Totevision LCD field monitor + Canon battery power system at DVinfo.net

Shawn Levin · September 1st, 2008, 06:59 AM

Hi All,

This is an overdue follow up on my recently purchased
TOTEVISION 7" LCD FIELD MONITOR - LCD 703HD

When I came across the Totevision, it seemed like a great monitor, though I couldn't find much info about this LCD here, or anywhere else for that matter.
From researching the available options..... marshall, Ikan etc. and considering price, quality, features & build....
I decided the Totevision was my preffered choice.
I won't go into too much detail about this here, now!

There is lots to say, however, I'm gonna try keep this intro short-ish and if anyone is interested further, I will respond.

My main reason for this post is sharing some info on:
1. - 'Canon' battery system for this LCD monitor
2. - A1 component D-Type cable.

Chris, I was hoping you could keep this thread here on the A1 main forum for a few days before
moving it to the 'HDTV video monitors' section.... many don't even go there and I was inspired to
go this route through reading some posts that started here.

Although this is not intended as a review of the monitor, I would like to add that I am very pleased with it.
Yes it's only 800x480, and yes that is not ideal resolution, but (for me) it beats squishing up my eyes
trying figure out focussing on the A1's tiny LCD and at an 'affordable price too'
It is well built, clear and functional.

I bought the TOTEVISION from b&h - it was a bit more expensive than one or two other places,
but it was part of a large order, and as Terry said (who was very helpful in his review of the monitor (to be found in the HDTV monitor forum here))
Sometimes it's worth the extra $$ for the odd item from b&h.
I do believe it is available cheaper for $560 elsewhere.

Anyways.....

I also bought the Tekkeon mypower 3450 battery/rechargable power system to power the monitor.
This is a bit large and heavy for me... and not extremely practical for on-the-go filming.
It is a great product though and I will use it extensively.

So, I have put together a system for powering the LCD from my 'Canon' batteries
which works well, albeit from a 'cheaper' Chinese charger.

I purchased the charger for $5.00 from ebay. It comes with an option for CANON BP 915 charger 'plate' that is removable.
I was shipped the wrong one to start of with, but the guy was very friendly and communicated very well with me
8 days later I got the right stuff (not bad from Hong Kong to South Africa- standard shipping)

I made a small hole in the plate housing for a cable, soldered on a DC power plug, made a small plastic fitting
to screw onto the Totevision LCD (incase I want to remove it all) and fixed the plate to the fitting.
Works perfectly....
This is the smallest battery for the XH-A1 - it powers the LCD for over 2,5 hours

Also I really needed a shorter and lighter component cable....
I got this one from Ebay too.... and Hong Kong also I believe.
It is a SONY branded cable 1 meter in length, more flexible than the Canon one.
It was $25 excluding shipping.... it is perfect too.

I'm all set with my LCD field monitor !!

P.S. - I'm still looking for a way of mounting it to my tripod.... a clamp style fitting
I see some on the net for around $60 + shipping, but hoping for a cheaper option.... any ideas?

Thanks to all you out there who make this forum an exciting place to visit,
I hope this adds in some small way.

Shawn

(see attachements)

Shawn Levin · September 3rd, 2008, 10:52 AM

Hi,

Looks like nobody is interested in this HERE in the general XH-A1 forum..... perhaps it SHOULD be moved to the SDTV/HDTV Video Monitors section.

Thanks Shawn

Fredrik-Larsson · September 3rd, 2008, 12:33 PM

Are you happy with the Totevision? How is it in sunlight?

Shawn Levin · September 3rd, 2008, 01:28 PM

Hi Fredrik,

I think the Totevision is a great package for the price !
I think is one of the biggest considerations for many people - myself included.

It's ok in sunlight.... I actually took it out today for a test.
It isn't as bright as the A1's built in LCD, but manageable....
It probably needs a hood of sorts.
I see Totevision do sell a bag/hood for it, but it was extra $$....
I probably should have bought it at the time.

Shawn

Terry Martin · September 4th, 2008, 01:30 AM

Shawn,

Good to hear of your success with the Totevision. Your battery mount and short component cable finds on eBay are most interesting. Could you provide more info on how to spec these items for an eBay search… I have been looking for a shorter cable, and I’m thinking it would be good to make a battery mount like yours in case I ever venture off the tripod with the A1.

