How To Install Car Headrest Dvd Players
Headrest DVD players allow you to bring video entertainment on the road. They are a great way to keep children busy during long car rides, and they are also a fun way to enjoy a movie on vacation in a remote area. Like all electronic equipment, your headrest DVD player can malfunction. Depending on the severity of the problem, the repair can be anything from a quick fix to a full system repair.
Isolating the Problem Area
OnFair Car Headrest DVD Player Install in a 2011 Kia Sorrento EX; Lexus Headrest DVD Player Monitor Reviews. Autotain Customer Installation Photos in a 2006 Silver Lexus GX470; Mazda Headrest DVD Player Monitor Reviews. 2008 Mazda CX-9Car headrest monitors install Customer Testimonial; 2012 Mazda CX Autotain car headrest DVD player install.
Go to Add/Remove Programs (for Vista, go to Programs and Features). Upgrade internet explorer 8 to 11. • Locate Windows Internet Explorer and click Remove. • For Windows XP, click the Start button (in Vista, click the Pearl) and go to Control Panel.
Determine the area that is causing your problem. If the DVD player turns on but the screen is blank, the problem could be related to the display or the disc reader. If the disc reader spins the DVD but does not play correctly, examine the disc for damage. If the player does not start at all when the car is running, check the connection to the battery first. Finally, if the device is connected properly, the problem is likely in either the wiring or the device and will require removal (see Reference 2).
Operational Problems
Operational problems are easier to correct than installation problems. Begin with the remote control. If the remote does not seem to control the system, replace the batteries and try using it again. Order a replacement remote for your system if this does not work. Check the DVD being used to make sure it does not have scratches, cracks or other damage. If the player turns on but does not show a picture, make sure the brightness level is not set too low. Some DVD players will not operate properly at a low temperature, though they may work fine when the car is warm. Similarly, if any condensation formed in the player overnight, it will need to dry out over one to two hours (See Reference 2).
Installation Problems
If the problem is more serious than an operational issue, it is related to the installation of the player. Make sure the unit is mounted properly. In most units, the unit should be firmly pressed into the headrest and held in place by mini-din connectors. Next, check the wiring. There should be cables running from the player to the monitor (if separate components) and to the car's sound and electrical systems. Most wires are routed beneath carpets and can be accidentally unplugged by excessive in-vehicle movement. Make sure the wires are connected to the right terminals in the electrical system harness. Generally, the yellow wire is connected to the battery, the red wire is connected to the accessory power and the black wire is connected to the ground. A fourth green wire is designed to fit the parking brake, though it is optional to install in most systems (see Reference 1). If the wiring is connected properly, the unit is mounted the right way and the operational issues are not affecting the player, the unit may have internal damage and should be examined by the manufacturer. Uninstall it by disconnecting the wiring, removing the unit from the headrest and including all components in the shipment sent to the manufacturer for examination.
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The main advantage of a headrest DVD player, compared to all the other ways you can watch DVDs in a car, is that they don't take up any space. Integrated units are also extremely easy to install since they come built into replacement headrests, and portable hang-on units are even easier to use. There is also room for a tremendous amount of customization with this type of system due to the fact that a headrest DVD player can often be used by itself or in conjunction with a fully-featured in-car multimedia system.
Plug and Play Vs. Cut and Patch Vs. Hangers-On
While there are literally hundreds of headrest DVD players on the market, they can all be broken down into three important categories. The first type is designed to be installed into an existing headrest. That involves cutting into the headrest to create a space for the DVD player, so installing one of these units isn’t for the faint of heart. They typically come with bezels that hide the cut headrest material, which makes a seamless installation possible.
The next type of headrest DVD player comes pre-installed in a replacement headrest. These units are typically available in a variety of colors, although it isn’t always possible to find a perfect match for the seat material. Most of these units are also adjustable, which allows them to be installed in a variety of different vehicles. The main issue is that while they are adjustable, most of these units don't offer 100 percent coverage. That means there is a small chance that any given headrest replacement DVD unit won't fit your seats.
The last, and easiest to use, is the external, portable car headrest DVD player. These units are essentially just flatscreen DVD players that run on 12V. Some of these players include the necessary hardware to temporarily attach them to a headrest, and others require a third party holder or carrier. The main benefit of this type of car headrest DVD player is that it is tremendously portable, while the main drawback is aesthetic in nature.
Self-Contained Vs. Integrated DVD Headrests
Regardless of whether a headrest DVD player is a plug-and-play or not, some level of wiring is required. Since completely self-contained systems include an LCD screen, DVD player, and either speakers or an audio output, the only necessary wiring involves hooking up a power source.
Integrated headrest DVD players can be tied into other video and audio sources, so they require additional wiring. Some of these units can be hooked into a DVD head unit, which allows everyone in the vehicle to watch the same movie or TV show. Since they also include their own DVD players, each person can also choose to watch his or her own program.
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Headrest DVD Player Bonus Features
The most important feature for a headrest DVD player to have is some type of headphone support. Some units have an output jack that headphones can be hooked up to, and others offer some type of wireless functionality. The three main types of wireless headphones use Bluetooth, infrared, or RF to connect. Since these technologies aren’t compatible with each other, it’s important to buy the right type of in-car headphones after choosing a headrest DVD player.
Some headrest DVD players also include other bonus features like:
- built-in video games
- remote controls
- USB ports and card readers
Headrest LCDs
Headrest LDCs are a cheaper alternative to headrest DVD players. These units don’t include built-in DVD players, so they have to be hooked up to some type of external video source. Some paired units include one DVD headrest and one DVD-less LCD headrest.
Alternatives to Headrest DVD Players
With the increasing popularity of iPads and other tablet computers, these highly portable devices have become a viable way to watch video content in a vehicle. While you can’t watch DVDs on a tablet, there are plenty of other ways to take your movies and TV shows on the road. With a tablet car mount and a wireless media server, the entertainment options are endless.