Overhead car DVD players will not only add entertainment to the kids and passengers of your vehicle, but also to those who are lucky enough to be following behind you! Not only that, but a mobile video system can add value to your car. There many benefits to adding one of these DVD players, but the number one benefit has to be the quiet calmness that will envelop your car when the movies starts to play and the children close their mouths. Ahhhh…Silence IS golden. A car DVD player is ideal for trips across country or across town, anything to provide a source of entertainment for those traveling with you.

There are many types of these car DVD players available for you to choose. Name brands such as Toshiba, Sony, Boss, and Coby are among the top-of-the-line players. Many DVD players have built in lights, wireless transmitters for headphones, and AV inputs. If you are seriously considering a car DVD player for the children, then you should definitely invest in the wireless headphones. No doubt, you will quickly be tired of hearing the same cartoon repeatedly, but the headphones will save your sanity.

Overhead DVD players have screens that range from nine to over 11 inches. Most players have clear screens and can play movies as well as CD’. In fact, a great addition to your DVD player would be a car surround system. The car stereo coupled with the car video make for the ultimate media experience. Sometimes this system comes in handy on long trips when you need a break, you can just pull over and pop in a movie to enjoy until you are ready to continue on your way.

Some car DVD players come with an IPOD docking station and usually a small remote so you can control the player. It is best to have a professional install your overhead DVD player, but you can do it yourself if you have the knowledge and skills. Of course, the overhead player is not the only type of DVD player for the car. There are those that do not require installation and are slipped over the back of a front seat in order for the people in the back to enjoy. These car DVD players are operated by battery or many come with and A/C adapter to plug into your car’s cigarette lighter. These types are the cheaper of the two options and great for people on a budget. You can easily pick one up for under $100.

Prices for the overhead version will run you a lot more and vary depending on the brand, where you buy it, and what features are installed. A basic player will run you as little as $150, but for a more high tech choice you can easily spend in excess of $500.

It is possible for your vehicle to get the same audio experience as in the home theater. A DVD car receiver surround sound is what you will most likely need. The options of obtaining a true 5.1 surround system are on the market for purchase.  A true 5.1 theater system comprises of two front speakers, a center speaker, two rear speakers, and a sub woofer for low-end sound (frequencies). This is generally the same type of setup within a vehicle.

What do I need to get for the theater experience in my vehicle?

You can purchase an in-dash DVD player or Dolby Digital®/DTS®-compatible DVD player to a separate component called a surround-sound decoder. One of the most common connections between the components is the digital optical cable; check your components to ensure that they are compatible.  If not, there may be an adapter that might be available for purchase.

Once the car DVD player or receiver is connected to the decoder via the optical cable, you can then run the output audio to separate amplifiers to provide amplification for the two front speakers, the center speaker, and the rear speakers. It is possible to run the signal back from the decoder into the DVD receiver and use the receiver to send the audio signal. If you have a DVD receiver that has this capability, then you do not need a separate amplifier for the front and rear speakers. In general, you may need a separate amplifier for the sub woofer.  These speakers may also be self-amplified as well. The amplifier is built into the sub woofer, which makes purchasing a separate amplifier for it unnecessary.

Do I have any other options?

Well, you can install a DVD player/receiver that already has the surround sound capability built in already.  These car DVD players can process the digital sound signal internally (no need for an external unit like the one I described above).  It will give you all of the necessary speaker outputs for the front, center, and rear speakers. You may still need to buy an amplifier and sub woofer or an amplified sub woofer (amp is built into the sub woofer) to complete the audio system.

Another option may be that you can purchase a multiple channel theater component. These units have all of the amplifiers and outputs for the necessary 5 speakers (front, center, and rear), as well, an output for a sub woofer amplifier, built in.

Take a look at the diagram below for an idea of how your setup may look like:

There are many different configurations to choose from when picking a backseat mobile DVD system.

One of the most common choices is a DVD, monitor, and sound configuration.  This is where all components are separate.  You may be able to even add wireless headphones as well.  These systems can be very easy to set up and can also be configurable to an expansive set up.

You may also want to check out some headrest monitors. These monitors may fit within the headrest itself or mounted on the headrest.  These can vary in sizes by 5 inches up to 7 inches. Some vehicle makers may have headrests that have been manufactured already.

With using the headrests, you will still have to connect it to a DVD player or VCR.  Just make sure that these components are compatible with each other.  In most cases, these components will be compatible. You can also use a receiver controller (if installed) that will send the audio and video signal to these backseat monitors.

How about an overhead monitor? I have one of these in our Honda Odyssey.  These monitors are mounted to the inside roof of the vehicle and folds down. When the monitor is mounted on the roof of the vehicle, it makes it much easier for all back seat passengers to be able to see the DVD or video.