I am still pleased with my Totevision, and I have yet to see more value for the money. Glad you agree.

FYI, I picked up a Sony FX820, a cheap DVD player, which was mentioned in other monitor threads. It is very useful as a portable DVD player, but it is not in the same class as the totevision. The Sony’s composite input makes a much softer image, and it is harder to use for critical focus. Also, mounting the unit would require some creativity, or lots of tape.

Terry

Antonio Ricca · September 4th, 2008, 02:03 AM

Thank you for sharing with us. Please link the ebay item regarding the short component cable.

Shawn Levin · September 4th, 2008, 02:42 AM

Hi Guys,

Terry.... thanks for your previous help with the Totevision.
as I said, there were few who I could find help with from this product.
You were very helpful..... did you get the bag and hood from Totevision ??

Here is the link for the 1m component cable
(not sure if this link is going to show up correctly)
its a great cable !!
I'n not a fan of the one included with the A1.

Sony VMC-DP10CV D terminal component video cable 1m - eBay (item 360011226386 end time Sep-30-08 19:22:54 PDT)

If the link doesn't work, use this search phrase.... it will take you there:
Sony VMC-DP10CV D terminal component video cable 1m

As for the charger - and battery plate :

I cannot seem to see the guy I bought it from anymore....
strange he dealt with me perfectly and looked very reputable.

but this looks the same:

Battery Charger for Canon BP-911 BP-911K BP-914 BP-915 - eBay (item 220276673948 end time Sep-09-08 14:07:53 PDT)

you can use my pics on my first post as a guideline for what the charger and plate should look like..... these guys sell the chargers with your required plate, so the contact pins on their photo's on ebay may look different.... just make sure you order and specify canon BP915/930 etc..

Also, although I have tested the charger (and it works well for me - I'm only using my generic batteries with this charger)

be aware that I cannot vouch for its quality or workmanship in any way..... it is a 'el cheapo'
and I am primarily only using the battery plate for my LCD monitor.
I am still only using my canon charger for my canon batteries.

As you know..... take caution with ebay sellers !!!

Shawn

Mickey Mackwan · September 4th, 2008, 02:44 AM

might get that short cable am after one thanks for the link

Shawn Levin · September 4th, 2008, 02:44 AM

NOTE: the component cable I have listed is a 1m length cable..... perfect for cam mounted LCD..... there are other lengths available also.... so make sure you are happy with the length you order for your specific needs.

Shawn

Alex Dolgin · September 4th, 2008, 06:49 AM

You do not really have to buy a charger to get a plate adapter. Lenmar makes them, available through a number of retailers, here is one XPA1 Lenmar Adapter Plate for Canon BP-911, 927, 941, Samsung SB-L110, 220, 160, 320, 480, JVC BN-V408, 416 & 428 Batteries.
HTH

Shawn Levin · September 4th, 2008, 07:20 AM

Hi Alex......

Thanks for that, I could'nt seem to find one when I searched.
That plate will take other batteries too - it certainly is a better option.

Shawn

Alex Dolgin · September 4th, 2008, 07:24 AM

You are welcome. We use them in our chargers for Canon configuration. Lenmar also makes Sony and Panasonic plates, so you can configure your monitor for just $5.

Terry Martin · September 4th, 2008, 11:42 PM

Shawn,

Glad I could help. You have done an excellent job of updating and advancing the totevision information on this forum. Thanks for your support too.

I did see the Totevision “bag”, and it is nothing special. I strongly recommend the Totevision monitor, but not the accessories…. Best for DIY or third party.
Given your demonstrated ingenuity, I’m sure you could craft a hood. Note you could use the two screw holes on each side… I used them to secure a temporary lexan protective cover (good for storage and hazardous environments).

