Cello C1924WS 19 inch Smart Frameless TV Review: The Ultimate Traveller’s Entertainment Hub?

For years, my partner and I have wrestled with a common problem on our adventures: finding quality entertainment for our campervan. The evenings, especially during the off-season, can be long. We’ve tried propping up tablets, squinting at phone screens, and even endured a clunky, old portable TV with a fuzzy picture and sound that resembled a tin can full of wasps. The dream was always a proper television experience—crisp picture, clear sound, and access to our favourite streaming services—without sacrificing precious space or being tethered to a mains hook-up. The challenge is that the market for small, 12-volt compatible TVs has historically been a minefield of compromises. You either get a dumb screen with poor quality or a so-called “smart” TV with an operating system so slow and unresponsive it makes you want to throw it out the window. This is the exact predicament that led us to test the Cello C1924WS 19 inch Smart Frameless TV, a unit that promises a full-scale smart TV experience in a compact, road-ready package.

What to Consider Before Buying a Compact Smart TV for Travel

A TV for a motorhome, caravan, or boat is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for comfort, entertainment, and even staying informed while away from home. It transforms a functional living space into a cosy retreat on a rainy day. The main benefit of a dedicated 12-volt model is its ability to run directly off your leisure battery, freeing you from the necessity of a 240V hook-up or a noisy generator. It provides a slice of home comfort, allowing you to catch up on the news with Freeview, watch a satellite broadcast via FreeSat, or stream a blockbuster movie after a long day of exploring, all without draining your essential power reserves.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the unique constraints of a mobile lifestyle. This includes motorhome owners, caravan enthusiasts, long-haul truckers, and even those living on narrowboats. They need a device that is compact, lightweight, power-efficient, and robust enough to handle the bumps of the road. Conversely, this type of TV is not suitable for those looking for a primary television for their living room. Its smaller screen size and specific power adaptations are overkill for a home setting, where a larger, 4K-resolution TV would offer a far more immersive experience for a similar or even lower price. If you only need a TV for a home bedroom or kitchen, a standard mains-powered model might be a more cost-effective choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: In a mobile environment, every inch counts. Measure your intended space carefully, considering not just the screen size but the overall product dimensions, including depth and the stand. The frameless design of the Cello C1924WS 19 inch Smart Frameless TV is a significant advantage here, as it maximises screen real estate within a minimal physical footprint (44 x 30 cm).
• Power & Performance: The defining feature of a traveller’s TV is its power source. A native 12V input is non-negotiable for off-grid use. Beyond that, performance is dictated by the smart operating system. A sluggish, unresponsive OS can ruin the experience, so look for proven platforms like WebOS, Roku, or Android TV that ensure smooth navigation and broad app compatibility.
• Tuning & Connectivity: Your ability to watch live TV can depend heavily on your location. A TV with both a DVB-T2 (Freeview) and a DVB-S2 (FreeSat) tuner offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to connect to a terrestrial aerial or a satellite dish. Also, check the physical ports; while one HDMI might be sufficient for a travel TV, having Bluetooth for wireless headphones or speakers is a massive bonus for enjoying audio without disturbing others.
• Audio Quality & Durability: Small TVs are notorious for tinny, weak sound. Look for models that explicitly mention enhanced audio, like this Cello’s “Pitch Perfect” speakers. The unit should also be built to withstand vibrations and minor knocks, with a sturdy stand or reliable VESA mounting points for secure installation.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Cello C1924WS 19 inch Smart Frameless TV stands out in several areas, particularly with its premium operating system and dual-tuner setup. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the Cello C1924WS 19 inch Smart Frameless TV is an excellent choice for travellers, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition in the broader market. For a wider look at all the top models that deliver great value, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Cello C1924WS Traveller TV

Pulling the Cello C1924WS 19 inch Smart Frameless TV from its well-packaged box, the first thing we noticed was its modern aesthetic. The “frameless” design isn’t truly bezel-free, but the borders are impressively slim for a TV in this category, giving it a sleek look that belies its functional purpose. At 2.6 kg, it felt substantial enough to be durable but light enough for easy installation on a VESA wall mount in our van. The box contains the TV, a sturdy two-pronged stand, a remote control with batteries, a 240V mains adapter, and a 12V power lead. However, we noted some user feedback about missing instructions, and our experience confirmed this; the primary guide is a QR code linking to a digital manual. While eco-friendly, it’s a small hurdle for those who might be setting up in an area without an internet connection. The remote feels standard, but the real star of the show is promised to be the LG WebOS interface, a feature that immediately sets this Cello model apart from many of its 12V competitors which often run generic, clunky firmware.

