By Roger Berke
I recently replaced my Front TV with a 40 inch LCD.
Our objective in installing replacement TV was to squeeze the largest LCD that would not totally overwhelm the coach and be enough out of the way so we would not bump our heads every time we walked through. This may not appeal to everyone, but it works great for us.
We searched for the right TV for some time before we selected Samsung LN-T4061-F – 40″. This TV displays 1080i. We selected this TV for many reasons. The physical dimensions of the cabinet (height/length/depth) were among the smallest. The built-in TV speakers are actually in the bottom back, making the border around the LCD screen the smallest. We do not use the speakers from the TV; we send the sound through the Bose sound system that is built into our coach. We actually made up a cardboard box mockup and taped it in place to make sure that we would be able to live with the size.
The TV is mounted on a very heavy-duty bracket that we purchased from Costco.
The TV weighs about 45 pounds. The bracket is rock solid; the only thing that moves is the TV case flexes slightly. The bracket screws and bolts to the left front of the existing TV cabinet. The right side of the bracket has a ¾” thick piece of walnut lumber that moves the TV out so that the center component cabinet door will just open. The right side is screwed and bolted to the existing TV cabinet. Even though the TV covers about ½ of the center cabinet door, you can open the door and easily reach behind the TV to operate the component controls.
In planning the replacement I was concerned about the TV hanging down too far. In the final result, my line of sight when driving I can just see the top of the windshield. I can easily reach the on/off switch when driving!
This is an “in motion” system and it works pretty good except every time you drive under an underpass or the southern view is blocked, the picture freezes. If you drive in the tree-lined road where there the southern sky is blocked for more than 4 or 5 minutes… the dish gets confused and can’t find the satellite. You have to stop the coach, turn the antenna off, and then on, allow it to find the satellite before you move. Takes 3 or 4 minutes.
I was not happy about having to have to add the Winegard HD Satellite interface so that we can receive satellite 110°W, where most of the HD programming is located. This was a brand new dome. It requires rewiring and costs just under $500.
Components….
See the center overhead cabinet photo.
Direct TV receiver: We purchased the Direct HD TV DVR. The DVR (Digital Video Recorder) will allow you to record programs and watch them at a later time. This is WONDERFUL. The receiver has multiple outputs. One of the HDMI outputs feed directly to the TV and the component (video / right sound / left sound) feeds the RF converter. The RF converter sends video and audio to the back TV via coaxial cable. The Bose sound system is connected to the receiver so we get surround sound in our coach.
DVD / VCR – Nothing special here….
RF converter: Sends DVD/VCR and Media MVP video and audio to front and back TV.
See right overhead cabinet photo
Plays MPG2 movies and television programs that are on my desktop computer in the motorhome.
Bose Sound System was built into our motorhome from the factory.
Kyocera KR1 Router – We connect to the Internet using the Kyocera KPC-650 PCMCIA card that is plugged into the back of this router.
Linksys WiFi Router – Connects the KR1, Media MVP and provides WiFi in and around our coach. There is a CAT5 cable that goes through the overhead cabinet, down behind the couch and on to 3rd router that is at the built-in desk in our coach.
A/C Switch Box – Allows me to turn on or off individual components. This is especially valuable when we are dry camping. The Direct TV receiver / DVR draws about 30 watts even when off.
See over door overhead cabinet photo.
Uninterruptible power supply – All of the components above are supplied by this power supply. This protects them from power surges and supplies continuous power when switching from shore power to inverter power.
The good ….
The HD programs are to die for….
Surprises …..
* ‘New’ model dish that we purchased will not receive three satellites. (see above)
* Signal breaks up when you do not have a clear view of the southern sky.
I guess that if I had thought about this beforehand it should have not been a surprise.
* The LCD screen gets MUCH warmer than I expected.
