HOW TO… WATCH TV ON TOUR

CARAVANNERS WHO ALWAYS head to campsites that provide you with hook-up don’t necessarily need to purchase a specialist 12V touring TV set, because a standard 240V domestic model will do the job just as well – and will probably work out cheaper, too.

If you are planning to buy a TV for touring, you could try Richer Sounds; John Lewis also offers free extended warranties.

Off-grid viewing

However, if you prefer to head off-grid, or can’t always rely on hook-up, a specialist 12V set is the way to go. These used to be pretty basic affairs, but in the era of the flat screen, you can buy a stylish, feature-packed TV, measuring 16in to 32in, from Avtex or Cello, among other brands.

One of the key features in modern caravan TVS is a digital processor that decodes satellite signals, like the better domestic sets. One example of this is the

Avtex 9 Series Pro, which comes with very powerful multi-tuner technology already built in.

Streaming options

This means, for example, that you can watch one Freeview channel while you record another, or watch Sky or a DVD and record Freeview. Astonishing tech for a caravan.

Such TV sets are also capable of streaming internet signals, or acquiring TV signals through a traditional TV aerial.

A 12V TV is designed to run on a voltage at, or very close to, 12V DC. However, in a caravan that is using battery power, the voltage can fluctuate (as widely as 10-15V), which if not regulated could cause damage to your TV.

The more expensive 12V TVS are designed to cope with these fluctuations, although some owners of cheaper TVS report that flat-screens have worked perfectly for years in their caravan.

John Sootheran