Program Guide).

Shows TV listings on your TV screen. Most EPGs show 7 days of programmes.

Interactive Services (Digital Text).

Many channels have interactive services. These include information services, games, placeholders (displayed when a channel is not broadcasting) and true interative services allowing you to choose different video streams to watch during a program.

Dual SCART connections.

Allows connection to your TV and your VCR so that you can watch or record Freeview (note you probably can't do both at the same time). Some receivers have "RGB Passthrough", allowing you to connect your DVD player through your set top box, saving a SCART connection on your TV. RF Modulator. If your TV does not have any spare SCART sockets then you need a set top box with an RF modulator. This encodes the signal to radio frequencies. You can then tune a spare channel on your TV to this, just as if it was another channel being broadcast from the transmitter. If your TV has spare SCART sockets, use them instead - you'll get a better picture.

Common Interface.

Allows connection of an external module that can be used to receive "Top Up TV" service. This service gives you extra channels for a monthly fee.

Freeview Aerial Requirements

In order to receive Freeview you need an appropriate aerial. You may be able to use your existing analogue aerial, or you may need to change you aerial. Why would you need to change your aerial? There are several reasons why an aerial upgrade may be required, including:

You are using a local repeater for analogue reception A local repeater receives the analogue TV signal from the main transmitter, then broadcasts is again on a different frequency to a small area which would get poor reception from the main transmitter.

This is common is towns and cities, where there is a signal shadow, e.g. caused by a hill between the transmitter and the town. Many of these repeaters will not repeat the digital signal. Often repeaters require your aerial to be vertically aligned (i.e. with the spiky bits sticking up and down), wheras most main transmitters require your aerial to be horizontally aligned (i.e. with the spiky bits sticking side to side).

Digital TV is broadcast on a frequency for which your aerial is not designed Some aerials are designed to cover narrow frequency ranges, only part of the frequency range allocated for TV transmissions. This allows more gain (which gives better reception) over that frequency range. These aerials are often referred to as "narrowband".

Analogue transmissions are grouped together so that a narrowband aerial can be used to receive all channels from a single transmitter.

When digital was added, it was not always possible to place the digital signals in the frequency range. This means that your current narrowband aerial may not give sufficient gain to receive the digital transmissions. In such cases a change to a "wideband" aerial (one that is designed to receive the entire TV frequency range) may be necessary. Digital TV signal is too weak for your current aerial Analogue TV degrades slowly with poor signal conditions. If you have a weak analogue signal you may notice more noise (speckles or snowy effects) or interference. Digital TV degrades much more rapidly, and tends to either work well or not at all. If you have poor analogue reception, you may need a better (higher gain) aerial to receive digital signals. A signal booster may help (particularly if it is close to the aerial), but may just amplify your existing noise.

 Will My Current Aerial Work?

There are 4 things to check which will give an indication of whether your current aerial will receive digital signals. If all of these are OK, then you stand a chance of receiving digital signals with your current aerial. If any one is not OK, then you will probably need to upgrade your aerial.

1. Check whether you can receive Freeview in your area using an online postcode checker such as the one on the DTG website. Enter your postcode - if you can receive Freeview, then click on the "Tell me more" link and it will give details of the compass bearing to your transmitter and the aerial group (A, B, CD, E, K or W) and polarisation (horizontal or vertical). Make a note of these details - we are about to check whether your existing aerial matches these.

2. Check whether your aerial is pointing the correct direction. Get a compass and check whether your aerial points the same direction as the compass bearing given on the DTG we site. If you don't have a compass, you can get a rough idea by the position of the sub. The sun rises at around 90 degrees (east), should be at about 180 degrees at noon (south), and sets around 270 degrees (west). Note that using this technique is only useful to tell whether your aerial is point in the rough direction of the transmitter - it is not suitable for aligning the aerial. Alternatively, if you have neighbours that can receive freeview, compare your aerial direction with theirs.

3. Check the polarisation of your current aerial by looking at the spikes that stck out of it. They should either point side to side (horizontal alignment) or up and down (vertical alignment). Check that this matches the alignment given on the DTG web site.

4. Look at the coloured bung on the end of your aerial (the end pointing towards the transmiter). This should be one of the following colours, which identify the aerial group (or band).

Bung Colour Aerial Group Red A (21-37) Yellow B (35-53) Green CD (48-68) Brown E (35-68) Grey K (21-48) Black W (wideband 21-68)

If your existing aerial covers your digital group (e.g. if your existing aerial has a red bung, it is a group A aerial. If the DTG website identified that you need a Group A aerial to receive digital than your current aerial may be OK, otherwise you'll need a new one.

See the following table for a list of bung colours that may work for different aerial groups:

Group Given On DTG Website Bung Colours that may be OK A Red, Grey, Black B Yellow, Brown, Black CD Green, Brown, Black E Brown, Black K Grey, Black W Black.

 If all of these checks are OK, you may be able to receive digital TV with your current aerial. Try to borrow a receiver from a friend and try it out. If you can't, you could buy one, but be prepared to spend money on an upgrade. What Can You Do? The best thing to do is to consult a local aerial specialist. Using one recommended by someone else if probably a good bet.

