Entertainment system

cameron

I'm in the process of replacing the original JENSEN 24" TV that came with our Tab 400. It's too small, its resolution is too low, and it's not working. I haven't removed it yet, but it does appear to use a standard VESA mount, so a replacement should be easy, in theory. I will probably have to move or replace the existing mount, but considering how bad it is, it won't be missed.

I was originally considering installing an Apple TV (the little black box, probably mounted onto the back of the TV) to allow us to use various Apple features on the road with the rest of their "walled garden" products, e.g. iPhone, iPad, Macbook Pro notebooks, etc. The things we use the most are: (1) AirPlay (to share a screen from an Apple device to the TV) and (2) non-Apple apps like Plex, Hulu, etc. This simple set of uses would have been overkill for a dedicated (i.e. separate box) AC-powered AppleTV, especially since we don't use the TV all that much -- up until this current month-long-plus trip, we probably used it 2 hours a year, but we wanted to use it more this trip. Anyhow, I have found what I think is an ideal solution: The previous (not current!!!) version of the Samsung M5 Series 27" TV. It's actually a 1080p "Smart Monitor & Streaming TV (Tuner-Free)" with app support for Plex, Netflix, HBO, Prime Video, etc. It also has built-in Apple Airplay, built-in Bluetooth (that in theory can send the audio to the JENSEN radio in the Tab 400), and built-in speakers. So it looks like it will fit (it's close to the size limit!), and it checks all of the boxes.

I've been super-disappointed that JENSEN is still stuck in the 1990s with its technology (CDs and DVDs?!? 720p resolution?!? In 2024?!? 🤦‍♂️) but there just aren't any alternatives with Ultra Blu Ray support, and only one "in-dash" (RV) option with Blu Ray support, the over-priced BD1208 (https://recpro.com/rv-dvd-player/).

Previously, I installed HDMI from next to the bed (see the HDMI port below the fuse box in the pic below) running to the TV:

So the plan now is to run that HDMI, the HDMI from the Jensen, and the HDMI from the Blu-Ray, all into an auto-HDMI-switcher which will then go to the TV. The audio from the Blu-Ray will get split out in the HDMI switch and go into the back of the JENSEN (if you switch through the modes, you'll see one that says "Back" or something like that). Using that input, I can get both the Blu-Ray player and the HDMI in the picture above will both go to the JENSEN for amplification / distribution to the 3 zones of Tab speakers.

The weak spot in the plan might be the TV:

• First, it requires a network connection for its "smart" features and apps. And it does not appear to have any support for a wired connection, i.e. it is wi-fi only. Fortunately, I almost always have wi-fi on the road, so this one is already taken care of, I think.
• Second, while it can play audio to a Bluetooth receiver device, and it supports HDMI eARC for audio return, the TV does not have any "audio out" ports that I could pipe back to the JENSEN. Fortunately, the JENSEN does support Bluetooth, so in theory, the audio from (i) Apple Airplay to the TV and (ii) apps on the TV, can be sent via Bluetooth to the JENSEN for amplification / distribution to the 3 zones of Tab speakers.

Fingers crossed.

Horigan

I've been running my TV with an Apple Lightning Digital Video adapter and my iPhone and send the sound to the Jensen via Bluetooth.  Easy peasy.  You've got me considering a better (bigger) TV now...

cameron

Horigan said:

You've got me considering a better (bigger) TV now...

I haven't received the new one yet, so let me get it and test it and update this thread before you go wasting any time and/or money. If it fits well and works well, I think it'll be a popular option. For the record, the exact model number is LS27AM500NNXZA.

cameron

I'm hoping to be back on the road tomorrow (I've been stuck in Jackson MS for a couple weeks with our tow vehicle in the shop), but in the meantime, I ordered all the parts for the project and they are waiting for me at home (and a few may still be in transit):

* Samsung LS27AM500NNXZA M5 Series 27" Smart Monitor

* AutoPro BD1208 RV DVD Blue Ray Player - https://recpro.com/rv-dvd-player/ - if you order this from them, make sure to sign up an account first, and they'll send you a discount code (I didn't realize this, and missed the chance at the discount 😢)

* Proster 5x1 HDMI switch with audio output - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JDGBBXF

* Power converter for the HDMI switch - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H89LTP5

* Various HDMI cables and maybe 90 degree adapters (I have these already)

* A 1/8 TRRS to RCA (?) cable for routing the audio from the HDMI switch to the JENSEN radio (I have various forms of this already)

The TV is AC power only, but it'll have an AC-to-DC power supply internally, which I can bypass if it's converting to ~12v internally. There's already a 5.5x2.1 plug (with ~12v DC) for the JENSEN TV behind the screen that I could use. Otherwise, I'll need to run another AC home-run to the panel, or (more likely) tap off of the line that runs to the AC outlet behind the sink.

I'll probably keep the existing VESA mount, although I may need to move it, since the tolerances on the TV position will be much tighter with the newer and larger TV. After closely inspecting the mount, it seems to be reasonably well built; the only annoying issue is the catch on the locking system that normally keeps it from flopping around when driving.

The only hard part of this is the mounting of the BluRay player: I will need a new hole in the wall over the bed. I've already put a few holes in that wall for other projects, and I've removed and changed the wiring on the JENSEN radio already (for the hard power cut-off switch), so this should be pretty easy, assuming I can make everything fit -- which is a big assumption!

