In-Car Video Buying Guide

Buyers' Guide to In-Car Video Contents

• In-dash
• Overhead systems
• Headrest systems
• Portable players
• How to buy
• Something to keep in mind

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It used to be that you were doing well with a nice in-car sound system, but not anymore. These days, the well-equipped car is an entertainment hub that starts with a Dolby 5.1 surround sound system and includes everything from television and computer games to Internet access and GPS. Of course, no vehicle comes with all this stuff as factory standard (though some come close) but a huge aftermarket parts industry has grown to provide you with custom solutions for whatever you need.

For most of us though, after a nice sound system the most popular in-car add-ons these days is in-car video. Hardly a home these days doesn't have at least one DVD player and people expect the same entertainment value when on the move. In fact, one of the best ways to keep the kids entertained on long trips is to buy a DVD system for your car. Sounds simple? It can be. Or, it can be quite complex. In either case, how you go about it will take some forward planning to get the best result.

In-car video or entertainment systems come in three basic types: factory-fitted (or retrofitted) systems mounted permanently into the vehicle; semi-portable systems that can be moved from car to car (usually with screens that attach to the back of the front seats); and truly portable laptop systems designed to be used by one person. Each type of system has its advantages. Which type is the right one for you depends on what you'd like to get out of your system. Let's look at the main types.

In-dash

These units mount into the car's front dash panel and can replace the audio head unit (control centre). Usually, the 6-7in LCD monitor will automatically slide out of the deck when you start the car, then flip up into a viewing position. If nothing else, they have a tremendous "Wow factor". In fact, put one of these systems in your car and you will definitely spend more time in your car, even if you're not driving! This sort of setup is great if you have a small vehicle. Naturally, they are not meant for viewing movies by the driver while on the move. To view movies on it, you'll typically have to have the vehicle parked with the handbrake on. The video function won't operate when the car is moving, for safety reasons. You don't want to be distracted when driving in traffic, or worse, when doing 110km/h on the freeway.

 So, what's the point of having a movie screen in the front of your car? Well, when you are driving the screen can be put to use in several other ways. It can double as an interactive roadmap, via satellite navigation (using the Global Positioning System, or GPS). This can give you turn-by-turn visual and voice directions almost anywhere across the country. Not only will you get there more efficiently, not having to fiddle with conventional maps is a big safety bonus. Depending on the model, it might even offer touch-screen control, which is a big bonus for convenience and safety. Automatic volume control is another handy feature, reducing the volume when the car slows down, as it no longer has to compete with external road noise.

In-dash screens can also be set up to display vehicle information and navigate through your music, particularly if set up to work with your MP3 player or CD stacker. Many in-dash units play a wide range of formats, including DVD, VCD, SVCD, CD-R/RW, WMA and MP3 discs and can include an AM/FM radio receiver.

On a large vehicle you can also set the unit to display on screen the view from a rear-mounted camera - great for accurate reversing.

With the addition of emerging technologies, possible future uses might also include real-time traffic alerts, Web browsing via satellite Internet access or even satellite TV.

Naturally, you'll have to make sure the in-dash unit you select has the inputs for the options you want to install, such as GPS or backup camera, but most units can take input from a variety of additional devices.

But don't keep all the fun in the front seat. Your in-dash video system may optionally come with dual-zone or multi-zone capability, so when you're on the move it can send a video/audio signal to separate monitors/headphones in the rear of the vehicle so passengers can watch a movie, for instance, while you listen to music over the vehicle's speakers. That is a huge safety bonus, as it cuts down driver distractions dramatically.

Overhead systems

These central roof-mounted video systems can be factory-fitted or be installed as an aftermarket part. They can have the video system built into the unit itself (making them bulkier) or work from a dash-mounted player. They mount into the roof lining and feature a screen that opens down from a closed position alongside and above the driver's shoulder to allow backseat viewing. Some units will even have built-in surround-sound decoding for true home-theatre-style digital sound, great for music videos and suchlike, even for the driver who can still enjoy high-quality sound. Being permanently mounted, they are not only harder to steal, but fold up out of harm's way when not in use.

With sizes from 7in up to more than twice that, this is typically the largest type of screen you'll get in a vehicle, but the downside is they require a large (as in tall) vehicle such as a four-wheel-drive or people mover, and can severely restrict the driver's vision through the rear view mirror. You will need to make sure you have enough headroom to take advantage of an overhead screen. You may also have the choice of standard or widescreen displays. You will also need to make sure the screen has a wide viewing angle, as it will be mounted centrally so left and right-side backseat passengers will be watching it from a side angle. Often, this type of unit will have a variety of video and audio inputs for connection to other systems, such as games consoles, and remote control.

