The Kenwood DDX714 features large buttons for easy access to your listening options.

DVD receivers — car stereos that play DVDs — are great for families with kids. You can connect a rear monitor, throw on their favorite DVD, and enjoy near silence from the back of the car as you drive to your destination. But since you can't watch movies up front unless you're parked, what good is a DVD receiver in a car that isn't full of impatient children?

Simple. DVD receivers have wonderful screens, are loaded with features, and inject a sense of "cool" into your vehicle. Think of a DVD receiver as sort of a "command center" for entertainment in your vehicle — even when you're not playing a movie.

The Alpine IVA-D106 fits in a single-sized opening and makes it easy to read what's playing on your iPod.

Nice big display

DVD receivers come in a couple of flavors: double-sized to fit a larger dash opening, or single-sized to fit a vehicle's standard opening. The single-sized models usually have a motorized screen that slides out when you turn it on.

When you're not playing movies, the large screen acts as your receiver's display — and it's a whole lot easier to read than the 2- or 3-line displays of typical car receivers. You'll enjoy being able to read more information about what you're listening to. Bigger icons, split-screen capability, and more screen real estate add up to a satisfying car audio experience. You'll be able to keep your eyes on the road a whole lot better if you're not squinting at your display, or waiting for the info to scroll by.

Most DVD receivers offer touchscreen controls. You can just tap the screen to access menus, change sources, or tweak the sound.

Loaded with features

DVD receivers are often loaded with features that represent upgrades from standard CD receivers. You'll be able to enjoy hands-free calling and music streaming with Bluetooth®, and also iPod® control, or satellite radio. Be sure to check out what's already built in and what the receiver is "ready" for, as this tends to vary.

The maps are detailed and easy to read on the Eclipse AVN726E's large screen.

If you're toting your family around, the "dual-zone" capability that some receivers offer lets you separate the rear-seat entertainment from the front. Your backseat passengers can listen to their tunes or watch movies on a second monitor, while you listen to the ballgame up front.

Some DVD receivers lead a double life as GPS navigation receivers, too. Accurate directions will help you save on the gas bill, and many navigation receivers have optional real-time traffic capability for steering your way around the next big traffic jam.

Rear-view camera

Rear-view or "backup" cameras are handy tools for seeing what's behind you when you're backing up or parking. Their wide field of view offers a whole lot more of what's behind you than using your mirror, and you won't have to turn your head. You'll be squeezing into those tight parking spots in no time. They're great for larger vehicles or if you're towing a trailer.

Touchscreen stereo controls like those in this Pioneer AVH-P4100DVD make any vehicle's dash look great.

They're cool, too

Your passengers will take notice when they see a big, bright screen in your dash. While you'll base your buying decision on the feature set, the "cool factor" cannot be overlooked. Your in-dash stereo will stand out among the smaller displays of CD and digital media receivers, and enhance the look of your vehicle's interior.

Worth a look

When you're shopping for a car stereo, consider a touchscreen receiver even if you're not interested in watching DVDs in your dash — the DVD playback is almost incidental to the stereo's true usefulness. They tend to have the best features and the elegance of touchscreen control makes them easy and fun to use.

Use our handy "Outfit My Car" tool to see which stereos will fit your vehicle.