Flip down Monitor or Headrest monitors?

[H1_VLTG]

what are your thoughts...I want to install a rear dvd entertainment system with dual zone. Mainly to keep my 19 month old entertained during long trips. Right now we have one kid but (God willing) we plan on having another.

The single flip down will have a larger screen or I can opt for smaller screens and two of them in the headrest

 

[juiceboxer]

I would definitely go with the headrests, I feel they look better and i would rather look directly in front of me rather than sideways toward the headliner. Plus if you have a sunroof things get a lot more complicated with a Ceiling mount setup.

 

[tarheeltp17]

A sunroof doesn't really complicate things as much as you would think.

Both setups has advantages/disadvantages...

Overhead + : Larger screen for less money.

Overhead - : Blocks rear view and is pretty much a permanent install.

Headrest + : Each monitor could have its own source, so if you have kids that fight over what to watch, problem solved. You can also remove the headrests when you sell the car and order new shells for the new car and switch the monitors over to the new headrests.

Headrest - : Anything of good quality is going to be almost double the cost of an overhead. Smaller screen size too, but it is possible to get a 9" just plan on spending a lot more.


If you've got the money to drop, I'd go with the headrests. Otherwise there is nothing wrong with an overhead just don't plan on looking through your rear view mirror to see anything besides the back of a tv.

 

[H1_VLTG]

Thanks for the input...I'll start pricing stuff out, goal is to have everything purchased so I can do the install as soon as it warms up.

 

[milgrad]

I would go with the headrest system. I just installed a dual dvd headrest system in my wife's 4runner last week. It is great, Dual DVD, dual headphones, games built in, wireless FM mod built in...I got it from headrestvideo.com They were awesome to work with. I got a system from them for my Murano as well.

 

[H1_VLTG]

I would go with the headrest system. I just installed a dual dvd headrest system in my wife's 4runner last week.

What size are the monitors?

 

[milgrad]

They are 7 inch...Dual DVD Player, full touch screen control. It is the nicest setup I have seen. I did months of research before I went this route. Let me know if you have any other questions/concerns. Check out the website they have. Very detailed with lots of pictures etc...

 

[J.A.]

I highly recommend the dual headrest setup, check my site for my dual 9" install.

 

[boston_kevin]

Definitely the headrest system. You might save some money on the overhead, but you lose visibility with the screen down, and even with the screen up, it's something that tends to get in the way.

 

[H1_VLTG]

I highly recommend the dual headrest setup, check my site for my dual 9" install.

WOW...I really like what you did with the 9" screens.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. At this point it is pretty much a "No Brainer" I will be going with the Dual Monitors.

I'll keep you posted as I purchase the parts and start the install.

 

[milgrad]

Here are a few pictures of the headrest system installed in my wife's Urban 4runner.

 

[milgrad]

and....

 

[broncosi]

like someone said before, the overhead will be permanent. As in once you take it down to sell or trade in, there will be a hole in your headliner or sell it with the overhead(ie lose what you spent on it).

The headrest monitors are a good idea because you can simply replace the headrests. Many company's will match your interior and send you the monitors specifically for your 4runner already installed in the headrest. All you do is bring it some where to be installed or you install them yourself.

 

[Mike07SE]

I vote duel headrest. Been in vehicles with both styles and can't stand to ride looking up and to the center of the car. Headrest is nice since you can have a more relaxed view of it which definitely offsets any size difference IMHO.

 

[ric]

I say neither, the car is the best place for mom and dad, to TALK to the kid(s) when mine were small, one of us would drive, the other would be in the back seat, talking playing with them...
It brings you closer to your child, to many people think of a tv or dvds as a baby sitter, and would rather just turn on the tv, and not bond with the kids..
Now on a very long trip, I could see it, maybe, but Id rather be talking to, explain things etc to my kids, than have them watch a movie.
I did see a show on 20/20 or something saying how many parents these days dont talk to the kids, and they even said the in car dvds are bad, parents and kids just aint as close as they use to be, its much better to talk to your child..

 

[Vizwar]

I say neither, the car is the best place for mom and dad, to TALK to the kid(s) when mine were small, one of us would drive, the other would be in the back seat, talking playing with them...
It brings you closer to your child, to many people think of a tv or dvds as a baby sitter, and would rather just turn on the tv, and not bond with the kids..
Now on a very long trip, I could see it, maybe, but Id rather be talking to, explain things etc to my kids, than have them watch a movie.
I did see a show on 20/20 or something saying how many parents these days dont talk to the kids, and they even said the in car dvds are bad, parents and kids just aint as close as they use to be, its much better to talk to your child..

Wow, I'm not alone after all. :bigok:

 

[ric]

Wow, I'm not alone after all. :bigok:

lol and I was thinking "I" was the loner, lol

 

[H1_VLTG]

It is a good point, and I do appreciate the input.