Stealth Streaming Device and Spare HDMI Port

manyman297

This may have already been discussed but instead of using the inconvenient HDMI port on the Jensen unit, I rigged up a way to have our Amazon Fire Stick attached to the back of the TV with an HDMI switch inline. This will let you still use the Jensen’s HDMI port on the front of the unit and still have a streaming device always attached and ready. The switch is maybe $10 and the install is dead simple. 

XenanMe

Love this!  Do you have details on the switch that you used?

manyman297

I literally ordered that switch 4 days ago and now it’s not on amazon. Here’s a similar one but there are a million iterations on Amazon:

HDMI Splitter 2 in 1 Out 4K 60hz HDMI Switch 2 in 1 Out, HDMI Switcher 2 Port, No Power Required, Sharing HD Video, PC Gaming Accessories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085DKZX2B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Q8J5G8NCBBB4PKN3V3J7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

jimrj

@manyman297- Does the Fire Stick need a WiFi connection to work?

JeffroNC

@jimrj yes, the Fire Stick is a Wifi streaming device and it will use up your data plan in short order if you use a phone or stand alone hot spot. An alternative is to stream directly off your phone with an HDMI cable.
While is might be too nerdy for most folks, I used a Raspberry Pi to build a Kodi server with hundreds of hours of old TV shows, movies, music, and audio books on it. No signal needed.
I also use an HDMI switch like the one in this thread to switch between sources.

CrabTab

We aren't as 'ol skool techie' as @JeffroNC. We use a tablet with a display port adapter to bring the signal to the HDMI splitter.  I load it up with content before we hit the road. For longer trips we use a VPN (for a secure channel) on public WIFI to load different content (Downloading uses much less data than streaming if you're doing this with your phone).

We decided to go with an iPad mini for this task. It works with many android tablets or phones too. Just make sure you have video output capabilities on your device (our Motorola phones wouldn't work, for example) and the correct adapter. There are discussions on the forum about what different folks use.

JeffroNC

@CrabTab LOL
Good to meet you at UCamp.

AnOldUR

HDMI switch to go between the Jensen DVD and Firestick. The box at the top strips out the audio to feed a small sound bar. Also a 12V to 5V converter (bottom left) to power the Firestick and sound bar. I’m using phone as hotspot for the Firestick, but HDMI directly from phone sometimes gives a better picture when service is weak.

manyman297

AnOldUR said:

HDMI switch to go between the Jensen DVD and Firestick. The box at the top strips out the audio to feed a small sound bar. Also a 12V to 5V converter (bottom left) to power the Firestick and sound bar. I’m using phone as hotspot for the Firestick, but HDMI directly from phone sometimes gives a better picture when service is weak.

Nice, clean install! Looks good.

JP2558

I did the same thing too, and added a rocker switch to the power line so I can turn off the dreaded sleep deprivation blue LED on the front of the TV found here:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QWTY3VV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

KK1L

@jp2558 I like the switch idea! I went the classic route and used a small square of black electrical tape there and on all the outlets. I also put a strip on the front of the porch light rocker which just leaves the right amount of glow. 

kevenv

If you add a splitter to the power port on the fire stick (search for 2 in 1 micro usb adapter), you can hook up a usb drive to the Firestick loaded with shows/movies/whatever. No wifi required to watch saved content. See below for how to:

https://www.lifewire.com/connect-usb-drive-to-firestick-5201861#:~:text=Connect the Amazon Fire TV,USB drive has been detected.

GigHarborTom

Maybe we are wierd. Never use the TVs or sound system on our trailers. Kinda like the sound of silence. Most of our time is outdoors.