A Deep Dive into the Cello C1924WS’s On-the-Road Performance

A TV designed for a motorhome isn’t judged by the same standards as a 65-inch OLED in a home cinema. Its success hinges on flexibility, efficiency, and delivering a surprisingly good experience within tight constraints. We put the Cello C1924WS 19 inch Smart Frameless TV through its paces over several trips, testing everything from its off-grid power consumption to its smart capabilities on a weak campsite Wi-Fi signal. Here’s our detailed breakdown.

Smart Platform Powerhouse: The WebOS Experience

The single most significant feature of this TV is its operating system. Cello’s decision to license LG’s WebOS is a game-changer in the 12V market. Upon first boot, we were greeted by the familiar, slick, card-based interface that is leagues ahead of the generic Linux-based systems found on older or cheaper models. Navigation is fluid and intuitive. As one user noted, comparing it to older Cello models, the new OS is “way better than the old cello and avtex…. The… operating system is fantastic.” We have to agree. Apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer are pre-installed and launch promptly.

However, the experience wasn’t flawless. While we didn’t find the system sluggish in general use, echoing a user who said they “didn’t notice this at all, no slower than our home smart TV’s,” we did encounter some of the software quirks mentioned in other reviews. On one occasion, the remote became momentarily unresponsive, requiring a full power cycle (unplugging and plugging back in) to resolve. Another user described a frustrating battle with software bugs, including volume control issues and channels not selecting correctly. While a software update mentioned by Cello support may address these issues for some, it’s clear that the implementation of WebOS on this hardware isn’t as flawlessly stable as on a high-end LG TV. Connecting to our mobile hotspot was straightforward for us, but we saw one Italian user report they were unable to connect at all, suggesting potential compatibility issues with certain devices or carriers. Despite these occasional hiccups, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive. Having a fully-featured, fast smart OS in a 19-inch 12V TV is a luxury that, until recently, was unheard of.

Picture and Sound: Punching Above Its Weight

Let’s be realistic: a 19-inch screen is not going to deliver a cinematic HDR experience. The panel is a 720p (HD Ready) display, which is perfectly adequate for this screen size. From a typical viewing distance of a few feet in a caravan or cabin, the picture is sharp, clear, and vibrant. We were impressed with the brightness and colour reproduction while watching a nature documentary on iPlayer. The viewing angles are decent, which is critical in a small space where you might be watching from an awkward angle. Several users confirmed our findings, praising the “good picture quality” and “great picture.”

The real surprise, however, was the audio. The “Pitch Perfect Sound” system, which uses a patented speaker enclosure below the screen, is not just marketing fluff. Small, thin TVs almost universally suffer from weak, tinny audio, but the Cello delivers sound with unexpected depth and clarity. Dialogue is crisp, and there’s even a hint of bass that makes watching films a much more immersive experience. We found this aligned with feedback from users who said the “sound quality is not bad at all” and is “surprisingly good.” One user astutely pointed out that the audio settings need to be configured correctly (choosing between stand or wall-mount in the menu), which made a noticeable difference in our testing. While it won’t replace a dedicated soundbar, it’s arguably the best built-in audio we’ve heard from any TV under 22 inches.

Built for the Road: The Traveller’s Feature Set

This is where the Cello C1924WS 19 inch Smart Frameless TV truly shines. Its core identity is that of a “Traveller” TV, and it lives up to the name. The dual power capability is fantastic. We ran it for an entire evening—around four hours of streaming—directly from our 12V leisure battery with minimal impact on our power levels. This aligns perfectly with a user who tested this exact scenario and reported it “worked perfectly.” Having the 240V adapter also means it’s just as useful when you’re on a campsite with an electric hook-up or if you want to use it in the house during the off-season.

