An in-dash car DVD player can be special ordered and installed by the factory if you are purchasing a brand new car. These players take the place of the regular stereo system, and include a small screen. Due to this, they typically take over the stereo system’s function as well as playing DVDs. They will also play CDs, and have ports for both mp3 players and satellite radio. The downside is that they typically provide no way to listen to standard broadcast radio. In some areas, this is no loss, but in other places, drivers may greatly miss their city’s regular radio stations.

In-dash Car DVD Player

An after-market DVD player is installed after the car has been bought by a car stereo retailer, and installing one usually means taking out the original stereo system or CD player.

Screen sizes vary quite a bit with most screens smaller than 7 inches.  You can, however, find screens reaching this size but expect to pay more.

One may wonder how a person can drive with this massive video distraction going on. The answer is that people are not supposed to try to do that. A factory-installed in-dash player often has a safety system which prevents the DVD player from actually playing DVDs unless the car is in park. Some states also have laws which prohibit trying to drive while watching movies. Although in-dash player looks pretty cool, it is not very practical for a family trip if you wish to watch while traveling. Unless, you add additional monitors.  Monitors can typically be added through composite video outputs.

For those who have use of a DVD player in the car while they’re not actively driving, for instance while on a camping trip, having an in-dash DVD player is a great way to be current on the latest technology and watch favorite movies which would otherwise be unavailable at the destination point.

Cool factor aside, the in-dash car DVD player is not very family friendly out of the box.  As noted above, you will need to purchase extra monitors which will increase your cost but if that is of no concern then this player may be the one for you.

The typical portable DVD player comes with Velcro straps to connect the unit to the headrest. Also, most models are inexpensive enough so that one can connect a player to each headrest of they desire to entertain more than one child during longer car rides. Another feature is compatibility outlets for TV, mp3, game systems, CDs and radio thus providing flexibility for your home needs if need be. Additionally, not all models of the portable car DVD player are small and fit to the headrest. Some come with larger screens that fit in between the driver and passenger seat for viewing from the back of the car.

Portable Car DVD Player

Screen sizes vary but mostly range from 7” to 10” which is plenty of size for watching movies in your car.

Most people like the portability of this car DVD player versus the roof attaching, store away car DVD player. Although the player folds into the roof on the former model, they are harder to take out and install in another vehicle if you decide to sell your vehicle or simply want to use another vehicle for the upcoming trip. The portable player can be easily taken out and transferred to another vehicle. Also, the portable car DVD player is much less expensive than other car DVD players. In addition, many of the well known electronic manufacturers offer these units so one can rest assured they will operate without skipping and will last a bit longer than a generic brand players.

Although the portable car DVD player may come with a little bit of hassle when dealing with the straps and cords going the power outlets, the flexibility and inexpensive price makes this one of more affordable options for your traveling entertainment.

The most basic models start with an MSRP of less than $200, with units rising in price to the $1000 range, according to features, screen size and interface technologies.  Check out your local audio/visual retailer or shop online for models and price points.

The concept is simple enough. The car DVD player screen unfolds similarly to an upside-down laptop. The DVD disk is inserted and a remote control similar to the home DVD/TV system is used to operate the device. Be sure to verify which type of player you are looking to purchase.  Some models come with monitor only so you don’t want to have something installed that wasn’t what you wanted.

There are generally a number of options that can be added with relative ease to make the car drop down DVD player into a game console, TV receiver, wireless headphones and game controllers – basically mimicking every function that is found in a home theater unit.

Overhead Car DVD Player

Screen sizes are variable, generally sized from 7.5 inches to 15 inches – or more – depending on the amount of room available on the ceiling. The ceiling monitor car DVD player also has some manufacturers making two-screen in one housing with dual DVD controllers for those families with children widely separated in age and interests or who just can’t agree on one movie or game to play.  Some screens also have the added flexibility of being able to swivel, giving the viewers a better angle in which to watch.

As with any technically-oriented purchase, it is prudent to seek out unbiased advise and be sure to have the flip down car DVD player professionally installed. A simple mistake can cost significantly more to repair than the cost of the installation and professionals have the exact tools and expertise needed to make the overhead car DVD player a stress-reliever instead of a source of worry.