On Tue, 12 Oct 2010 09:02:56 -0700, Stephen Trapani
wrote:

I have a 1500w inverter. I presume there is no way to make the thing
into 12v. What I most want to know is what type of 19" HD flat screen
uses the least power (LCD?) and what is the rating on the TV to look for
to find the lowest power one. And yes, cost is a major factor. I do have
shore power at times, but would like to be able to use it on the hook.

And for those of you who insist upon philosophy of life with your
cruising. Yes, I am a real cruiser some times. No I am not a purist. Why
should I be? Purism is usually stupid. Along with being a cruiser, I am
a sports fan, a news junkie, a conversationalist, a poker player, an
explorer, a reader of literature, and about fifty other things. Why
restrict my world?

I would no more insist upon only cruising while cruising than I would
insist upon not reading while sitting on the ****ter, so as to be a more
pure ****ter. Stupid idea.

So, HDTV flat screen recommendations anyone?

Stephen

Free advice is worth what you pay for it, but here goes from a long
time, full time cruiser (ex) and EE....

Keep the 1500 W inverter for your microwave and coffepot. The standby
current will probably exceed the TV's current. Get a smaller one - we
used a 350 W which ran the 16" Panasonic TV, Magnavox DVD recorder,
Motorola Digital converter (for the DVD) and sometimes when the
Admiral would forget, a 60W lightbulb.

Look on the nameplate of the TV (sometimes it's also on the box) for
something like "0.9A" or "100W". A - Amps, W = Watts. Naturally the
lower the number the better.

A rule of thumb is that whatever Watts is listed divided by 10 = the
number of Amps drawn from the batteries. If the power is given in
Amps, multiply by 120 first. This takes into consideration the
efficiency and idle current draw of the inverter. Usually the Amps
will be less, probably because inverters are better now.

Hope this helps!

Rick