There is also the all-in-one unit that straps on the back of the front seat or seats.  Due to being self contained, these units can be powered by the vehicle’s cigarette lighter. More than likely, these units will have audio and video outputs, as well as, an option to plug in some headphones.

With most of these units, you may be able to utilize your vehicle’s sound system.  What you should look for is if your head or controller unit in your dash has an audio input. These connections will probably be the RCA type connections (Red and White). There may also be an option where this unit may transmit audio via a FM Modulator. This means that the unit transmits a low power FM signal of the audio or sound.  If this is the case, you can tune your in-dash receiver or controller to a specific FM channel (deemed by the manufacturer, check your manual) to hear the audio or sound.

There are a few different options you may go with when choosing a setup for your backseat dvd player. You may be able to choose a self-contained unit, headrest monitors, and an overhead fold down monitor.

The in-dash car DVD player allows your front seat passenger the ability to view video. The unit is installed where the factory (or aftermarket) radio is installed and will contain a built-in monitor. Screen sizes can vary from 6.5 to 7 inches in width. It can act as a screen to video, GPS, system information, and control other units within the vehicle.

Is it expandable? These card DVD players can be expanded to allow extra audio and video components (Rear-view cameras and navigation). Most of these players have monitors that can be retracted into the unit itself. The unit will be able to perform DVD playback. One thing to keep in mind is that if you want to watch a DVD, you have to have your vehicle parked with the emergency brake on (highly recommended). Why? This is strictly for safety reasons. If you are not watching a DVD then the screen can display different commands, and may have touch screen capability!

One of best things about most of the receivers is that you can control different “zones” of audio/video components. You can have separate audio/video units within the vehicle (for example, an over head display, or head rest display). They can even have wireless headphones associated with them. Another cool thing is that you can add a PlayStation 3 or XBOX for gaming! With the receiver as the controller, you can send an audio and video signal to the different “zones” within the vehicle. That way, the driver and front seat passenger will still be able to enjoy the radio or CD over the speakers.

Is it easy to install? The dvd player installs very easily and will fit in the standard in-dash area.

If you’re interested in a GPS system, dependent on the receiver, most units will have this capability (check model to make sure).

Rear-view cameras are cool to have, especially for larger vehicles. The video camera can be installed on your bumper and even screwed into the license plate frame (again, check the model to ensure it does what you want it to do). Most players have these inputs on the unit itself to allow rear-view cameras. To be able to fully expand the receiver you choose, check the model to see how many “zones” that it will be able to control. This way you can have a very diverse audio video setup!

Well, I hope this post was of help to you or someone you know!

Take it from me, I’ve been on long family road trips.  We do some stretches up to 20 hours at a time. Yes, I know, 20 hours cramped in a mini-van does not sound like fun. But we get through it without problems.

You might ask, how???

One easy solution! We have a DVD mobile system in our mini-van.  It provides the kids with hours of enjoyment. We keep many DVDs in the vehicle to accommodate everyone’s request.

Ok, why would I get a mobile system, or what do I need?

To have FUN (or to at least let the kids have fun)! Having a car DVD player will be less stressful and more pleasurable when the kids are relaxed and watching a DVD.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be for long roads, it can be used when running around town or doing errands.

We have headphones for each kid to prevent disturbing the driver (which is mostly me BTW… don’t ask me how I always end up doing the driving).  I would recommend getting a system that would allow for headphones, especially for those long road trips.

Some DVD systems even come with GPS systems.  If you ever get lost, or need directions, this is great to have! There is no need to make sure you have the correct map or deal with handling maps while on the road. Having to do this is very frustrating and dangerous if you’re driving at the same time!

For these Car DVD players, what are my options?

There are numerous options that you can configure with your mobile video system.  As I mentioned before, you can watch DVDs or videos, but that is just the beginning!

You, or the kids, can play video games. There will most like be hookups for a XBOX 360 or Sony Playstation 3. Sorry, the Atari 2600 will more than likely not be compatible!

Local Television Tuner – Pickup local channels in the area you are in.

Satellite Television. Yes, there is an option to have a Directv dish on the roof of your car.  Don’t worry; it doesn’t actually look like a satellite. It looks more like a round flat disc.

What should I start to look at if I’m interested in buying a DVD system for my car?

Well, first off, you may want to focus on these groups:

A video monitor or monitors: in-dash, headrests, and/or flip down

A source for your videos: DVD/VCR

Headphones: Wireless

Speakers: Generally speaking, most mobile video systems will integrate or replace your existing system and utilize the speakers you have in place already.

That was a quick overview on the different types of Car DVD players available to you.  My future posts will be more in-depth.