New Member w/DVD Question

[Rightside]

Hi all, first post here. The wife and I test drove a new 4Runner yesterday and she loved it. We have two young sons, 1 and 4, who only get to watch movies on longer trips, usually an hour or more in length. Neither grandparents live close. So, we want installed DVD player(s) if we buy a new 4Runner, but not offered by Toyota. The dealer quoted me $2100 for headrest units installed. Price seemed insane. I did some searching but couldn't find too much info on aftermarket units installed in the new 4Runners. Our current Tahoe does not have a DVD player(s) either and I hate strapping them to the headrest, running wires, etc, etc. I won't do it anymore. I'm way too picky and hate a cluttered mess. I understand an installed unit could result in theft but I'm willing to chance it.

So, what are my best options? Can someone provide pictures of their setups? What's the best brand(s)? I'm in the St. Louis area so if you know of a good shop to use please let me know. I have a Best Buy near here so I will visit it to see what is offered. I don't want some untrained person making alterations to the new vehicle though. Thanks.

 

[philsey]

I've read of several members resorting sucessfully to ipads.

Seems a very logical solution.

Use the Google search above for "ipad", or "dvd".

 

[milgrad]

Custom headrest DVD video players and monitors for your Acura, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Infiniti, Jeep, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Nissan, Saturn, Toyota

They make a custom system designed for your vehicle. I just installed mine in my wife's 2012 4runner this weekend. They are very nice. Dual DVD's players, AV input etc...I will post some pictures as soon as I can take some. I have been dealing with this company for the past 4 years...they are great...the system is $1200 and includes everything for a factory look install.

 

[phillyd2]

Ipad for the win. Save your money and get much more use out of it. AnyDVD + Handbrake to get movies from any DVD to the Ipad. I like AVPlayerHD app to watch the movies but there are other options.

 

[philsey]

Sweet curtains in the ol' man cave there, Philly.

 

[DannyLlama]

Sweet curtains in the ol' man cave there, Philly.

X2

Curtains in the garage - very nice. Unless the 4R is in your bedroom phillyd :lmao:

 

[phillyd2]

LOL Also called OPSEC

 

[Jivewalker]

I put similar to below in mine for road trips only, works great and picture is great. Cords are long enough to hide in the trim easily and power cord reached all the way to glove box up the middle. Highly reccomend. I take them out when not traveling.

Philips - 9" Dual Widescreen TFT-LCD Portable DVD Players - PD9016/37 dvd&cp=1&lp=5

 

[Dongbeiren]

Get them two iPad and they'll love them more than the DVD player...

 

[TX - Longhorns]

I 2nd the Ipad recommendation, about to purchase at least one (for my 5 year old when we travel, and of course for me!!!), and maybe the Kindle Fire HD for my 3 year when traveling...

 

[DannyLlama]

I have seen these before and was planning on getting a set once my son was old enough to want that but I can't seem to find any place that sells them.

I don't think they make them any more and can't seem to find a similar kind.

Basically you have an option of an IPOD dock, which is brilliant in my opinion, you can just load up an ipod with videos and never have to change a disc again.

ROSEN SHIPS AV7900

 

[DannyLlama]

Get them two iPad and they'll love them more than the DVD player...

Another option is the Google Nexus device -

http://www.amazon.com/Google-Nexus-...&qid=1349195760&sr=8-1&keywords=google+tablet

Half the price of ipad.

 

[lezavw90]

I put similar to below in mine for road trips only, works great and picture is great. Cords are long enough to hide in the trim easily and power cord reached all the way to glove box up the middle. Highly reccomend. I take them out when not traveling.

Philips - 9" Dual Widescreen TFT-LCD Portable DVD Players - PD9016/37 dvd&cp=1&lp=5

It's is the exact setup we have, takes no more than 2 mins to put in.

If I had the money though I would do what others have suggested is get a tablet. Almost every DVD you buy comes with a digital copy, we have a 64gb iPad that I use for work and we have half a dozen kids movies installed on it, not to mention the puzzle game apps you can download. For the price of the fully installed custom headrest DVD players you can have 2 iPad 2's with games,movies,Internet,

 

[Jivewalker]

The ipad is definatley cleaner and more functional. My problem is $$ and I needed to do something "down and dirty" version.

Down the road I can see a couple ipads with the same kind of mount as shown in phillyd2's post.

Let us know what you do OP, would love to see pics when you make a decision.

 

[Rightside]

I put similar to below in mine for road trips only, works great and picture is great. Cords are long enough to hide in the trim easily and power cord reached all the way to glove box up the middle. Highly reccomend. I take them out when not traveling.

Philips - 9" Dual Widescreen TFT-LCD Portable DVD Players - PD9016/37 dvd&cp=1&lp=5

I have these now. Pain in the but. Wires get kicked, tangled. Units bounce around, gotta store them somewhere when not in use. Want nothing to do with them any longer. I want something permanent and clean looking. Can't get that with something you take in and out. The IPAD look isn't bad. But I would have to download movies. I live in the country and have limited data usage. So, anyone else have a permanent, factory looking intall suggestion?

 

[DannyLlama]

Parrot Asteroid Smart

I bumped into into an article that was talking about the new "Parrot Asteroid Smart". I than started to do some research and I find it to be quite impressive.

It's an android platform entertainment unit. Anyway, Here is the direct link and some other reviews:

Parrot - Parrot ASTEROID Smart

Parrot unveils Asteroid Smart, Tablet and Mini car infotainment systems, we go hands-on -- Engadget

Not yet released, but I'm considering it as an option in a couple of years from now.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/E3Cw96gHgvM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[brockeverly]

From a thread I made a year or so ago. Still going strong!

Here are a few better photos of the install.

Obstructed mirror:

From the front seat:

From the second row:

From the third row:

I am extremely happy with the install and with the monitor. The remote works from the front and rear of the unit, and sound quality is great. I tied it in permanently via the aux port to avoid using an FM modulator.

Thread located here ----> http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/96433-overhead-dvd-monitor.html

 

[lezavw90]

Parrot looks cool. Wasn't there a thread a few months back about a device that takes your android phone and displays it on the factory nav screen?


Found it www.vaistech.com,

 

[MpJustice]

I wanted DVD for the little one but the I pad does make more sense after you make it to the destination you have an IPAD.