After the digital transition occured in Feb. 2009, almost all analog mobile TV sets became little more than electronic paper weights. How many? An approximate 8 million according to Consumer Electronics Association (2006 estimate), and not one converter box manufacture has produced a workable solution. One digital-to-anlog converter box maker, Winegard, has produced a dtv box which can be optionally powered by 6 D batteries, and run for an estimated 18 hours…but how do you connect it to a mobile TV with no inputs?
Our review focuses on the 4 most popular (for 2010) handheld TV sets w/ built-in digital tuners on the market.
Reminder: The handhelds featured in this review are built with an ATSC tuner, not capable of receiving broadcast signals while in motion. (More info)
Haier HLT71 7-Inch Portable LCD TV
Price: $79.54 @ Amazon
Positive:
7-inch portable LCD TV with ATSC/NTSC tuner, that WILL work after the 6/12/2009 Digital Transition
Selectable screen aspect ratio of 16:9 or 4:3
Audio/video jack and coaxial output; detachable antenna
rechargeable Li-polymer battery
Negative:
Some reviews have reported a battery life of approximtely 2 to 2 1/2 hours
The bottom line:
The HLT71 includes an AC power adapter, a car adapter, and the digital tuner seems to rate well with reception of DTV signals. At the current price point, the Haier HLT71 has been the current top seller at Amazon for mobile DTVs.
Product Description:
Haier Hlt71 7″ Portable Lcd Tv7″ Lcd Tv; Electronic Volume Control; Selectable 4:3 Or 16:9 Aspect Ratio; Auto Search; A/V Stereo Inputs; Closed Caption ; Includes Remote And Rechargeable Battery; Dim: 5.6″H X 7.5″W X 1.1″D
Axion AXN-8701 7-Inch Widescreen Portable Handheld TV with Built-In Tuner
Price: $73.35 @ Amazon
Positive:
Built-in NTSC/ATSC tuner for both analog and digital channels – so it WILL work after the June 12, 2009 Digital Transition
7-Inch widescreen LCD portable handheld TV
A/V input for external audio/video sources
Rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery
Negative:
Built-in antenna – Bunnyears style (Not always good for reception of DTV signals)
Battery cannot be charged while TV is plugged into car adapter
The bottom line:
The AXN-8701 has nice built-in features such as an A/V input for external audio/video sources (ie: video games, VCR, DVD, etc.). Light weight, compact, and a Rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery makes this portable TV a good choice.
Product Description:
7″ widescreen LDC mobile TV with hi-resolution and hi-brightnessBuild in NTSC/ATSC tuner for both analog and digital channelsBrightness adjustableBuild-in antenna allows easy repositioning for receptionA/V input for external audio/video sourcesBuild-in speakerBuild-in rechargeable lithium-polymer batteryCard style remoter controlHeadphone jack and volume control
Tivax HiRez7 Portable 7-Inch Digital Widescreen LCD TV
Price: $99.99 @ Amazon
Positive:
ATSC Tuner, that WILL work after the 6/12/2009 Digital Transition
7″ Widescreen LCD Digital TV
3-in-1 Card Reader!! I haven’t seen any other mobile DTV’s with this option yet.
Can use both antenna and cable
Includes two rechargeable Li-ion batteries up to 1.5-hour usage
Built in stereo speakers
Will work with alkaline batteres
Negative:
3.5 Stars out of 5 on Amazon reviews, but most of the bad reviews were because of the the Tivax HiRez7’s reception. As with all handheld DTV’s, you must use a good external antenna. This is especailly important if you’re in a rural area.
The bottom line:
One of the better looking mobile DTVs on the market, lots of options, definitely a unit worth considering.
Product Description:
7-Inch widescreen active matrix TFT screen
Integrated ATSC digital tuner for digital broadcast reception
External rod antenna provided for over-the-air signal reception
Audio/Video inputs for connection to external Audio/Video source
Audio output for connection to external audio systems
Built-in stereo speakers
Earphone output for private listening
Large capacity rechargeable Li-battery
USB Port & Card Slot for playing digital media file
Closed Caption and Parental Control supported
Card style full function remote control
Specifications:
Audio/Video Input
Audio Output
Earphone Output
Antenna Input
Mini USB
3-in-1 Card Reader
12V DC Input for AC-DC Adapter
Input Voltage for AC – DC Adapter: 90 ~ 240V
Power Consumption: Less than 15W
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 8.7″ x 5.1″ x 1.2″
Unit Weight: 1.3 lbs
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