Car DVD player dilemma...need educated advice please!?

Question

I have a 21 month old and a 12 year old. Obviously they are into different things; 21 month old-Doodlebops, 12 year old-video games, so we need two players. We were thinking about putting two DVD's in the Toyota Sienna, mounting them in the front headrests. However, we have heard they break down quite a bit, and do nothing for resale value. I've also been toying with mounting one on the ceiling, and then getting my son a DVD that straps onto the seat that he can use for games (and he can sit with a budy in the 3rd row and play), but I'm concerned about it becoming a lethal object if we were ever in an accident. HELP! What does everyone recommend?

Answer 1

I've got a few options that may work well for you depending on your budget.

First, there are some portable DVD players that come with mounting straps for temporarily attaching the unit to the back of the seat.

Another option is a universal headrest mounting bracket for the video screen. This is a bracket that connects right to the metal mounting posts of your hearest and holds the screen right behind the headrest. This would be an alternative to cutting the headrest for screen mounting, but the screens that work with that bracket generally don't have built-in DVD players, so you'd have to get one or more separate DVD units.

The most expensive option is custom replacement headrests that come with built-in screens. I believe they can be ordered through places like Circuit City or Best Buy and will be color-matched to your factory interior and fabric. They should be available with DVD players built into the screen, and if you buy them through a local retailer you'll be covered if there are problems under warranty. When you're done with the van you can put the original headrests back in, and recover some of the cost of the video system by selling it separately.

Low-priced screen with headrest mounting bracket:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=205-505
Mounting bracket alone:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=205-590
Portable DVD player with 2 screens and car mounting accessories:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7754487&st=portable+DVD&lp=15&type=product&cp=1&id=1141762944107
Headrest with built-in monitor/DVD player:
http://www.myronanddavis.com/pdut_detail.asp?id=142&cateid=1

Answer 2

for versatility the headrest package will be the best option to go to. and as long as you go to a reputable shop they should be able to do your install so it is not only safe but easy to use. For instance you could have the 2 screens and use a video switcher to control dual dvd players so either screen could watch the same, or different movies with a push of the button, or even a video game system. as long as you get a good quality brand, it should last for many years, atleast until you decide to trade it in for a newer car.

Answer 3

i imagine a dvd in the motorcar may be superb. It keeps them occupied and do basically not enable them get the television alot at the same time as they get homestead. I say 2 hours of television an afternoon is superb for a 4 year old. yet a dvd in the motorcar shouldn't lead them to need the television more beneficial. basically save them keen about different issues. If there bored there gonna bypass to the television that's regularly occurring.