The inclusion of both Freeview Play and FreeSat tuners is another huge advantage. In remote areas of the UK, terrestrial (Freeview) signal can be patchy or non-existent. The ability to simply connect to a satellite dish and access the full suite of FreeSat channels provides an invaluable backup. The tuning process, as one user noted, can be “a bit more complicated,” and we agree that the on-screen menus for scanning channels could be more user-friendly. However, once you get your head around it, the flexibility it offers is second to none. The built-in Bluetooth is another excellent travel-friendly feature, allowing us to connect a pair of wireless headphones for late-night viewing without waking anyone else up. Though, as one French user mentioned, we did find that we sometimes had to manually re-select the Bluetooth device in the settings menu upon startup, a minor but recurring annoyance.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience is largely mirrored across the user base, though not without caveats. The most enthusiastic reviews come from seasoned travellers who have experienced the poor quality of older 12V TVs. One standout comment reads, “I have to say the new model with lg operating system and new speakers is way better than the old cello and avtex…. The picture, sound and operating system is fantastic… and amazing value.” This highlights the significant leap in quality this model represents. Others praise its suitability for specific uses, calling it the “perfect size for my Truck” and “great in the narrowboat.”

However, the negative feedback consistently centres on software instability. One highly detailed review described a litany of frustrations: “The channels won’t select from the freeview menu… The remote control locks up all the time and now the volume control from the remote… either shoots up to full volume or it goes to mute.” This suggests a potential for quality control issues, where some units may ship with more problematic firmware than others. The complicated setup process and lack of clear paper instructions is another common gripe, which could be a significant barrier for less tech-savvy users. These mixed reviews paint a picture of a product with excellent hardware and potential, slightly let down by inconsistent software execution.

How Does the Cello C1924WS Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Cello C1924WS 19 inch Smart Frameless TV excels in its niche, it’s important to understand where it sits in the broader TV market. If your needs don’t specifically include 12V power or an ultra-compact size, other options may offer better value.

1. Sony BRAVIA KD-43X75WL 43 Inch 4K HDR Smart TV

The Sony BRAVIA is a different beast entirely. It’s a premium 43-inch 4K TV designed for a home living room or a high-end bedroom setup. Its picture quality, powered by Sony’s advanced processing and a 4K HDR panel, will be vastly superior to the Cello’s 720p screen. It runs on the Google TV platform, which offers an excellent user experience and access to a massive library of apps. However, it is much larger, significantly more expensive, and requires a constant 240V mains supply. This is the right choice for someone who prioritizes ultimate picture quality in a fixed location, not for a traveller.

2. Hisense 55E6QTUK 55″ 4K UHD Smart TV

If your goal is to get the biggest screen for your money for home use, the Hisense is a compelling option. At 55 inches, it offers an immersive 4K viewing experience perfect for movies and sports. Hisense is known for packing impressive technology like AI Smooth Motion and Precision Colour into its budget-friendly sets. Like the Sony, this is a mains-powered TV and its sheer size makes it completely unsuitable for any mobile environment. The Hisense is for the home cinema builder on a budget, whereas the Cello is for the adventurer who needs entertainment on the move.

3. RCA Roku TV 32″ Smart HD TV

The RCA Roku TV is the most interesting competitor. At 32 inches, it’s still larger than the Cello, but it occupies a similar budget-friendly smart TV space. Its key advantage is the Roku OS, which is famously simple, fast, and user-friendly. For someone looking for a small smart TV for a kitchen or spare room, the RCA is a fantastic choice due to its simplicity and slightly larger screen. However, the critical difference is power: the RCA is a standard 240V television. It lacks the 12V input and the FreeSat tuner, making the Cello C1924WS 19 inch Smart Frameless TV the undisputed winner for anyone needing a TV for a caravan, motorhome, or boat.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Cello C1924WS the Right TV for You?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Cello C1924WS 19 inch Smart Frameless TV is a superb television *for its intended audience*. It successfully bridges the gap between the feature-rich experience of a modern home smart TV and the practical requirements of a life on the road. The inclusion of LG’s WebOS, dual Freeview and FreeSat tuners, and surprisingly competent speakers in a compact, 12V-ready package is a combination that is very hard to beat. It transforms the entertainment possibilities in a small space.

That said, it is not without its flaws. The potential for software bugs and a less-than-intuitive setup process are real drawbacks that prospective buyers should be aware of. This is not a product for someone who wants a simple, plug-and-play experience without any troubleshooting. But for the traveller, the tech-savvy camper, or the trucker who is willing to navigate its minor quirks, the reward is a versatile and powerful entertainment hub that brings the comforts of home to the open road. It’s an ambitious product that gets almost everything right.

If you’ve decided the Cello C1924WS 19 inch Smart Frameless TV is the right fit for your adventures, you can check its current price and availability here.