 | Portable Player w/Installation Kit: $95-$275 |
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 | Ceiling Mount: $150-$650 |
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 | In New Car: $300-$2,000+ |
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| Car DVD players are becoming increasingly popular, which is pushing down prices. They can be a great way to keep children entertained on long trips. Permanent in-car DVD players can be factory installed when purchasing a new vehicle or added later, and portable DVD players can be used with in-car mounting kits that can be easily removed between trips or when the vehicle is sold. | | |
| Typical costs: | - One of the most convenient ways to buy a car DVD player is to have one preinstalled when purchasing a new car. The list price tends to be expensive, although dealers are often open to negotiating the price. Depending on the make and model of car, minivan, truck or SUV, expect to pay $300 to $2,000 or more for a factory installed DVD system. (Units installed in a vehicle's dash, visible to the driver, will only operate when the car is at rest and the parking brake engaged.) The Dual Invision DVD Headrest System for the Ford Edge, for example, costs about $1,550.
- The least expensive option is a portable DVD player and a car installation kit. Using headphones helps to minimize driver distraction. Expect to pay $75 to $200 for a portable DVD player with a 5- to 10-inch screen, plus $20 to $75 for a car installation kit if it's not included with the player. The Philips PET7402/37 portable DVD player includes two 7-inch screens, an in-car power adapter and a mounting kit to attach each screen to the rear of a car headrest, for about $187.
- Ceiling mount or overhead aftermarket video systems offer a more permanent in-car entertainment solution. The screen is fixed to the vehicle's ceiling and folds up when not in use, allowing for a larger screen. Expect to pay $150 to $650 for a flip-down ceiling mount unit with built-in DVD player and 10- to 12-inch screen. The Power Acoustik PMD103CM costs about $340 and features a 10.4-inch screen with built-in DVD player.
- Some flip-down monitors are sold separately from the DVD players. Once installed they can be hooked up to an existing portable DVD player, in-dash DVD player or other video source. Expect to pay $150 to $500 for a 10 to 20-inch screen. The Tview T206ir, for example, offers a 20-inch screen with two video inputs and remote control for $245.
- As the name suggests, In-Dash DVD players require the receiver to be installed in a car's dash while the screen can be attached or mounted in the ceiling, headrest, center console or even a sun visor. They are sold with or without a screen. Without a screen, an in-dash DVD unit costs $75 to $300. With a screen, these types of car DVD players typically cost $250 to $800. The Kenwood KVT-514 combines a DVD player with CD player, satellite radio and iPod deck with a 7-inch in-dash monitor and costs about $500.
- Headrest DVD players are suitable for backseat viewing. Separate monitors or screens with a DVD player built-in can be professionally installed into exiting headrests or replacement headrests can be purchased with the monitor pre-installed. Headrest monitors with built-in DVD player cost $160 to $340 per unit. The Power Acoustik HDVD-9 replacement headsets feature an 8.8-inch screen and built-in DVD player in each headrest. The headrests are available in a variety of colors to match a car's interior and cost $555 for a matching pair, including wireless headphones.
What should be included: | |
Additional costs: | - Many auto shops or national chains will provide professional installation of a car DVD player. For example, Geek Squad charges $200 for in-car video system installation.
- For self-installation, Crutchfield offers a guide to installing a car DVD player system.
Discounts: | - Some dealers offer discounted or even free factory-installed DVD systems to entice new car buyers. Regardless, it is always important to negotiate the cost of optional extras when purchasing a new vehicle. See How Much Does a New Car Cost.
- Sales and specials are common at electronics discount stores. One-generation-old models may be sold at a substantial discount compared to the latest model car DVD players. Refurbished models can also often be had at a discounted price.
Shopping for a car dvd player: | - Check a car DVD player's specifications to ensure compatibility with favorite home-recorded discs.
- Crutchfield offers a guide to choosing an in-car video system.
- Compare prices online from sites such as Amazon or Crutchfield. For those who prefer to buy in person, big box retailers such as Best Buy stock car DVD players and units can also be found in many auto parts stores.
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Article updated September 2010 |
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