Car DVD Players Buying Guide

Car DVD players  are becoming more and more popular, and likewise prices are dropping dramatically. Consumers can now afford a player at a modest price. There has been some criticism and debate on the subject though because a lot of people think that having a DVD player in one's car is overkill. Obviously, if you are the only one riding in your car it would be silly to have a DVD player  because you can't watch while you drive. Not only is it illegal, but it is ludicrously dangerous.

But if you own a family car and want to keep the kids entertained while you drive, a car DVD player  can be a great device to have in the car. Car DVD players are great for road trips.

How to Choose a Car DVD Player

There are several different ways of going about choosing a car DVD player. The first thing that usually sticks out for most consumers is the price tag. If you have a good amount of money to spend, you should look into creating a surround sound car theater system  ($400+). For those of us on a budget, the cheapest car DVD Player systems  can cost from about $200 and up.

Many higher end DVD Players for your car are now including GPS Navigation systems  as well.  These can also include the ability to play your iPod  through the DVD/navigation system.  Check out the top rated system above and look around for your GPS navigation DVD player combo. 

Portable DVD Players

The Budget Option: The best way to get entertainment in your car without breaking the bank is to opt for an all-in-one system  that provides hours of fun beyond the confines of a vehicle. Compact, folding DVD player  with a clamshell design makes for a lightweight but sturdy device. prices have come down dramatically over the last several years. Built-in speakers and screen means no extra purchases. Lighter and cheaper than a laptop  if all you want to do is watch movies on the go. No installation required. Just invest in a car kit  and/or adapter if you want fuller sound. To permanently install a portable DVD player  in a car you will need a mount.  Take them from one car to another, or even on an airplane, train, or use at home. Some top models to check out (C-Net): Philips PET1002  Samsung DVD-L100  Audiovox D1700  JVC KD-AVX33  Panasonic DVD-LS50  Sony DVP-FX701

Ceiling Mount DVD Players

High-end Option ($500-$700) These models cost more than a portable DVD player and they are a more permanent car entertainment option. Perfect for multi-user backseat viewing,  especially in SUVs or other large vehicles, because the screen can be up to 10" or more.  Might require professional installation. Great space saver, plus it folds up out of the way when you need to put large items in the back seat. Keep in mind that some flip-down monitors  don't come with the DVD player included as part of the package. Make sure to look for all-in-one models.

In-Dash Receivers

Economical Option This is where creating a car DVD system  gets really fun. You can choose your components from a wider selection of products. You can get an in-dash receiver  that plays both CDs and DVDs. You can install the screen anywhere, either from the ceiling, the sunvisor, on the back of the headrest or even in the center console. It's up to you. Basically, the screen and the player device will tap into the car's stereo system for creating surround sound if your car is set up for it. These monitors come built-in with the receiver usually, however, there is the option of buying the video monitor and the receiver separately. They are easy to install, as they fit onto any standard dash opening.  Most models have great sound, tone control, and are easily expanded to incorporate GPS devices,  cameras, and more. When driving, they act as a command center with a touch screen. Otherwise, to watch videos, the car must be parked with the emergency break on. This is otherwise known as a receiver with built-in DVD playback.  Another similar option that costs less is a CD receiver with a retractable monitor.  These can be very useful because they can handle various tasks and have multiple inputs. They can usually handle CDs, MP3 files, and DVDs. They even hook up with your GPS Devices (search for GPS units  to buy). Make sure that the model has a touch-screen for easy use while driving. It should be as simple as possible to avoid creating any distractions. Some have iPod compatibility, such as the Clarion VRX755VD.  Check for a model with multi-zone audio if you plan to have it linked with a surround sound system.

Headrest Style Monitors

Headrest Replacements - $400+ each (6-10") Headrest Monitors  -- $200-$400 each (5" to 8") This is an ideal setup for backseat viewing. Dual monitor sets can be purchased at reduced costs for two-person backseat viewing.  If you have more than one child, this may be an absolute necessity for you and not as much of an option to keep squabbling to a minimum. Headrest monitors  must be professionally or self-installed, which tends to be the cheaper route. Swivel headrests  tend to give the best viewing vantage regardless of daylight or glare. As an alternate option, you can purchase headrest bracket mounts  that eliminate the need for doing any splicing or dicing to your upholstery. There are also replacement headrests  with the monitor pre-installed. With all of the above models, you need to purchase an in-dash  or center console receiver  to act as a media player. There are also players that can be tucked away under a seat. Manufacturers Include: Saavy  Myron  Vizualogic

Extra Features

TV Compatibility: Most DVD players come with the ability to play various media types such as VCD, SVCD, and WMA.

Placement: Decide where you want to put your player. If this is going to be used primarily by the kids in the backseat, go for a headrest/stand-in car or roof mount screen. Otherwise, a sunvisor or in-dash screen may be a better option for front seat viewing (but not while driving of course). Keep in mind that cheaper models offer small, lightweight players with 4" to 6" screens.  These aren't the best option if the player is destined to multi-user viewing. A 7" screen size  is good for proper viewing. Anything larger than that and you will start to compromise portability (both size and weight) and price. A 10" display screens  usually cost around $500 and up.

Video Quality: Don't expect that these little gadgets are going to produce crystal clear video reproduction. They are no comparison to a home LCD Televisions (search for LCD Television  to buy). Picture quality is important though, especially since if you want to use the player in bright conditions, the screen should be of the highest caliber.

Sound Quality: Usually budget all-in-one models don't produce great sound with their integrated speakers. If you want the best sounding system, go with a component system that you can upgrade with various audio components, such as speakers. 

Battery Life: Not many of the removable all-in-one systems  actually have great battery life. What manufacturers claim is often exaggerated, but at least if you have the DVD player in a convenient spot you can plug it into the car lighter socket.

• Beware of installing DVD players in your car because like expensive CD players and speaker systems, they are also a target for thieves. Make sure your car has a good security system. 

Related Products

Please check out the Car audio and video Guide to learn about other car and video options (search for car audio and video  to buy).	If you need a new iPod or other MP3 player / CD player, investigate the Personal Audio and Video Guide (search for iPod or MP3 player  to buy).	you may still need to play DVDs at home, we have the DVD Player Guide to help you on your decision (search for home theater dvd player  to buy).	Perhaps you don't want a car dvd system, but you want to navigate across ton or even the country, visit the GPS Device guide for good advice on the selection (search for GPS systems  to buy).	of course, when your kids are watching that movie on your road trip, you may need to be distraction free. There are many options for you in the Headphone guide (search for Car headphones  to buy).