Alternatively, the CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) has a databases of CAI members, who are professionally qualified and independently monitored. You could choose to install a new aerial yourself, however before taking this decision, make sure you are fully aware of what you are taking on. It may involve high heights and the use of ladders. Make sure you take any necessary precautions to protect yourself. Aligning an aerial is tricky without a signal meter. The bars on your Freeview receiver are not usually good enough for this job.

The CAI also benchmark aerials, and rate them into standards. You could use this information to help choose a new aerial. See the CAI website for details of how this works and information about the aerials that they have tested. DIY Upgrade Firstly and most importantly, keep yourself safe. No amount of TV, digital or otherwise, is worth risking a serious injury for. Consider getting a professional in instead.

Still reading? OK - Consider where to position the new aerial. An external roof mounted aerial will give far superiour reception over an aerial mounted in your loft, but is usually more difficult to install. Also consider whether you can reuse the exising coax aerial lead. You may want to replace this with a high quality coax for better signal reception. Use the DTG web site to find the direction, aerial group and polarisation. Purchase an aerial to match the group. If you are a long way from the transmitter you'll need an aerial with higher gain.

If you are close to the transmitter then a lower gain aerial will be lighter and easier to install. Use a compass to get the bearing on the transmitter. It is important to get this accurate, particularly with high gain aerials. Align the spikes on the aerial according to the DTG website (side to side for horizontal polarisation or up and down for vertical polarisation). Once you've mounted the aerial and cabled it, you can test it out. Most receivers have crude signal meters which can be used to fine tune the position of the aerial - get a friend to help here shouting when the meter goes up or down. Once you are happy, tighten all adjustments on your aerial to ensure that it will not move.

What’s it all about?

Satellite television has many advantages over “normal” TV for anyone who wants to watch TV whilst on the move.

You must have a clear view to the South, Which is where the signal comes from. Secondly, the choice of channels and programmes is immense and includes radio stations. Thirdly, and most importantly to many people, U.K. TV channels are available over a large area of Europe so that, even as far south as Portugal or Greece even North Africa, you can still watch the programs you would be watching at home. However, receiving satellite TV can be as easy or as complicated as you make it. It is not just a simple matter of connecting a dish to a TV and pointing it at the sky, not for Digital broadcast anyway. The Digital signal is an exact signal, either you have it or you don’t. The equipment you need is a dish, a DVB receiver (digibox) a television and of course some method of locating the satellite signal, even with this equipment it may prove difficult to locate and retain the signal. Alternatively, a fully automatic satellite system such as the Oyster range will locate the signal and retain the signal all by the press of a button. Absolutely no hassle.

What Size of Dish do I Need?

 The Astra 2 footprint map shows that an Oyster Caro 55cm System is adequate for the UK and most of Central Europe. The 65cm Oyster SamY System is more than adequate for the reception of British broadcasted television in most of Europe, but for those of us that head to Southern Spain and Portugal, an 85cm Oyster would be advised. You should then receive most of your favourite channels without a problem. ( Please note that the software settings will need to be altered on your Digibox ). You may not be able to receive BBC and  ITV and some of the “Premium Channels” as they are broadcasted from the Astra 2D satellite, which has a footprint that only covers the U.K. Eire and northern France. Further information can be found on the Astra website http://www.astra.lu

Is there a 12v “Digibox” available?

There was! However, many that are available now are graded and as such cannot be guaranteed. When we install a system we now include a small inverter that is far more reliable.

Does it need a Telephone Line to Work?

No, it does not need a phone line to work.

Please note when we supply a Digibox, we supply it with no contractual obligations to Sky.

Digital TV doesn't have to be a daunting prospect. When you get satellite from TLC Limited we'll do our best to make sure everything goes smoothly, so you can have peace of mind.

 

 Freesat

Do I have to switch to digital TV?

 

Yes. The government has decided the analogue television signal will be turned off around the country TV region by TV region between 2008 and 2012. However, the sooner you go digital, the sooner you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of all the digital TV and radio channels available on the digital satellite platform.

I can't get Freeview in my ‘Van, will I be able to get freesat?

What's the difference between Freeview and Freesat from Sky?

With freesat from Sky you receive the digital signal via a satellite dish. With Freeview, the digital signal is received via an aerial. Freeview currently has coverage in around 73% of the country compared with Sky’s coverage of 98%.* Freesat from Sky also has over five times the number of channels available on Freeview and you can upgrade to Sky digital at any time without the need for new digital satellite equipment or installation.

Sky’s incredible 98% coverage means it’s almost certain you’ll be able to receive the digital satellite signal even if you stay in an area where you can’t receive Freeview’s digital terrestrial signal.

Yes, all current terrestrial TV stations are available through the satellite network as are a large number of radio channels including Radio 1 through’ to 5, also a selection of lifestyle channels will be available to you. You will, however, need a “Digibox” to de-crypt the signal and a “Free to View” card, which as a UK TV licence holder you would be entitled to. You will not receive any “premium Sky channels” unless you were to take out a subscription with BskyB.