Pure Sine Wave DC to AC Power Inverters versus Modified Sine Wave

I recently hooked up a modified pure sine wave dc to ac power inverter in my RV to run a big screen TV. When I turned the TV on it had lines all over the screen. Is this because I am using a modified sine wave unit and not a puresine wave power inverter?

Most likely the lines are being cause by the harmonic distortion of the modified sine wave power inverter. When ever you are attempting to run audio equipment with any form of current distortion level will cause a lack of quality. In this case the TV is trying to output an audio signal and the visual picture is be distorted. Usually modified wave dc to ac power inverters can have distortion level as high as 8%-12%, where puresine wave dc to ac power inverter will have those harmonic distortion levels closer to 1%-3% which is very close to the levels you will experience threw a stand wall outlet. The best way to explain the difference of the two types of dc to ac power inverters is that wave of electricity from the modified sine wave unit is square wave with very sharp changes in the current which is what can cause some quality loss. With the pure sine power inverter your wave of electricity is very smooth sort of like rolling hills. These slow gradual changes in the current allow for much more forgiving current, and therefore allow your audio equipment to function at a much higher level.

Most equipment will function the same with modified and pure sine dc to ac power inverters. You can always consult with the manufacture of any particular electronic to determine if a pure sine wave power inverter is required for your application. When using a dc to ac power inverter you must remember that your preforming a conversion of two very different levels of power. A low quality power inverter will take the 12 volt or 24 volt dc current and preform the conversion to 120 volt ac current and output a very unstable wave of electricity this will make it very difficult to run your electronics. It is important to keep this in mind because the poor connection will make for a very frustrating experience. So check the haromic distortion levels prior to purchasing, make sure you consult a professional when setting up your off grid power system for size and quality.