Terry

September 1st, 2008, 06:59 AM	#1
Shawn Levin Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: CAPE TOWN - SOUTH AFRICA Posts: 58	Totevision LCD field monitor + Canon battery power system Hi All, This is an overdue follow up on my recently purchased TOTEVISION 7" LCD FIELD MONITOR - LCD 703HD When I came across the Totevision, it seemed like a great monitor, though I couldn't find much info about this LCD here, or anywhere else for that matter. From researching the available options..... marshall, Ikan etc. and considering price, quality, features & build.... I decided the Totevision was my preffered choice. I won't go into too much detail about this here, now! There is lots to say, however, I'm gonna try keep this intro short-ish and if anyone is interested further, I will respond. My main reason for this post is sharing some info on: 1. - 'Canon' battery system for this LCD monitor 2. - A1 component D-Type cable. Chris, I was hoping you could keep this thread here on the A1 main forum for a few days before moving it to the 'HDTV video monitors' section.... many don't even go there and I was inspired to go this route through reading some posts that started here. Although this is not intended as a review of the monitor, I would like to add that I am very pleased with it. Yes it's only 800x480, and yes that is not ideal resolution, but (for me) it beats squishing up my eyes trying figure out focussing on the A1's tiny LCD and at an 'affordable price too' It is well built, clear and functional. I bought the TOTEVISION from b&h - it was a bit more expensive than one or two other places, but it was part of a large order, and as Terry said (who was very helpful in his review of the monitor (to be found in the HDTV monitor forum here)) Sometimes it's worth the extra $$ for the odd item from b&h. I do believe it is available cheaper for $560 elsewhere. Anyways..... I also bought the Tekkeon mypower 3450 battery/rechargable power system to power the monitor. This is a bit large and heavy for me... and not extremely practical for on-the-go filming. It is a great product though and I will use it extensively. So, I have put together a system for powering the LCD from my 'Canon' batteries which works well, albeit from a 'cheaper' Chinese charger. I purchased the charger for $5.00 from ebay. It comes with an option for CANON BP 915 charger 'plate' that is removable. I was shipped the wrong one to start of with, but the guy was very friendly and communicated very well with me 8 days later I got the right stuff (not bad from Hong Kong to South Africa- standard shipping) I made a small hole in the plate housing for a cable, soldered on a DC power plug, made a small plastic fitting to screw onto the Totevision LCD (incase I want to remove it all) and fixed the plate to the fitting. Works perfectly.... This is the smallest battery for the XH-A1 - it powers the LCD for over 2,5 hours Also I really needed a shorter and lighter component cable.... I got this one from Ebay too.... and Hong Kong also I believe. It is a SONY branded cable 1 meter in length, more flexible than the Canon one. It was $25 excluding shipping.... it is perfect too. I'm all set with my LCD field monitor !! P.S. - I'm still looking for a way of mounting it to my tripod.... a clamp style fitting I see some on the net for around $60 + shipping, but hoping for a cheaper option.... any ideas? Thanks to all you out there who make this forum an exciting place to visit, I hope this adds in some small way. Shawn (see attachements) Attached Thumbnails

September 3rd, 2008, 10:52 AM	#2
Shawn Levin Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: CAPE TOWN - SOUTH AFRICA Posts: 58	Please move to SDTV/HDTV Monitors section Hi, Looks like nobody is interested in this HERE in the general XH-A1 forum..... perhaps it SHOULD be moved to the SDTV/HDTV Video Monitors section. Thanks Shawn

September 3rd, 2008, 12:33 PM	#3
Fredrik-Larsson Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Malmö, Sweden Posts: 395	Are you happy with the Totevision? How is it in sunlight? __________________ The Russian Captain (upcoming feature) http://trc-movie.blogspot.com/ My movies http://www.larssonfilm.com/

September 4th, 2008, 02:42 AM	#7
Shawn Levin Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: CAPE TOWN - SOUTH AFRICA Posts: 58	1m component cable Hi Guys, Terry.... thanks for your previous help with the Totevision. as I said, there were few who I could find help with from this product. You were very helpful..... did you get the bag and hood from Totevision ?? Here is the link for the 1m component cable (not sure if this link is going to show up correctly) its a great cable !! I'n not a fan of the one included with the A1. Sony VMC-DP10CV D terminal component video cable 1m - eBay (item 360011226386 end time Sep-30-08 19:22:54 PDT) If the link doesn't work, use this search phrase.... it will take you there: Sony VMC-DP10CV D terminal component video cable 1m As for the charger - and battery plate : I cannot seem to see the guy I bought it from anymore.... strange he dealt with me perfectly and looked very reputable. but this looks the same: Battery Charger for Canon BP-911 BP-911K BP-914 BP-915 - eBay (item 220276673948 end time Sep-09-08 14:07:53 PDT) you can use my pics on my first post as a guideline for what the charger and plate should look like..... these guys sell the chargers with your required plate, so the contact pins on their photo's on ebay may look different.... just make sure you order and specify canon BP915/930 etc.. Also, although I have tested the charger (and it works well for me - I'm only using my generic batteries with this charger) be aware that I cannot vouch for its quality or workmanship in any way..... it is a 'el cheapo' and I am primarily only using the battery plate for my LCD monitor. I am still only using my canon charger for my canon batteries. As you know..... take caution with ebay sellers !!! Shawn