Headrest systems

Headrest monitors usually display images sent from a dash-mounted or other player and have a screen that fits into or behind the front seat headrest.

These systems can be part of a permanently-installed integrated system, or they can be portable or semi-portable. Usually, they come with at least two screens. Some systems mount the player unit in the vehicle permanently but allow the screens to be removed and stored for safekeeping. Other, more portable, systems come with brackets, straps or other attachments for the player and also for attaching the screens behind the headrest, allowing them to be removed to avoid theft.

There are even systems that replace the headrest completely. These may even be available in a fabric and colour to match your car seats. Whether built-in or mounted, headrest units do have the advantage of hands-free viewing from directly in front of the viewer, so there is no loss of colour or detail that you sometimes get when viewing LCD monitors from a side angle.

Portable players

Possibly the easiest way to simply keep the kids entertained and quiet while you drive is to buy them a portable DVD player (don't forget the headphones). If you have more than one child, then each having their own individual player is the ideal solution, and with players starting at under $200 this can still be a fairly economical solution.

Even one player, with a splitter jack to allow two sets of headphones to be connected, can be a cheap solution.

Doubling as a video "Walkman" is just the start; portable DVD players usually support many other formats, including recordable DVDs(DVD-R⁄-RW, DVD+R⁄+RW), plus VCD and SVCD format discs, MP3s and photo discs (Kodak Photo CD and JPEG files).

A portable DVD player will generally come with an AC adapter and possibly a DC adapter for in-car use. Some players will have a detachable battery, which can be charged separately from the player. Look for a model that gives you at least two hours continuous playback ability for uninterrupted viewing of a whole movie when you're unable to plug-in. Some players last up to five hours before recharging. Rapid charging and the option of a second battery are an advantage also.

Generally speaking, a portable DVD player will have built-in skip protection. This is a built-in memory buffer that helps avoid the video and audio "hiccups" that can arise from the vibration and bumps often experienced while using your DVD player in a moving vehicle. After all, it IS supposed to be used when on the move.

Of course, a big advantage of these laptop players over larger in-car systems is that they simply fold up and fit in your bag or other hand luggage so you can use them anywhere.

For more information, see Buyers Guide to Portable DVD players.

How to buy

So, you can see by now that in-car video systems can actually be optioned up to do a lot more than just play sound and video. Depending on the features you want, this type of system can be expensive, especially if you are getting it factory-installed. It can also be quite complex if you build your system up using components from various manufacturers.

There is no reason you can't custom-build your own system for your unique needs though - and save yourself a bundle of money in the process. The basic requirement is that you take the time to do your homework before buying, to make sure your system if fully compatible and gives you all the features you want, with the option of future expandability.

Spend time getting familiar with the brands, models and features you require. Check out the technical specifications and build up your knowledge and understanding of the technologies involved. Once you know exactly what you need you can buy online and either install it yourself.

These are rather complicated and typically expensive systems to buy and install, therefore, you might want to develop a good relationship with a local retailer/installer. Do your homework, read reviews, understand the technology, and you'll get the most out of your purchase. If you have a very good understanding of the technologies involved, and you know exactly what you need, and what will work with your other components, then shop around online. Whether you install it all yourself or get a professional to do it for you, is then up to you.

Something to keep in mind

Game on: If your system has the appropriate inputs for a game console you can even take your Xbox, PlayStation or Nintendo on the road. You will need to get a power converter however, so you can plug the system into the vehicle's accessory plug (or cigarette lighter socket).

Don't be shocked: lounge room systems such as DVD players and non-portable games consoles usually have little or no skip protection and might find it hard to cope with the thumps and bumps of Australian roads, so be sure to mount them on a "cushion" of some sort to lessen any shocks to the system.

Avoid the splitting headache: Some people are never happy, it seems. The more options you have, the more in-car "discussions" over what system to use. One passenger wants to play a video game; another wants to watch a movie. This can be sorted satisfactorily with "multi-zone switcher" circuitry that lets different devices work at the same time. Of course, you will need more than one monitor. You will also need some headphones. Some systems now come with wireless headphones, while others (especially portable systems) have a "splitter" adapter that lets you plug two sets of headphones into the one audio-out socket.

This type of split system is essential for the driver's peace of mind and concentration and will let you listen to your favourite audio, without getting driven around the bend by endless repeats of children's cartoons or game console noises.

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