As an avid tech follower and portable electronics user myself, I constantly get asked by friends and family if buying a portable TV is actually worth it. I‘m here to tell you that portable TVs have come a long way from the tiny battery-powered screens of years past! With major improvements in display quality, battery life, connectivity and more, there are some compelling reasons to finally invest in a portable entertainment powerhouse.
A Brief History of Portable TVs
Portable televisions have actually been around since the 1960s and 70s, but early models were limited by short battery life, small screens and lack of color. Sony was the innovator with the first truly portable TV called the Watchman launching in 1982.
| Year | Portable TV Milestones |
|---|---|
| 1960s | Transistor radios pave the way for portable electronics |
| 1970s | Briefcase sized B&W portable TVs gain niche popularity |
| 1982 | Sony Watchman, the first mass market portable TV |
| 1990s | Color screens become more mainstream |
| 2000s | Digital TV transition improves picture quality |
| 2010s | Smart capability, streaming features enhanced |
| 2020s | Displays over 10 inches, batteries last 8+ hours |
The industry has seen immense growth, with portable TV unit sales rising from 59 million in 2018 to a projected 94 million by 2024 according to Persistence Market Research. With today‘s durable designs and ultra-portable form factors, it‘s no wonder consumers are embracing portable TVs!
#1 Reason: Stay Entertained Anywhere
I love catching playoff games and new movie releases, but I‘m just as busy jet-setting for work or embarking on weekend outdoor adventures. Like most Americans, I‘m spending more time away from the living room TV than ever before. Whether you need entertainment for a long flight, a family road trip or to tune into the big game from the campground, a portable TV is the convenient solution.
Recent portable TVs models can easily fit into backpacks while weighing less than 2lbs. Compare that to the hefty 30lb console TVs of the past! With advanced LCD and OLED portable displays providing stunning 1080p image quality outdoors or in brightly lit rooms, you‘ll feel immersed in your content no matter where you roam.
#2 Reason: Enjoy TV Without Monthly Cable Bills
While streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have given us more viewing flexibility, most still require a smart TV subscription adding to your monthly expenses. With a portable TV, you can access free over-the-air TV broadcasts without any costly cable box or streaming subscriptions required.
Consider that the average American household spends a staggering $217 per month on cable and internet plans combo packages as reported by DecisionData.org. Just because you cut the cord doesn‘t mean you have to cut out TV entirely. Portable TV makers like Tyler, SuperSonic and Axess incorporate advanced digital antennas and tuners, allowing you to enjoy local news, sports and even 4K TV broadcasts for free!
#3 Reason: Built for Life on the Move
Stationary living room television setups restrict your ability to multitask or move freely from room to room. Portable TVs free you from the couch potato existence! Their compact, lightweight designs make it simple to position almost anywhere in your home. Continue watching your programs while cooking, cleaning, crafting or working in the garage worry-free.
For road warriors and outdoor fanatics, portable TVs hold up remarkably well to life out of the living room. Most current portable models meet IP weather resistance ratings between IP54 to IP65, meaning they are built to withstand splashing water, dust, drops and more hazardous elements. Trust me, spilling snacks and drinks comes with the territory! Brands like Tyler and Axess bundle protective carrying cases for extra durability.
#4 Reason: Seriously Simple Setup
New TV purchases often come with a headache-inducing setup process. You might spend hours fiddling with stand installation, wiring external devices correctly and scanning channels before you ever get to bask in crystal clear 4K. By contrast, portable televisions provide that instant gratification fix. The average portable TV setup takes just 15 minutes from unboxing to streaming your favorite playlist.
These grab-and-go devices were designed for true plug-and-play simplicity. Firstly, most portable displays fold down or come with easy snap-on stands so you can be up and running in seconds. Secondly, you‘ll enjoy built-in WiFi and Bluetooth for pairing to smartphones and tablets in one tap. And thanks to the proliferation of over-the-air digital TV broadcasting, scanning channels is lightning quick regardless of location.
Say goodbye to complex installations and input lag frustration! Portable convenience means more time watching and less time fiddling.
#5 Reason: Packed with High-Tech Features
While portable TVs will never rival the display real estate of that 65" living room stunner, manufacturers integrate space-saving features to mimic full-sized television versatility. How does built-in streaming via Chromecast or Roku player sound? What about bundling a rechargeable battery pack for 6 hours of cordless viewing? Or incorporating HDMI and USB inputs to transform into a computer monitor alternative?
2023 portable television offerings check all these boxes and more. Axess, SuperSonic and August models one-up budget portable TV limitations with:
- Integrated kickstands and carrying handles
- 1080p Full HD or 4K Ultra HD display resolutions
- WiFi and Bluetooth for wireless media streaming
- Multi-source input versatility (HDMI, USB, AV, Digital Antenna)
- Batteries lasting 8+ hours on a single charge
- Weatherproof, rugged enclosures
While traditional boxy tube televisions focused purely on broadcast capabilities, portable TV makers clearly recognize our modern multi-functional living demands.
#6 Reason: Emergency Preparedness
Natural disasters like hurricanes often disrupt cable and internet services. Earthquakes and flooding can cut electricity for days. Portable TVs serve as a lifeline for monitoring emergency alerts, weather radar and news during catastrophes when families have limited information access.
Battery-powered portable devices allow you to stay alert to local warnings wherever you take shelter. Their compact size also makes them an ideal emergency kit addition. Stash some extra batteries and you‘ll have entertainment and electricity outage insurance for the whole family!
While our on-the-go lifestyles may limit living room TV time, portable televisions ensure you need not miss primetime shows, breaking news or post-game highlight reels. Whether lounging lakeside, tailgating at the stadium, or simply multi-tasking around the house, portable displays keep you connected.
With impressive technological advancements vastly improving portables over the past decade, there‘s never been a better time to embrace grab-and-go television convenience. Take it from this frequent traveler and outdoor explorer – portable TVs add flexibility and fun wherever the day takes you!
