Product Review: The Bentley Model 100 (or 100C) Portable TV
Despite its small size, I found that the Bentley portable TV has very good reception even when only the built-in telescoping antenna is used. When I compared the reception quality to my old Realistic Portavision 5" television (in the same position, both using their built-in antennas), the Bentley received more channels with better picture quality. When connected to a larger indoor antenna (using a 75ohm adapter), the Bentley had slightly better reception than a 27" Sharp color TV. It can tune in all American broadcast TV channels, including the VHF (split into two sections, ch. 2-6 and ch. 7-13) and UHF bands. However, it doesn't have an AM/FM radio like some of the other portable TV models do.
As with most portable TVs of this size, it has a black & white display. 5" color TVs are usually much more expensive. It has brightness and contrast controls on the front, while the vertical hold control is on the side. The tuning control is a fairly large knob on the side, near the front. It has rather good-quality audio, provided by the built-in speaker. Sound is better than that of some other portable TVs and radios I have used. The volume control is located on the front of the TV, and there is a headphone jack on the top.
There is a carrying handle on top of the TV. On the bottom, there is a fold-out tilt stand. This allows the TV to be pointed up at an angle if this is helpful for viewing. Unlike some portable TVs, the Bentley 100 doesn't have a clear plastic layer in front of the picture tube (most larger TVs don't have this layer either). This makes the picture tube more vulnerable to damage. On the other hand, the tube is less likely to scratch than a clear plastic layer - which can interfere with seeing the picture if it eventually has many scratches on it. The Bentley's built-in sunshade provides some protection as well.
The Bentley portable TV can be run from nine "D" batteries, an AC adapter, or a DC cigarette lighter adapter. This TV wasn't sold with an AC or DC adapter included; the adapters were sold separately. Unfortunately, it requires a specific AC adapter and can't use a universal AC power cord like some portable TVs. Unless you plan to only use it with batteries, make sure you buy one which includes an adapter. Bentley power adapters can occasionally be found on eBay separately, but you can't be sure of this availability. The DC adapter lets you plug the television into an automobile's cigarette lighter for power. According to a sheet listing accessories for the TV, the television was "designed to make your batteries last as long as possible." When comparing the wattage amounts indicated on the Bentley and my Realistic Portavision TV, the Bentley does appear to use less electricity.
Like many portable TVs, the Bentley has an earphone-jack-style antenna jack. You can either plug in an antenna specifically designed for portable TVs, or purchase an adapter which allows a 300-ohm (screws) or 75-ohm (cable-type) antenna wire to be connected.
The Bentley owner's manual included with the TV is fairly detailed. It has sections with information on safety, operating the TV, connecting antennas, power sources, and specifications.
Overall, if you don't mind the need for antenna and power adapters, the Bentley 100 provides excellent performance, has a very good appearance, and offers a variety of useful features.
Published by Z. Perry
Freelance writer, website operator, and programmer View profile
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12 Comments
Post a CommentHi - if you're in the U.S. and can't tune in any stations using the tuning knob and the UHF/VHF knob, you will have to hook it up to a digital converter box (see the instructions a few comments down), which is somewhat complicated and may require an extra adapter or two. Unfortunately, the transition to digital TV has made it difficult to use portable TVs like this, and most TVs that weren't made in the past couple years need a converter box now. Good luck
I am trying to understand what to do to get a channel with this TV. My grandson and I are working on it together -- he bought it at a garage sale for $3 and has asked me to help. What is needed to get a watchable signal? Thanks for your help.
If adjusting the tuning doesn't help, maybe the vertical hold would. Make sure all the wires are tightened well. If it's running on batteries, they might be weak. If the sound is working it probably shouldn't be too hard to get the video as well.
Okay, I have the 1/8" to 75ohm adapter. First I tried to set it up on a new converter box, but I was getting nowhere. I switched to a converter box and antenna that was already set up for another television set and I am now able to get clear audio on each channel, but the only video I get is diagonal lines. I am too tired to fiddle with it any more tonight. If y'all have any more suggestions, that would be good.
Yeah, ten times as many channels as I can get :) I hope you can get it working, here's what to search for on eBay: 3.5mm antenna adapter
Does the adapter have a specific name, other than "1/8"-to-75ohm adapter"?. I was trying to search on eBay, but coming up empty handed. If I can find the part, I believe can do the rest. I successfully hooked up my other television sets to converter boxes and antennas and all of them receive 20 digital channels. Not bad for an old grandma.
Thank you so much. We love our Bentley and I missed it. We use it when we travel and I use it in my kitchen when we are at home. I was missing it quite a bit, but could not figure how to find anything to fit that round hole that says Ext. Ant. 75 OHM. I will take my Bentley into Radio Shack to see if they have something that will work. Again I thank you.
How can I get? any telephone number from you or how can I get more info. regarding how can I buy some products for my Portable 5" TV. like, AC adapter, and also connector cigarette lighter, also antenna to be connected. Please let me know how can I buy those products?
arellano-roberto@hotmail.com
R. Arellano (708) 681-3694
3 N.8th Ave.
Maywood, Il. 60153.
3 N. 8
Yes, you can attach a digital converter box to the Bentley, but it is somewhat complicated. You will need a converter with an RF cable (75ohm) output, such as the unit Zenith makes. If your Bentley has two screws (300ohm) for connecting an antenna, you will need a 75-300ohm Matching Transformer (costs a few dollars). If it has a 1/8" antenna jack (round), you will need a 1/8"-to-75ohm adapter to connect the converter box - I bought one of these at Radio Shack some time ago, they might still have them. You will also need an external antenna, as the antenna must connect to the converter box (so you can't use the Bentley's built-in antenna).
Can you use a converter with the Bentley 100C?