One of the most important things that you will need to contemplate before even attempting to install a regular car DVD monitor, or perform a challenging headrest monitor install, is what type of tools will be required for the job. Even though each vehicle and each car monitor system is different there are still some fundamental items you will most likely need to successfully complete the car monitor installation process. The majority of projects you will require needle nose pliers, a flat head screwdriver, a Philips-head screwdriver, and a combination wire crimp and strip tool. Other tools to consider are a panel tool, utility knife, ratchet/socket set, drill/bit set and a torque driver set as well. Keep in mind that this is only a short list of the more basic tools that are needed and numerous other tools may also be needed as you proceed with your install job.
Headrest Monitor
Firstly, you need to begin by thoroughly reading the instructions and make sure to study any schematics supplied with the car DVD monitor to make sure you completely understand the whole process of successfully installing it properly.
Headrest Monitor
Even though there are many makes and models of car DVD monitors on the market, they are still usually composed of 3 essential components. These include the DVD player itself, the LCD or TFT monitor, and the audio system. Furthermore, you will need to understand that there are 4 main different types of installations that will cause you to experience 4 varying degrees of difficulty.
They are as follows:
2 DIN Car Monitor System
The term 'DIN' is actually an internationally accepted standard for in-dash car multimedia units. The number 2 in front of the DIN basically means that it is a standard double deck slot size.
This particular type of system is mounted into the dashboard of a vehicle and will most likely make it slightly more difficult to install, especially if you are attempting to do it from scratch. Since a double DIN car monitor system contains the largest and most aesthetically pleasing screen for your entertainment needs it is probably worth all the effort.
2DIN car monitors, for the most part, are composed of a flat screen and a built-in DVD player. They also have an amplifier built right into the dashboard unit as well. You may discover that more unit mounts and connectors are required to get the car monitor to be seated in its slot snugly. Installation of this popular style of system needs a lot of re-wiring. If the outer edges of the monitor are too large or too small for a non-standard stereo slot then you may have to perform a custom resizing or remodelling of the dash to make sure the unit fits properly without any problems. A good rule of thumb is to double or even triple check the dimensions of your dashboard slot before even buying a brand new car monitor to install. This way you do not waste time or money.
In the process of your car monitor install you will most likely have to run wires from the head unit all the way to the individual speakers in the front, side and rear of your vehicle. All other secondary input devices, such as backup cameras or Bluetooth kits, will also require this. A crucial thing you must account for is to make sure that you are not running a wire to both ends of the emergency break cable since it is considered to be illegal in most countries to be able to operate the monitor when the car is in motion. The only exception to this rule would be that you are running a rear view camera while reversing your car. A final note is that you will also need to wire the car monitor player to the power supply of your vehicle.
1 DIN Car Monitor System
This particular type of car monitor is very much akin to the 2 DIN since it is also mounted into a dashboard and is necessitates a great deal of wiring to have it installed correctly. Be that as it may, the 1DIN car monitor player only takes up ½ of the needed space of a 2DIN unit. Even though it sounds easier to attempt this type of car monitor installation you may need to customize the slot size in the dash to make sure it fits tightly into its designated spot. Similar to the 2 DIN car monitor system it is made up of a color TFT or LCD screen, DVD player and amplifier. All the connections, mounting brackets, and wiring are definitely required but may not always be included by the manufacturer in your purchase.
Alternative Design Car Monitors
This class of car monitors is much less difficult to install than the 1or 2 DIN monitors but it will still pose you with some unique issues. While it is true that you do not need to fit the new electrical components to existing parts of the vehicle you are still required to perform a significant amount of wiring and rewiring to make sure the system is properly hooked up to an adequate power supply and stereo system to maximize your mobile multimedia experience. This type of car monitors installation you will require screws, wires, and adhesive.
For a headrest monitor install you will need to detach the fitted headrest from the seat and run power and connection wires down through the hole. The majority of cars or trucks should allow you to remove the cover off the bottom of the seat and put an unwound clothes hanger up through the slot to locate the cable and pull it out. After that you can run the wire under the carpet to the main head unit in the dashboard or directly to another connection box in another spot in your car.
Other unique car monitors, such as a sun visor DVD monitor or overhead car DVD monitor, will require you to consider other important factors such as how to fix the player to the ceiling of your car and how to wire the DVD monitor so that the cables cannot be seen by the passengers. When mounting the roof monitor you will need to install it in the center of the vehicle for maximum strength. Then you will need to conceal the wires beneath the ceiling panels by running them from the head unit to the dash or power supply. As you can see, this may require a lot of work as some panels and maybe even the seatbelt will have to be removed. Sun visor DVD monitors are not as hard to mount since the wires do not have to be extended too far to be attached to the power source or main adaptor. But they will still need some careful attention when removing and re-attaching car panels.
