Kids can drive you to distraction. Literally.
Hours in traffic lead to fights. Toddler meltdowns happen. Distracted parents make mistakes. You need attention paid to the road, not to the backseat.
That’s why families turned to in-car and portable DVD players. They keep the peace on long road trips. They help while running errands around town. Some drivers even use them for relaxation while waiting for soccer practice to end.
Buyers have several options. New car buyers can choose a factory-installed system. It’s like a sunroof or air conditioning. The manufacturer builds it in. If you aren’t buying new, you can still have the small-screen experience. A car dealer or audio shop can install an aftermarket system. Or you can pick up a portable DVD player at an electronics store. Little to no installation is needed.
All three options have unique advantages. They also have disadvantages. Keep reading to find out which system makes the most sense for you.
Factory-Installed In-Car DVD Players Explained
Factory-installed DVD systems are becoming more common. You see them in SUVs. Minivans. Other family haulers.
One major benefit is warranty coverage. These are original equipment. They fit precisely into the car. They often operate without extra controls. You just use the existing dashboard interface.
The screens are usually large. Passengers in the back can all see them.
There are drawbacks. These systems are expensive. They add thousands to the initial cost of the vehicle. Since they’re part of the car, you can’t take them with you. If you sell the car, the next owner gets them. You don’t.
Dealer-Installed Aftermarket Options
A variation of the factory system is the dealer-installed unit. It isn’t original to the vehicle. The dealer adds it later.
They use manufacturer-recommended equipment. Warranty coverage usually applies. You get the same benefits as a factory system. You also get the same drawbacks.
The big difference? You can add it to an older car. You don’t need to buy a new vehicle to get a DVD system. This is great for people who want the entertainment but aren’t ready for a new purchase.
Third-Party and Aftermarket Installations
Somewhere between dealer-installed and portable players are third-party systems. You buy these from an electronics or car accessory store. Someone other than the dealer installs them.
This option allows customization. You pick the specs. You pick the screen size.
But there is a risk. The system won’t be covered by the vehicle’s warranty. In some cases, work done by someone other than the dealer may void the car’s warranty entirely. Do your research before you act. Check with your manufacturer. Ask about specific installation guidelines.
Portable DVD Player Pros and Cons
Portable DVD players are less expensive. They cost less initially. They don’t need installation.
You can move them anywhere. They entertain in the car. They work on a plane. They work on a couch.
The screen is small. Most are handheld. It’s tough for more than one person to watch at a time.
Visibility is a security issue. When parked, they attract thieves. You can leave them in the car. You can also take them with you. But leaving them in plain sight is risky.
Which System Fits Your Needs?
With all these choices available, what’s the right one for you? What do you really need to consider?
Is cost the only factor? Think about warranty. Think about screen size. Think about theft risk. Think about resale value.
Find out on the next page.
Weighing the Cost of In-Car Entertainment
The price tag you pay for a car DVD system hinges entirely on your use case. If your goal is to keep a crowd happy during drives, sticking to factory or dealer-installed units makes the most sense. During periods like the fall and winter of 2008, Chrysler threw these systems in for free on minivans and SUVs to move inventory. Those days of automatic freebies are gone. Today, securing a factory-installed unit usually means haggling hard during your initial car purchase.
Third-party installation services are becoming more common too. You can often negotiate installation rates there. But remember that installing a custom system rarely boosts your vehicle’s resale value. By the time you sell the car, the electronics will likely be obsolete. You aren’t adding equity to the asset.
Portable DVD players sit at the bottom of the price spectrum. They are cheap to buy. The math changes quickly if you need to entertain multiple children simultaneously. The costs accumulate fast. However, for one or two kids, these units are ideal. You get entertainment during the ride and options once you arrive at your destination. Modern models are built to survive drops. The controls are simple enough for toddlers to figure out without needing a manual.
Safety First: Avoiding Driver Distraction
Buying a player isn’t just about cost. It’s about not causing an accident. Factory systems are designed with safety locks. If the screen faces the driver, the unit refuses to play video unless the car is in park. This is a necessary restriction.
When using aftermarket monitors placed behind the front seats, the burden of safety shifts to you. Ensure the driver cannot see the screen. Use headphones for passengers to minimize auditory distraction. Changing discs while moving is a bad idea. Have a passenger handle it, or pull over to a safe spot.
Where to Go From Here
If you want to dig deeper into automotive electronics, the next pages cover related topics. You might also look into:
- 5 Bluetooth Car Accessories
- Are RFID ignition systems secure?
- How Bluetooth Car Stereos Work
- 5 Extravagant Car Amenities
- Do car GPS devices cause more accidents?
- How accurate are gas mileage monitors?
- How Dashboard Displays Work
- Top 5 Car Gadgets
- Can my car tell me the speed limit?
- How SIRIUS Backseat TV Works
- How the Tiwi System Works
- 5 iPod Car Accessories
- What’s the best way to play my iPod in the car?
- Why do GPS systems give wrong directions?
- How In-dash Night-vision Systems Work
- How the Hughes Telematics Device Works
- How Audi’s Travolution Device Will Work
Sources
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ConsumerGuide. “Car DVD Player Buying Guide.” Aug. 14, 2007. (Jan. 27, 2009) https://products.howstuffworks.com/car-dvd-players-buying-guide.htm
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Katzmaier, David. “Best portable DVD players.” CNET Reviews. Dec. 3, 2008. (Jan. 27, 2009) http://reviews.cnet.com/best-portable-dvd-players/?tag=pm
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U.S. News Rankings and Reviews. “Mercedes Develops Split-Screen Nav System.” Dec. 11, 2008. (Jan. 27, 2009) http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/daily-news/081211-Mercedes-Develops-Split-Screen-Nav-System-/
