Portable TVs

Portable TV’s are a practical way to watch your favorite show on the go, anytime anywhere. They range in various sizes and functions depending on the model, user preference and date of introduction.

Sizes range from portable and pocket size to wearable. The portable handhelds normally cannot fit into your pocket and run on batteries and often sport a car charger for convenience on those long car trips; some of the latter are a type of 12 volt TV.

You can find some portable TV’s strapped to the back of headrests in many cars and are hooked up to the cars’ stereo system offering surround sound and dvd playback. Pocket sized handheld TV’s generally fit into your pocket and are convenient enough to carry with you almost anywhere --- often they're small enough where you don't need a TV stand or riser to set them on.

New smaller sizes are now being manufactured that are wrist wearable and offer crystal clear reception. They normally come with an auxiliary out jack to enhance sound performance. The older models are normally black and white but newer versions sport LCD or LED color monitors adding new depth to the picture they display.

They all come with some form of output mode for watching or listening of programs on larger hardware.  These include AV, composite video and mono jacks. Other newer models may include, USB, HDMI and SD Ports.

As stated earlier, a few portable TV models carry car lighter plugs to charge on the go; many also run on standard disposable batteries and other run on rechargeable lithium batteries with an average usage of 2-3 hours between charges. These are the preferred choice by consumers as additional money does not have to be spent on replacing non rechargeable batteries.

The standard TV bunny ears antennae we can all recognize on older home TVs are lost in the portable version. Most opt for single retractable antennae or internal alternatives. For an extra boost in signal, many come with an optional detachable version for increased TV reception and display quality.

As for sound performance, the majority feature built in stereo/analog speakers, but the quality is lost as they are generally not loud enough to listen to in crowded situations. That’s why many come with stereo jacks for a better quality sound when you are in a noisy environment.

For added functionality some handheld portable TV’s come as a DVD combo and multi format player. This allows you to play movies and music you have rented or purchased on the fly. Picture can also be displayed on the screen for those family affairs you wish to share with friends.

Many newer model cellphones double as a TV receiver and player. They come with TV tuners that capture signals from local broadcasting stations and normally playback well if the signal is strong. This is the way most portable TVs are being manufactured now, as a secondary function of a portable device.

As a consumer, there are a few things you need to look out for when purchasing a handheld TV. Remember to know what features you want in your device, as not all models are built the same and many opt for functions that you don’t want or need.

Look for models that come with rechargeable batteries, and or portable charging possibilities such as car chargers or portable battery chargers. Automatic tuning is also a good idea; this gives you the best reception you can obtain. Also, make sure you get a good warranty in case the product fails during normal use.