Thinking of Getting InCar DVD System For The Kids???

[Pebble]

We're not quite at that stage of getting a DVD player. Have two kids, one is about to turn 6 and the other is going on to 8. But I sure am looking forward to when they buy a DSi or DS Lite or whatever each! They have enogh saved up so just waiting to see if there are going to be any good deals around Xmas!

It's not like the good old days where they would eat, sleep, look out the window then eat some more and sleep again! Silence when it rarely happens is bliss and if it goes on for longer than 5 minutes it certainly reminds me of the early days (no kids).
I'm hoping the DSes will be ample for those times when everyone needs a bit of peace and quiet because the kids certainly don't know the meaning of those words lol. Certainly nothing more distracting than bickering kids in the back too.

Sure they should just look out the window just like they should just play outside at home, but it's not always practical.

I did consider the PSP because it's more versatile but I think it's geared towards older kids and not as many games. Could be a consideration for some of you with the older kids though because they can play movies etc and the screen seems to be good quality and graphics.

I've watched some home made vids on my little 8gig ipod and I'm quite impressed with the video quality even though the screen is rather small, so I wouldn't rule out an iPod touch or iPhone etc providing there wasn't going to be a big associated cost (internet / phone or whatever).

[Lowlander]

Here's mine:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SOUNDSTORM-SDVD300M-7-FLIP-TFT-DVD-CAR-SONY-XSR1341-/170542989092

here's one similar to mine:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/10-DVD-Player-Car-Roof-Mount-Flip-down-Monitor-AUS-/250700989713?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a5ef18511

[theflyingbadger]

Here's mine:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SOUNDSTORM-SDVD300M-7-FLIP-TFT-DVD-CAR-SONY-XSR1341-/170542989092

here's one similar to mine:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/10-DVD-Player-Car-Roof-Mount-Flip-down-Monitor-AUS-/250700989713?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a5ef18511

benny

how much fixing do these take? (Generally) can you reuse existing captive nuts in the ceiling?

[Lowlander]

Very easy, used the cross rail/roof support rail to support the dvd player bracket with tec screws. I used the power from the existing light but will rewire when I build my overhead console.

[SteveandViv]

We're not quite at that stage of getting a DVD player. Have two kids, one is about to turn 6 and the other is going on to 8. But I sure am looking forward to when they buy a DSi or DS Lite or whatever each! They have enogh saved up so just waiting to see if there are going to be any good deals around Xmas!

It's not like the good old days where they would eat, sleep, look out the window then eat some more and sleep again! Silence when it rarely happens is bliss and if it goes on for longer than 5 minutes it certainly reminds me of the early days (no kids).
I'm hoping the DSes will be ample for those times when everyone needs a bit of peace and quiet because the kids certainly don't know the meaning of those words lol. Certainly nothing more distracting than bickering kids in the back too.

Sure they should just look out the window just like they should just play outside at home, but it's not always practical.

I did consider the PSP because it's more versatile but I think it's geared towards older kids and not as many games. Could be a consideration for some of you with the older kids though because they can play movies etc and the screen seems to be good quality and graphics.

I've watched some home made vids on my little 8gig ipod and I'm quite impressed with the video quality even though the screen is rather small, so I wouldn't rule out an iPod touch or iPhone etc providing there wasn't going to be a big associated cost (internet / phone or whatever).

I'm hoping the DSes will be ample for those times when everyone needs a bit of peace and quiet because the kids certainly don't know the meaning of those words lol. Certainly nothing more distracting than bickering kids in the back too.

You can also get a chip/SD card for the DSi etc and from there you can also load movies and music. it's not hard to do and then they can do every thing. My kids will easily fill in 2 hours playing their Pokemon games, trading etc....

[Ricey]

We have 3 kids 11 to 8 and we bought a set of 7 inch headrest DVD players and a DSi and the change is unreal. silence you can actually hear the radio.
The child that sits in the middle gets the DSi and we have gone from arguments based on I am not sitting in the middle to its my turn to sit in the middle.
Have had no issues with dvd's skipping.

[peteandkyles]

We bought a set of twin screen DVD sets that tie to the head rest and the player only lasted 12 months and the second screen plug broke before that anyway. Then we bought the same thing but a name brand and that lasted 8 months.

Solutions
and and

CD's don't skip anymore, all is powered by 12V and keeps the kids quiet. I have the master switch and we have a simple rule - they all agree on the movie / show they are going to watch or daddy just turns the whole thing off...

[theflyingbadger]

do you run the media player on 12v or via a inverter? and any issues with the HDD on bumpy roads?

[peteandkyles]

do you run the media player on 12v or via a inverter? and any issues with the HDD on bumpy roads?

