Antenna for in-car TV

[nickmann]

Hi, Can anyone offer any advice. I've just acquired a 1-din DVD player and a TFT screen. On receipt yesterday I notice that it has a TV tuner built-in. It wasn't a feature that I especially wanted, but it's there so I'm quiet keen to explore the possibilities.

The unit has a co-axial input on the back for an antenna. I see that there are loads of amplified 2-way and 4-way antennas advertised on ebay and elsewhere for about £20, but only a small number of these list a co-ax connection.

So here's the questions -
Are all antenna's the same, or are they easily modded, ie chop plugs off and fit coaxial plugs?
Is TV going to be any good, or will the reception be variable depending on weather and direction of travel? If so I'll just stick to DVDs.

Thanks in advance

 

[sparkyspost]

Nick,

There was a discussion on another forum about TV Tuners for ICE, and the thoughts were that TV on the move wouldn't be fantastic.
Looking at the products that are around, I would say that the TV ariel would be more specific, something to do with the frequency for reception of TV vs Radio.

However as I'm no expert, why not ask some guys who are.
There is a company called Car Audio Security who have a forum on their site, and they are also cheap. They are based in London, but do deliver for their internet customers. (I see you are in Guernsey)

The thread for the brief discussion was:
http://caraudiosecurity.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=143

You could always phone them about the ariel telling them which product you have.

They sell one for the pioneer (79GBP) at:
http://caraudiosecurity.com/catalog/product_info.php+products_id+76

Good Luck.
Cheers

Sparky

 

[nickmann]

Thats just what I needed to know - thanks Sparky. You have saved me wasting time and money on TV!

Just as well, - I tried the Infra-Red headphones last night and there's interference from the engine. It sounds just like the radio in a 1980 Datsun Cherry!! I thought infra-red was immune to al that. Methinks I'm gonna have to spend more to get a better headphone system.

 

[sparkyspost]

IR Headphones

Hi Nick,

Glad to have helped.

If you are having problems with your IR headphones and interference, I would go back to the guys that sold you them or try the C.A.S. forum, and ask why its happening. It will depend what kit you have.

You may be able to get some sort of suppressor, to reduce interference, or there may be a simple solution. I seem to remember a discussion about interference on DVD playback from one of the threads on C.A.S. and I think they recommended a switch to turn off the ariel or something, as they were using an FM modulator to send the sound through the Head unit.

Sorry if its a bit vague, but am fighting off a cold.

Best of luck.

Cheers

Sparky.

 

[nickmann]

Thanks for that. I called them up and they have suggested a Ground Loop Isolator, whatever that is? Anyway, it was 8 quid, so one is winging its way toward me so may have a fix quite soon. If that doesn't work then I'll send 'em back and look for some better quality ones.

Player and screen are working well though

Good luck with the cold. Try Daytime TV - I find that generally causes me to recover and get back to work PDQ.