What to Look for When Adding Mobile Video to Your Ride
First you need to decide what your goals are for your system. Do you want to add DVD, VHS, TV, video games, GPS mapping, computer capabilities, etc.? This will determine what gear you're going to need to buy and can make sure it all works together.
You can buy head units with built in DVD players that go in your dash. There are also separate DVD and VHS players that can connect to stand alone monitors. Video game systems (PS2, XBox, N64, etc.) are quite common and most good installers won't have a problem adapting the system to 12 volt use. More advanced systems can even include computing capabilities. Look to a company called Drivesoft (featured on MTV's Pimp My Ride) for in vehicle computing.
After you decide what you want (which may be pocketbook limited),you can determine where you will install the equipment. Typical monitor locations are in dash, on the headliner, in the sunvisors or in the headrests. The possibilities are endless but those are the most common. Obviously the headrest option will be for your rear seat passengers as will the headliner mounting. Be sure to work with a competent installer who knows the laws in your area for mounting video monitors. Most areas do not allow the video monitor(s) viewable by the driver to function unless the car is in park. And NEVER let an installer remove either of the airbag(s) in your vehicle to install a video monitor. Besides being a bad idea, it's probably illegal.
Now that you know where you will mount your equipment you can go shopping. Monitors typically are 4", 5", 6-7", 10", 12" and even 15" (maybe larger). Expect to pay from $100 each for the small monitors to $1,000+ for the larger models. Make sure the monitor you choose is large enough to be viewable but small enough to fit comfortably in the space you have. In the showroom you will want to view the monitor at different angles and with differing lighting conditions. Some monitors look washed out when viewed from the side or in direct sunlight. Bring a flashlight to help simulate this.
Video sources are a little more straight forward. If you plan on having multiple sources (VHS, DVD, TV tuner etc.) you'll want to get a video switching system that is compatible with your components. For this reason it's probably best to buy components from one manufacturer that are designed to work together. Alpine and Clarion come to mind as companies that have systems like this. Expect to pay big money for a "does it all" system.
For more modest budgets you could have a simpler system. Say for the typical sedan you could have a dash mounted DVD/monitor head unit to watch movies and play CDs. This will set you back anywhere from $500-$1,000+. Or you can keep your existing head unit and add a stand alone DVD player for $150+ and connect it to an in dash mounted monitor ($200-$700) space permitting. If you want to let your back seat passengers in on the fun you can add a couple of headrest mounted screens for $300-$1,000. Integrating a video game system isn't too much more and you can expect to pay about $300 which includes the game unit. From there the sky is the limit.
Unless you are an experienced installer I would recommend leaving the installation of a video system to a professional. However, if you want to give it a try, check out this article for a basic how to on installing headrest video screens.
The Car Audio Help DVD catalog includes five different videos covering many areas of car audio installation and custom fabrication. Topics range from basic system installation (head units, CD changers, amps, speakers, etc.) and mobile security (car alarms and remote start) to subwoofer box design and fiberglass fabrication. If you're interested in custom fabrication and car audio installation be sure to check out what we have to offer.
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