AnOldUR

cameron

AnOldUR said:

Looking at your monitor choice on Amazon it appears to be as you said, an internal power supply. Curious if it's the same 14V as used by the monitors with external power supplies?

You read my mind

Most electronics run their "back planes" at specific voltages, e.g. 5v or 12v (etc.), and most PC parts run at 12v, so I'm hoping that internally it's just a simple 12v power supply that I can bypass.

But even if it's not, I'm ok because I have a Victron 3000w inverter and 400Ah of LiFePo4.

AnOldUR

cameron

Finally got home from a 1+ month trip (a bit unexpected, due to serious tow vehicle failures).

A couple quick updates on this project:

1) The TV fits! As expected, since I measured before buying, but still, it fits! The mount will need to be moved downwards, though.

2) I did some research, and the DC power option would be super complicated, so I'm going to add an AC outlet. Fingers crossed that I can do so with a single junction box, but I think that there's room behind the fridge if I need to do something more complicated. (Safety first! All junctions MUST be in electrically rated boxes.)

3) As a side note, the reason why 12v-only power isn't an option is because Samsung power supplies appear to have two power rails: 12v (12.85v) and 272v or something crazy like that (for the backlighting). If I had lots of time, I could figure out a good way to solve this off of the 12v power, but I have 400ah of LiFePo4 and a 3000w inverter, so AC it is.

4) The AirPlay works well, although it takes a while before the iPhone or Mac will see it. The TV came with an ancient firmware, which I have since updated, so I assume it will work better after the update (haven't re-tested yet).

5) With the firmware update, the apps on the TV are now removable (yay!), so I got rid of all of the Samsung pre-installed bloatware. I haven't yet installed Plex, but I've got everything else working (Hulu, Disney+, etc.) There's a handy Spotify, AppleTV, and Netflix app, but I don't use any of those.

6) The new TV seems lighter and in many ways "feels smaller" than the old. I'll post some pics. You can see how the mounting screws on the Jensen are so much higher as well.

I've got about a dozen RV projects going at once right now, so no time to get bored.

rcarlson1957

Some good ideas. A lot of us camp where there is no cell signal or internet  but enjoy relaxing before bed watching a show and don't want to carry a bunch of DVDs around.  Most streaming services allow you to download shows for offline viewing on your iPhone or iPad. But many of them also no longer support Airplay or don't support forwarding content from your iPhone or iPad via the lightning to HDMI adapter to your TV. Curiously, some of those streaming services do allow you to download shows to a computer and forward it via HDMI to your TV. Not very consistent in their approach at all and can be frustrating. We use a lot streaming services (Prime, DirecTV, Netflix, MHz, Britbox, Acorn, PBS, etc) at home and like to watch a lot of favorite shows on the road too. Because of that we use a setup that has an Apple TV (we have multiple ones at home) when we have internet, a lightning to HDMI adapter for watching streaming services from iPhone, iPad to TV that allow it and a small microcomputer (Beeline - just a little bigger than an Apple TV) for those streaming services that that block output from the Apple adapter and Airplay. Also store all my manuals for the camper and other things on it. Use a 3 port manual HDMI switch (the automatic ones normally require A/C power) to select whatever we want to watch. Mounting it all underneath the twin bed extension shelf on passenger side for easy access.  Wish streaming services were more consistent in their approach to downloading shows for offline viewing so could keep things a lot simpler. But such is life. 

cameron

A lot of us camp where there is no cell signal or internet

Yeah, we love many of the state and national forests, and camp there a fair bit. Many of them have zero bars of cell service, or maybe one bar. I use a "WeBoost" antenna called the "Destination RV", and it works surprisingly well once you figure out the how-to-aim-it voodoo. If you have any interest in these, they do a Black Friday sale every year with the best discounts they offer, so only buy then!

Anyhow, the way it works is that it has a directional antenna (a little flag shaped thing) that goes up on a telescoping pole that ties in next to the RV. I'll try to dig up some pics of my installation. Here's the inside antenna (the amplifier is under the closet in the back, and the cabling is all hidden to the front where the antenna is):

Here's what it looks like on the outside:

Anyhow, it works pretty well, and usually adds 2-3 bars of service. Aiming it requires a patient iterative process, where you have to go through all 360 degrees, a bit at a time, pausing (15 seconds or so) each turn to see the effect on the cell phone signal, and then dialing in to the best angle with smaller and smaller adjustments.

Curiously, some of those streaming services do allow you to download shows to a computer and forward it via HDMI to your TV.

Yup! I've noticed the same! I wish stuff "just worked" and they didn't abuse people who legit are paying for the content (e.g. us). Instead, it seems that they make everything difficult and painful for us, the people who actually pay for the crap.

Use a 3 port manual HDMI switch (the automatic ones normally require A/C power) to select whatever we want to watch. Mounting it all underneath the twin bed extension shelf on passenger side for easy access.

That's a pretty nice set-up. I got a 5 port manual/automatic switch (I can toggle the auto on/off), but only need 3 ports at the moment. (The cost was the same as the 3 port version from the same vendor, and the 5-port version had better reviews, and just in case I ever need to add another port, I'll be ready!) I will power it via a 12v to 5v power supply converter, so it won't need AC power. (But my TV will run off of AC power, which I have plenty of in theory.)