REPORT

Television 2 go

By Reinold Növermann
21.08.2008, 09:15

Translation by Siobhán Hayes

The world is becoming more and more mobile and many travellers no longer want to do without the television reception they are used to. As a result, there are many different options which allow users to view the news, sports competitions or their favourite programmes when on the move.

The product range of the manufacturers ranges from small handheld devices which have a screen size of just a few centimetres to normal sized screens, which are of course only suitable for mobile use to a limited extent.

If you would like to buy a mobile television, you will find a large range of different areas of application as well as large differences in price. Are you looking for a mobile television for TV viewing in your car, do you want a television for your mobile home which will not be used during travel or do you simply want to be able to watch television on the go anywhere?

Complete systems for your car

For TV reception in your car, there are two fundamental options: the first is the radio with integrated TV tuner and fixed display, which is generally not larger than 3,6 inches (about 9 cm) in normal case. This TV tuner allows you to receive digital terrestrial television (DVB-T), which is now also available in most European countries outside of Germany.

The other option is a radio with a "Dash-In" display, which lifts out of the central console at the touch of a button and folds up. These screens are available in sizes of up to about 7 inches (18 cm). There is hardly any price difference between both systems, but they are only suitable to a limited extent for television enjoyment in the back seat.

A foldaway screen saves space and also provides a larger screen than fixed screens in the console. (Picture: Pioneer)

However, with integration into a radio, the buyer does not have to worry about power supply. Power is provided through the standard 12 volt radio connection. For the back, it is recommended that you buy additional monitors which can be integrated into the headrests, for example, and are generally supplied with power through batteries or rechargeable batteries.

The greatest advantage of complete systems available on the market is that the DVD player and radio are already completely integrated. Most of the models also provide additional connectors for other external devices such as games consoles or navigation systems. Rear view cameras can also be retrofitted with little outlay.

When buying a complete system, you should ensure that the screen has god viewing angles so that the image can be seen from any seat. Modern LCD monitors have a horizontal viewing angle of at least160 degrees, which is sufficient for installation in a car.

In addition, a low level of power consumption is important: after all, the devices run in a car and when the engine is switched off, the battery is drained. If you want to be completely safe, you should have a second battery installed after the system is installed to make it possible to watch television in the car without a bad conscience when the engine is not running.

If you are assembling a Car PC for yourself, you should use special monitors for the ca which use low levels of power and can be run on a batter or 12V connection. (Picture: Pioneer)

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