Introduction to Car Video: Entertainment on the Go
In-vehicle entertainment goes beyond audio.
Adding video entertainment to a vehicle can be simple and there are many options available to fit your needs.
Adding video entertainment to a vehicle can be simple and there are many options available to fit your needs.
Video Choices That FitLCD screens offer consumers a variety of video installation options.
• Portable Video Devices –Smartphones and tablets can be integrated into a vehicle as a source of video content by connecting them to existing in-vehicle devices or monitors via standard A/V input connectors (red, white, and yellow RCA). Rear seat mounting kits for tablets are a convenient way for rear seat passengers to view content. • In-Dash Video Receivers –Some Single-DIN video receivers include a retractable ‘flip out’ LCD panel, while Double-DIN video receivers often have touchscreen LCD panels. Both Single-Din ‘flip out’ and Double-DIN models often include a hard drive, a DVD player, Auxiliary USB, SD card inputs, or A/V inputs and outputs which allow you to view video content. • Overhead (Flip Down) Video ‘Players’ – Overhead video players (also called ‘flip down’ monitors) offer rear seat entertainment for back seat passengers. These units attach to roof-truss supports located behind the headliner for secure installation. Many overhead models contain built-in DVD players and an infrared (IR) transmitter for wireless headphones. Because of the complexity of headliner removal, overhead video products are often installed by professionals. • Replacement Headrest Units – Headrest video monitors are available in pre-fabricated, color-matched headrests. Many models provide factory-like fit and come in a range of colors (black, tan, or gray) and upholstery finishes (leather, vinyl, or fabric). Many pre-fabricated headrest monitors provide the necessary components to make installation easy. |
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What Video Option Is Right for You?
There are many flexible choices for in-vehicle video entertainment.
• Portable Video - Portable video devices, like smartphones or tablets, are often the easiest way to enjoy video on the go. These devices can connect to in-vehicle monitors allowing for easy viewing by one or more passengers; however, you will need device specific cables such as a 30-pin dock A/V output cable for an iPhone/iPad or a micro USB to A/V cable for Android devices. Some video content stored on portable devices may be protected by digital rights management (DRM) encoding, limiting the output capability of that content. Read and understand how your device and content connects to external video monitors to determine if this is a viable option for you.
• Control from the Dash – For users who want full control from the front seat, an in-dash receiver with a video screen is the best solution. Video receivers offer full video functionality and often have an A/V output that allows for second zone functionality, which controls content sent to other video monitors. Video receivers typically have multiple inputs that accept portable devices, gaming systems, portable DVD players, USB thumb drives, or other video source devices.
• Large Screens – Users who want the largest screen possible should consider an overhead (flip down) system. Headrests monitors are limited to 7” or 8” sized screens because of the dimensions of the headrest. Double-DIN receiver screens are limited to 6.5” to 7” because of the dimensions of the in-dash opening. However, overhead screens are often 10” or larger. Installing overhead screens may require mounting it with a special application console or trim ring, or modifying the headliner to accept the unit. This may make an overhead unit more expensive to install and/or remove than headrest monitors.
• Individual Viewing Stations – Users who want individual viewing stations for each rear seat passenger should consider headrest video monitors. Headrest installation is easier than that of an overhead unit and many headrest units feature touch screen controls, built-in wireless headphone transmitters, built-in DVD players, or an A/V source input on the front panel.
• Portable Video - Portable video devices, like smartphones or tablets, are often the easiest way to enjoy video on the go. These devices can connect to in-vehicle monitors allowing for easy viewing by one or more passengers; however, you will need device specific cables such as a 30-pin dock A/V output cable for an iPhone/iPad or a micro USB to A/V cable for Android devices. Some video content stored on portable devices may be protected by digital rights management (DRM) encoding, limiting the output capability of that content. Read and understand how your device and content connects to external video monitors to determine if this is a viable option for you.
• Control from the Dash – For users who want full control from the front seat, an in-dash receiver with a video screen is the best solution. Video receivers offer full video functionality and often have an A/V output that allows for second zone functionality, which controls content sent to other video monitors. Video receivers typically have multiple inputs that accept portable devices, gaming systems, portable DVD players, USB thumb drives, or other video source devices.
• Large Screens – Users who want the largest screen possible should consider an overhead (flip down) system. Headrests monitors are limited to 7” or 8” sized screens because of the dimensions of the headrest. Double-DIN receiver screens are limited to 6.5” to 7” because of the dimensions of the in-dash opening. However, overhead screens are often 10” or larger. Installing overhead screens may require mounting it with a special application console or trim ring, or modifying the headliner to accept the unit. This may make an overhead unit more expensive to install and/or remove than headrest monitors.