The media player we bought was 12V (many of them actullay are) so that I wouldn't need an inveter. The only problem we have had so far is when it get really bumpy and the drive jumps about, it tends to unplug, but that can be solved with a solid state or USB stick. We only have copies of our own DVD's on there so a large USB stick would be fine. Both units are "shoved" into the tissue holder below the back AC controller on the Prado.

[WilSurf]

I have finally started the template for a roof console.
Now I am thinking of installing a DVD player at the back end of this console which will be wired up to two screens for the kids.
I can't find a website with a normal 12V DVD player. Most of them are complete with radio etc.
Anyone any idea whereto look?

[Bird]

I have finally started the template for a roof console.
Now I am thinking of installing a DVD player at the back end of this console which will be wired up to two screens for the kids.
I can't find a website with a normal 12V DVD player. Most of them are complete with radio etc.
Anyone any idea whereto look?

like this or you want without screen?

[speewa158]

Havent you got bloody windows in the tug for the kids to look out       

[JCOJ]

Havent you got bloody windows in the tug for the kids to look out       

Speewa, I understand where you are coming from, HOWEVER, kids get bored of looking out the window after a few hours, then after they then get bored of the in car games, then in car fighting starts.  It is much less stressful, peaceful, less tiring and therefore (and most importantly) SAFER for mum and dad to have a bit of total peace and quiet occasionally while the kids watch a dvd for an hour. 

We don't use them as an all day thing, only sparingly, but for the above reason we highly recommend them.

[SteveandViv]

Also. We use them at night after the kids have had a shower etc. While we are all drinking and telling b-hh1t stories we let them sit in the car and slow down before bed....

[WilSurf]

Lost, I was thinking of the unit only without the screens.

[Bird]

Speewa, I understand where you are coming from, HOWEVER, kids get bored of looking out the window after a few hours, then after they then get bored of the in car games, then in car fighting starts.  It is much less stressful, peaceful, less tiring and therefore (and most importantly) SAFER for mum and dad to have a bit of total peace and quiet occasionally while the kids watch a dvd for an hour.

While I agree, what did we do as kids on trips to pass the hours? There was NO electronic anythings. Surely they arent the full answer.

Bloke in my club still to this day does 1 annual 6-8 week trip and they still have and never have had electronic anythings (his kids are now teens), and his kids are probably the best behaved kids I've met in 25years.

Lost, I was thinking of the unit only without the screens.

No problems, I have the one in the photo and works brilliantly with wireless headphones or through the car stereo when the Blues Brothers are on

[stepheng]

I would buy 2 cheap DVD players from Dick Smith or something. They are about $100 each, then they cant squabble over which DVD to watch. I bought the cheap one DSE and it still works after about five years, lots of camping etc...the only issue the batteries only last for one DVD.

[WilSurf]

Anyone heard/seen one of these?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/D0009-Eonon-Half-Din-New-Car-CD-DVD-Player-SDHC-/180677120393?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a11321189

[Bird]

Anyone heard/seen one of these?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/D0009-Eonon-Half-Din-New-Car-CD-DVD-Player-SDHC-/180677120393?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a11321189

their feedback looks like a bit of a lottery...
The advantage of the "hook over the headrest ones" is they handle bumps a touch better, and wont lockup, jump and skip.

[WilSurf]

Been searching andfound another one: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170631722044&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

Been thinking.
If I install this in the front so the passenger can keep an eye on it.
If something happens the passenger can control it. The kids are still young. (8 and 5)

[WilSurf]

Another question this time :-)
How are the screens attached to the headrest?
We have a single piece sheepskin over over front seats and what I can see is that most straps are vertical, meaning going between the headrest and the seat which in our case can't.

[Markss]

Not that it matters to some, but bear in mind that ADR approved headrest players are few and far between.  Sure 99.9% of the time that won't be a problem, but I'd check your insurance and liability situation before spending money on them.  Ridiculous maybe - but the law is the law.

We ended up getting a 2 screen, 1 DVD player from Target for $90.  Both kids have to watch the same movie if/when we turn it on.  They take turns choosing what gets played, so if one decides to sit quietly and look out the window then that works for me too!

[WilSurf]

How are these screens of yours strapped to the headrests?

[meimarocu]

We have dvd players that strap to seat head rest and have their own power supply.

Pro...
Can be easly removed and and used in the Camper after dark as a good night movie.
SHMBO Has taken it to hair dressers to keep 4 yr old happy for 1/2 hour.

Con...
Dont think they would be to useful in an accident .
Only 2 in car and have 3 kids,so far not to much fighting.But its coming.

We only use them on long day drives and only after lunch.

Cheers Ian.

[Markss]

How are these screens of yours strapped to the headrests?

With the ones I got from Target, it's just a horizontal strap that goes around the driver/passenger headrest.  I pull it pretty tight so I don't feel it when I am driving.