Clip-On Car Monitors
This one is the simplest and most flexible type of monitor to install when it comes to moving from place to place. They usually include headrest, sun visor and even arm rest car monitors. You should be able to plug a clip-on monitor into a cigarette lighter and clip them onto their designated location.
Now that you have a much better idea of the 4 types of car monitor installations you need to consider some important things.
The provided tips and tricks information is only a tiny portion of the things that you will need to know to aid you in an installation process. Installing a car DVD system is not something to be performed lightly, especially when you are attempting to install a 1 or 2 DIN car monitor or trying to perform a complicated headrest monitor install.
If you are serious about accurately installing a DVD multimedia player, and have the correct resources to attempt it, it is of utmost importance that you work methodically and carefully to avoid any confusion or unnecessary delays.
Some things to consider are:
1. Researching the installation project: Read over and make sure you understand all the instructions for the components you are going to install. A good idea is to go online and search to see if anybody has attempted any wiring plans for your particular vehicle make and model.
2. Prepare for the assignment before you begin: If you are trying to install a 1 or 2 DIN install you will need to ensure you have all the necessary tools, accessories and wires. In addition, you will also need to give yourself a few days without any distractions to thoroughly complete the job.
3. Remove existing components carefully and skilfully: It is important that you do not lose any crucial parts or damage your old stereo system unless you plan to keep the car monitor in your vehicle when you resell it later on. Laying out panels and parts in relation to their location on the car with all their screws on the panel will greatly reduce searching time in your installation process.
4. Keep your work neat and tidy: When wiring or rewiring make sure that the wires themselves are as tight as possible and prevent them from coiling up.
People who rush head first into a car monitor installation project will usually find themselves stuck in a time consuming project which frequently ends up with undesired and often unsafe results.
There is absolutely nothing worse than a vehicle with wires scattered all the way through it. A professional installer would always makes sure that wires were tidied away somewhere behind the paneling of the car in nice neat straight lines. By carefully preparing and taking the time to properly do a car monitor install you can achieve similar results. Also, it is important to be aware of audio and visual problems that could come up from hastily assembled systems. Problems that may arise can include black holes in sound, flickering screens, or loose rattling components just to name a few.
If you don`t take the time to perform a car monitor install correctly it can be a safety hazard to the system, the car and ultimately yourself. If 2 wires are exposed they can short circuit each other and cause your new in-car DVD player to be inoperable. Wires that have been placed too closely together, in a faulty car monitor installation, for too long of a time period will fuse generating a temperature so hot it can combust causing a car fire. So play it safe and follow these helpful tips and strategies in attempting a proper car or headrest monitor install.
Car Monitor Installation Explained
Headrest Monitor
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Pyle PL72HRGR Adjustable Headrests w/ Built-In 7'' TFT/LCD Monitor W/IR Transmitter & Cover (Gray) Feature
- 7''TFT Monitor With Pillow - Brightness: 350cd/M2 - Power Input: DC 12V
- Headrest with Zipper Hide-Away Cover - PAL/NTSC Compatible - Built In IR Transmitter For Wireless IR Headphones
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Widescreen - Auto Switching - Adjustable Mounting Posts: 4.3'' To 7.1''
- High Resolution: 1440x234 - Full Function Wireless Remote Control - Dimensions: 11.5''W X 8.3''H X 4.7''D
- Contrast Ratio: 300:1 - English OSD Menu
Pyle PL72HRGR Adjustable Headrests w/ Built-In 7'' TFT/LCD Monitor W/IR Transmitter & Cover (Gray) Overview
On long trips, it’s important to keep the backseat entertained and the driver comfortable. That’s where this pair of grey adjustable headrests with built in 7” LCD monitors comes in. The picture on the screen is bright, crisp and accurate, thanks to the 1440x234 resolution, 300:1 contrast ratio, 25ms response time, and 16:9 display ratio. These take two standard RCA inputs, so you can hook up your DVD player, video iPod, or video game console with ease. A full function remote control provides complete wireless access to your monitor’s settings. The kids will enjoy themselves in the backseat and you’ll be comfortable and safe in the front knowing a headrest will protect you. This model also includes a zip-up cover for the screen to prevent sun damage and to keep your car safe when you’re not around. It’s also compatible with IR wireless headphones, so you can enjoy peace of quiet while the backseat has a blast. Best of all, these headrests are easy to install, and fit in many car and SUV models.
