Any recommendations for a DVD system for a 2004 4runner (Overhead or Headrest)?
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tarheeltp17
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i sell both at my shop and I generally do more overheads than headrests....
Headrests in my opinion are nicer and more convienient esp if you have more than 1 kid. You can get headrests that have individual DVD players built in which gives you the option of each watching their own movie or the 1 watching the others movie.... The downside is that they are generally more expensive for a good set. Vizualogic is the only way to go. Audiovox makes some decent ones as well as Myron Davis... But vizualogic is where its at. They will also send you blank headrests later on down the road if you upgrade to a new vehicle that way you don't have to buy a whole new set of headrest monitors.
Drop downs are cheaper and you can get a bigger screen installed for less than you can get a set of headrests not installed. We use the Audiovox 10" VOD102 setup most commonly and it runs about $1000 installed, while a set of headrests can easily run you $1800+ installed. The downside is that drop downs block your view, regardless if its an 8" or 15", you can forget using your rear view mirror. This install is generally permanent too. I did see a guy who said he didn't cut his headliner, but taking it to any shop and you are guarenteed to have your headliner cut.
If you are a DIY guy... I say headrests. Easier install and no real custom work being done. Otherwise its a flip between the two.
Headrests in my opinion are nicer and more convienient esp if you have more than 1 kid. You can get headrests that have individual DVD players built in which gives you the option of each watching their own movie or the 1 watching the others movie.... The downside is that they are generally more expensive for a good set. Vizualogic is the only way to go. Audiovox makes some decent ones as well as Myron Davis... But vizualogic is where its at. They will also send you blank headrests later on down the road if you upgrade to a new vehicle that way you don't have to buy a whole new set of headrest monitors.
Drop downs are cheaper and you can get a bigger screen installed for less than you can get a set of headrests not installed. We use the Audiovox 10" VOD102 setup most commonly and it runs about $1000 installed, while a set of headrests can easily run you $1800+ installed. The downside is that drop downs block your view, regardless if its an 8" or 15", you can forget using your rear view mirror. This install is generally permanent too. I did see a guy who said he didn't cut his headliner, but taking it to any shop and you are guarenteed to have your headliner cut.
If you are a DIY guy... I say headrests. Easier install and no real custom work being done. Otherwise its a flip between the two.
My vote is for a portable unit(s) that attach to your existing headrest. Pros are switchable between cars if you travel in more than your 4Runner. Also allows DVD playback at destination lodging that may not have other suitable entertainment for the children...BTDT. Less expensive!
Biggest con is potential unsightly wiring, but it depends on how you to intend to use it. We only break out the player for trips longer than 1 hour, so we're not dealing with the wires every day. Also, the Panasonic unit we bought gives real world 7 hours of run time at full screen brightness (rated for 10 or 12 on low) making the headphone the only wire in use most of the time.
2nd place would be built-in headrest units. My sister's Expedition has a roof mount drop down unit...feels like driving a box truck when the monitor is down; no rear visibility through the center of the vehicle. Also, the viewing angle for a roof mount is a little hard on the neck, IMO.
-Brent
Biggest con is potential unsightly wiring, but it depends on how you to intend to use it. We only break out the player for trips longer than 1 hour, so we're not dealing with the wires every day. Also, the Panasonic unit we bought gives real world 7 hours of run time at full screen brightness (rated for 10 or 12 on low) making the headphone the only wire in use most of the time.
2nd place would be built-in headrest units. My sister's Expedition has a roof mount drop down unit...feels like driving a box truck when the monitor is down; no rear visibility through the center of the vehicle. Also, the viewing angle for a roof mount is a little hard on the neck, IMO.
-Brent
