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Topic: 12VDC/120VAC vs. 120VAC Only Gadgets (Read 6 times) previous topic - next topic
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12VDC/120VAC vs. 120VAC Only Gadgets
Yahoo Message Number: 2632
I'm of the opinion thta the better setup for a TV & VCR or DVD player is 12VDC/120VAC units as opposed to 120V only units with an inverter, the 12V/120V being more efficient by not havning to power an inverter. However, what's puzzling is the cost side of the equation, i.e., 12VDC/120VAC units seem to sell for $60+ more than the 120VAC only counterparts.

My understanding is that 12VDC/120VAC appliances have an inverter as an integral element of the units which accounts for the higher price of the AC/DC units. However, as 120VAC units convert the incoming 120V to DC and lower the voltage, why would there be an inverter also? I can understand there would additional cost for the DC connectors and any cabling involved but that doesn't seem to account for the $60+ price differential between similar units. Maybe it's more expensive to include this in the manufacturing process that I'm thinking. Or perhaps it's just the price the market will bear for the added capability.

I remember several posts on this subject some weeks ago and was wondering if anyone can set me straight!

... Wayne
12VDC/120VAC vs. 120VAC Only Gadgets
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2633
Few appliances designed to run on 12 VDC and 120 VAC have built-in inverters. TVs have some internal high-voltage circuits, so a very few of them have an internal inverter, but not most. Since most designed to run on 12V assume battery operation, many power-consuming practices are disabled in the design, making these more efficient in DC mode.

Many DC to DC adapters for battery-powered equipment have built-in inverter circuitry, but the cost is low since the power requirements are tiny. Examples would be adapters for portable CD players and cell phones.

Generally, only the better models of these appliances have the added feature of DC operation, and the production run is smaller.
This is the main reason they cost more. This is especially the case with DVD players.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
 
12VDC/120VAC vs. 120VAC Only Gadgets
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2642
FYI, w/ our "old" LD, we did not have an inverter or a generator although we took a portable gen set.
What we did do was purchase an inexpensive $50? inverter, 300 W, that plugs into the cigarette lighter and will run your TV, lap top, battery charger, etc. It did not do coffee pots, heaters, hair curlers, etc.
Considerably cheaper tho --