Today I’m taking a look at an interesting gadget called the TinyTV 2 which a viewer sent to me as a request. This $60 gadget is billed as a working 1.14-inch television set, but calling it a “television” is a bit of a stretch since it doesn’t display live TV, cable, or anything of that sort. Nonetheless, it’s an intriguing novelty that I couldn’t resist trying out myself.
TinyTV 2 Review
Where to Purchase
I picked up my TinyTV 2 on Amazon for $59.99. There’s also a product website at tinytv.us.
Unboxing the TinyTV 2
I paid $59.95 for the TinyTV 2, which currently boasts a 4.5-star rating on Amazon from only 82 reviews, and it’s currently listed as an Amazon’s Choice. Right out of the box, the TinyTV 2 is impressively small. It comes with a tiny IR remote control, and the device itself features two rotary knobs for channel and volume control, an on/off switch on top, and a USB-C port for charging.
First Impressions and Setup
Charging the device was straightforward. It doesn’t come with a USB-C cable, so you’ll need to use your own. The TinyTV 2 comes preloaded with videos, and you can add up to 10 hours of your own content using their conversion software. Unfortunately, I found that the conversion software didn’t work on my desktop computer, only on my laptop after bypassing a security warning.
Video Playback
Once you’ve loaded your videos, the TinyTV 2 turns into a quirky little display piece. The picture quality is surprisingly good for a 1.14-inch screen, but the audio leaves much to be desired. It’s quite tinny and not very loud. When changing channels, you get a neat touch of static, reminiscent of old-school TVs, which I found charming.
Software and Transfer Speed
The software process is relatively painless—just select your file, convert, and transfer. However, transferring files to the TinyTV 2 is slow. It took over 12 minutes to transfer just 589MB, indicating a very slow internal storage speed. The included micro SD card is 8 gig. It can supposedly be replaced but it might require some effort and a pair of tweezers.
Practicality and Use Cases
One of the key drawbacks is the inability to fast forward or rewind videos. The TinyTV 2 starts playing from seemingly random points within the videos, which I found a bit odd. Additionally, the lack of batch conversion in their software means you have to convert files one by one, which can feel like a tedious process if you want to load up several videos.
Battery Life and Outdoor Use
Battery life claims are accurate; the device lasts just over 2 hours on a full charge. Outdoors, the screen is viewable in the shade but struggles in direct sunlight.
Conclusion
The TinyTV 2 is a fun and nostalgic gadget, but it’s not something you’ll use for practical purposes. It’s a great display piece or could even be used for miniature displays or dollhouses. However, it doesn’t function as a traditional TV and has several limitations, particularly with the audio quality and video navigation. Despite these drawbacks, it’s a quirky little device that offers a unique throwback experience. I can see why people like it, even though it doesn’t have much practical use.
Have you tried the TinyTV 2 or something similar? Tell me what you think in the comments below.
Video Review
You can see this in action in my video review below.
It is a cute little tv. I would use it with one of my cosutmes to play the movie or cartoon character that I’m dressed up as. 🙂