Small Televisions for Kitchens, Bedrooms and Caravans

TECH · GLOBAL

Small Televisions for Kitchens, Bedrooms and Caravans

Where a small screen makes sense, mounting, 12 volt models and inputs

Small televisions have become a specialist category, and they suit places where a large screen is impractical rather than being a compromise.

Where they make sense

Kitchens, spare bedrooms, workshops, caravans and boats. In a kitchen you are moving around and half-watching, which is a completely different use from a living room.

Measure the viewing distance first. At two metres, a 32 inch screen is entirely adequate for casual viewing, and a larger one simply will not fit under a cupboard.

Resolution at small sizes

Below about 40 inches, the difference between HD and 4K is very hard to see at normal distances. Many small sets are HD ready or full HD, and that is a sensible specification rather than a cut corner.

Brightness matters more, since kitchens and caravans are frequently bright.

Twelve volt models

Sets running directly from 12 volts avoid an inverter, which wastes energy and draws current even when idle. That matters in a caravan, a boat or a van running from batteries.

Check the input voltage range, since vehicle supply varies while charging, and work out the consumption in watt hours against your battery capacity.

Mounting

Under-cupboard and wall brackets need fixing into structure rather than a thin panel. In a vehicle, use a locking bracket and a retaining strap for travel, since anything unrestrained becomes a projectile.

Inputs and tuners

Check for a built-in digital tuner, satellite tuner if you need one, and enough HDMI inputs. Many small sets have only one or two.

Built-in streaming apps age faster than the screen, so an inexpensive streaming stick is frequently a better long-term answer.

Positioning in a kitchen

Away from the hob and the sink, since steam and grease damage electronics and coat screens. Under a wall cupboard needs a bracket that tilts, so it can be seen from where you actually stand.

Check the viewing angle, since kitchens are rarely watched from directly in front.

Power and standby

A set left on standby all year uses a small but continuous amount. A switched socket solves it, and matters more in a vehicle running from batteries.

Streaming and aerials

Check whether the area has a usable aerial signal before relying on the tuner, particularly in a caravan or a rural property. A basic indoor aerial rarely performs well, and a mobile hotspot with a streaming stick frequently works better.

Satellite gives consistent coverage anywhere and needs a clear view of the sky to work.

Sound

Small sets have small speakers. In a kitchen with extraction running, that matters more than picture quality.

WHERE TO BUY

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