• Individual Viewing Stations – Users who want individual viewing stations for each rear seat passenger should consider headrest video monitors. Headrest installation is easier than that of an overhead unit and many headrest units feature touch screen controls, built-in wireless headphone transmitters, built-in DVD players, or an A/V source input on the front panel.
Audio Content
It is not always necessary to hear the video content throughout the entire car. Audio output options for video content include the following:
• Preamp Level Outputs –Either RCA or 3.5mm headphone jacks provide preamp level audio output depending on the device. Preamp level outputs offer the best sound quality because they connect directly to other audio system components and can play audio over the vehicle’s speaker system.
• Wireless Headphones –Headphones used in a mobile video system may use Radio Frequency (RF), Infrared (IR), or Bluetooth A2DP streaming to transmit audio wirelessly. Most wireless headphones included with vehicle video systems are line-of-sight infrared (IR), so the position of the transmitter is important. Overhead units or headrest screens often include wireless headphone transmitters to send audio to the viewer with no obstruction.
• Wired or Wireless FM Transmitters – An FM transmitter is a device that delivers audio signals from video content via an unused FM band to the vehicle’s stereo system. There are wired versions that plug into the receiver and antenna connector, as well as wireless versions that transmit on an FM frequency. Many FM transmitters have selectable frequencies compatible with unused broadcast frequencies in the user’s home region. The benefit of these devices is that they are easy to install. The downside is that sound quality is limited to the quality of the FM tuner in the vehicle.
• Preamp Level Outputs –Either RCA or 3.5mm headphone jacks provide preamp level audio output depending on the device. Preamp level outputs offer the best sound quality because they connect directly to other audio system components and can play audio over the vehicle’s speaker system.
• Wireless Headphones –Headphones used in a mobile video system may use Radio Frequency (RF), Infrared (IR), or Bluetooth A2DP streaming to transmit audio wirelessly. Most wireless headphones included with vehicle video systems are line-of-sight infrared (IR), so the position of the transmitter is important. Overhead units or headrest screens often include wireless headphone transmitters to send audio to the viewer with no obstruction.
• Wired or Wireless FM Transmitters – An FM transmitter is a device that delivers audio signals from video content via an unused FM band to the vehicle’s stereo system. There are wired versions that plug into the receiver and antenna connector, as well as wireless versions that transmit on an FM frequency. Many FM transmitters have selectable frequencies compatible with unused broadcast frequencies in the user’s home region. The benefit of these devices is that they are easy to install. The downside is that sound quality is limited to the quality of the FM tuner in the vehicle.
Safety on the Move
The video capability of a receiver is not intended for drivers or for use while the vehicle is in motion.
• Video Screen Disabled - Most video receivers have a safety lockout feature that prevents playing video content while the vehicle is moving or if the parking brake is disengaged. The audio will still play while the safety lockout is active. This is why the second zone capability is a beneficial feature to have with a video receiver. It allows a user to send the video content to other monitors in the car to keep passengers entertained without distracting the driver.
• Safe Installation – Secure and reliable installation of car video products is important because the screen(s) are located high in the vehicle. In the event of an accident, the proximity of video devices to passengers’ heads makes them a safety risk if improperly installed.
• Video Screen Disabled - Most video receivers have a safety lockout feature that prevents playing video content while the vehicle is moving or if the parking brake is disengaged. The audio will still play while the safety lockout is active. This is why the second zone capability is a beneficial feature to have with a video receiver. It allows a user to send the video content to other monitors in the car to keep passengers entertained without distracting the driver.
• Safe Installation – Secure and reliable installation of car video products is important because the screen(s) are located high in the vehicle. In the event of an accident, the proximity of video devices to passengers’ heads makes them a safety risk if improperly installed.
When to Consider Professional InstallationBefore attempting any DIY installation, assess your comfort level with the installation of electronics and mechanics of your vehicle.
Consider a professional installer if: 1) You are not comfortable disassembling vehicle interior panels. 2) You do not have a suitable work area available. 3) You do not have the recommended tools for the job. 4) You do not have the necessary installation accessories specific to your vehicle year/make/model. Many independent retail installation shops welcome jobs with products purchased on Amazon.com. Professional installers can also provide many of the installation accessories you need for jobs that are covered in this guide. Always look for a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) installation technician to handle your most challenging installation needs. Want to purchase installation now? Find an InstallerNet card on Amazon.com that corresponds to your job type. Thanks: amazon.com |
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