September 4th, 2008, 06:49 AM	#10
Alex Dolgin Contributor Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lexington, Ma Posts: 286	You do not really have to buy a charger to get a plate adapter. Lenmar makes them, available through a number of retailers, here is one XPA1 Lenmar Adapter Plate for Canon BP-911, 927, 941, Samsung SB-L110, 220, 160, 320, 480, JVC BN-V408, 416 & 428 Batteries. HTH __________________ Alex Dolgin Dolgin Engineering Camera DC Power accessories, Fast 4 position Battery Charger http://www.dolgin.net

September 3rd, 2008, 01:28 PM	#4
Shawn Levin Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: CAPE TOWN - SOUTH AFRICA Posts: 58	Hi Fredrik, I think the Totevision is a great package for the price ! I think is one of the biggest considerations for many people - myself included. It's ok in sunlight.... I actually took it out today for a test. It isn't as bright as the A1's built in LCD, but manageable.... It probably needs a hood of sorts. I see Totevision do sell a bag/hood for it, but it was extra $$.... I probably should have bought it at the time. Shawn

September 4th, 2008, 01:30 AM	#5
Terry Martin Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Palo Alto, California Posts: 100	Shawn, Good to hear of your success with the Totevision. Your battery mount and short component cable finds on eBay are most interesting. Could you provide more info on how to spec these items for an eBay search… I have been looking for a shorter cable, and I’m thinking it would be good to make a battery mount like yours in case I ever venture off the tripod with the A1. I am still pleased with my Totevision, and I have yet to see more value for the money. Glad you agree. FYI, I picked up a Sony FX820, a cheap DVD player, which was mentioned in other monitor threads. It is very useful as a portable DVD player, but it is not in the same class as the totevision. The Sony’s composite input makes a much softer image, and it is harder to use for critical focus. Also, mounting the unit would require some creativity, or lots of tape. Terry

September 4th, 2008, 02:03 AM	#6
Antonio Ricca Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Napoli, Italy Posts: 41	Thank you for sharing with us. Please link the ebay item regarding the short component cable.

September 4th, 2008, 02:44 AM	#8
Mickey Mackwan Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: sydney Australia Posts: 60	might get that short cable am after one thanks for the link

September 4th, 2008, 07:20 AM	#11
Shawn Levin Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: CAPE TOWN - SOUTH AFRICA Posts: 58	Hi Alex...... Thanks for that, I could'nt seem to find one when I searched. That plate will take other batteries too - it certainly is a better option. Shawn

September 4th, 2008, 07:24 AM	#12
Alex Dolgin Contributor Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lexington, Ma Posts: 286	You are welcome. We use them in our chargers for Canon configuration. Lenmar also makes Sony and Panasonic plates, so you can configure your monitor for just $5. __________________ Alex Dolgin Dolgin Engineering Camera DC Power accessories, Fast 4 position Battery Charger http://www.dolgin.net

September 4th, 2008, 11:42 PM	#13
Terry Martin Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Palo Alto, California Posts: 100	Shawn, Glad I could help. You have done an excellent job of updating and advancing the totevision information on this forum. Thanks for your support too. I did see the Totevision “bag”, and it is nothing special. I strongly recommend the Totevision monitor, but not the accessories…. Best for DIY or third party. Given your demonstrated ingenuity, I’m sure you could craft a hood. Note you could use the two screw holes on each side… I used them to secure a temporary lexan protective cover (good for storage and hazardous environments). Terry