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Whether to pass the time on a long family car trip, or to soothe the "savage beasts" in the back, it's time to consider a video system for your family vehicle. But with so many options available, where should one begin?
Having just recently gone through the process myself for the family ride, a 2002 Mazda MPV (it's not a minivan, it's a multi-purpose vehicle), here's a look at three of my favorites, ranging from modest to mid-priced, but each priced under $1,000. Each of these systems has its own benefits, but all are great choices for putting video into your vehicle at an affordable price.
Delphi MM1010 — DVD/CD player with 7" flip-up video monitor
One of my favorite plug-n-play mobile video offerings is the Delphi MM1010. The sturdy little case holds a 7" LCD monitor and a DVD player with dual headphone outputs. One flip-up "barn door" reveals the LCD screen and control panel, and the other a useful 11" x 11" storage pocket with a rubberized mat to keep things from slipping around. There's even a small mesh pocket to stow your headphones (one pair is included).
But wait, there's more! This nifty compartment is perfect sized for many gaming consoles or a small VCR, which can be displayed on the 7" LCD using the A/V auxiliary input. Or use the built-in power inverter to charge your camcorder, digital camera, or cell phone on the road, using a standard three-prong outlet. I've also successfully used that compartment to hold the contents of a couple of Happy Meals.
On the front of the unit, the detachable power cable plugs into the vehicle's DC power port (it used to be called a cigarette lighter), with a cable long enough to reach either the dash or the auxiliary power port in the back of my (not a minivan) MPV.
A cool slot-loading DVD/CD player (not MP3-capable) is also on the front of the unit, easily accessible by the front seat passengers. That's good, because located there it's less tempting for those in the back to squirm out of their seatbelts, trying to switch out a DVD.
One word of caution — when the vehicle powers off, the DVD player "forgets" where it's at, and always restarts back from the beginning — frustrating when you just turned the car off to fill up the tank. A wireless remote would also be handy for allowing parental "override" when needed.
Economically priced at just $449, the Delphi MM1010 is a heck of a deal. Plus, it's durable enough to withstand the rigors of the road (not to mention the rigors of your kids).
Having just recently gone through the process myself for the family ride, a 2002 Mazda MPV (it's not a minivan, it's a multi-purpose vehicle), here's a look at three of my favorites, ranging from modest to mid-priced, but each priced under $1,000. Each of these systems has its own benefits, but all are great choices for putting video into your vehicle at an affordable price.
 Delphi's MM1010 features a flip-up 7" monitor, a DVD/CD player, and plenty of storage space for headphones and DVDs. |
Delphi MM1010 — DVD/CD player with 7" flip-up video monitor
One of my favorite plug-n-play mobile video offerings is the Delphi MM1010. The sturdy little case holds a 7" LCD monitor and a DVD player with dual headphone outputs. One flip-up "barn door" reveals the LCD screen and control panel, and the other a useful 11" x 11" storage pocket with a rubberized mat to keep things from slipping around. There's even a small mesh pocket to stow your headphones (one pair is included).
 The MM1010 makes an ideal partner for your backseat passengers — secure the unit with the snap of a seat belt. |
But wait, there's more! This nifty compartment is perfect sized for many gaming consoles or a small VCR, which can be displayed on the 7" LCD using the A/V auxiliary input. Or use the built-in power inverter to charge your camcorder, digital camera, or cell phone on the road, using a standard three-prong outlet. I've also successfully used that compartment to hold the contents of a couple of Happy Meals.
On the front of the unit, the detachable power cable plugs into the vehicle's DC power port (it used to be called a cigarette lighter), with a cable long enough to reach either the dash or the auxiliary power port in the back of my (not a minivan) MPV.
A cool slot-loading DVD/CD player (not MP3-capable) is also on the front of the unit, easily accessible by the front seat passengers. That's good, because located there it's less tempting for those in the back to squirm out of their seatbelts, trying to switch out a DVD.
One word of caution — when the vehicle powers off, the DVD player "forgets" where it's at, and always restarts back from the beginning — frustrating when you just turned the car off to fill up the tank. A wireless remote would also be handy for allowing parental "override" when needed.
Economically priced at just $449, the Delphi MM1010 is a heck of a deal. Plus, it's durable enough to withstand the rigors of the road (not to mention the rigors of your kids).
