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'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).

Samsung's DVD-L200 features a wide 10" screen for excellent picture quality.

Samsung DVD-L200 portable DVD player
Another of my favorite products for taking video on the road is the Samsung DVD-L200 portable DVD player. One of the first things you'll notice about this laptop DVD player is its sleek styling. At just over an inch tall (when closed), it resembles a high-tech notebook computer. Open the lid to reveal the huge 10" LCD screen — the largest available for this type of player.

This super-slim, compact DVD player is perfect for traveling in planes, trains, and automobiles.

The DVD-L200 is a full-fledged DVD player with all the features you'd expect. It will also play almost any 5" disc you can imagine — DVD-Video, DVD-R & DVD-RW, Video CD, CD, CD-R & CD-RW, and MP3s burned onto CD-R & CD-RW. If that not's enough for you, it'll also display JPEG photos from a picture CD.

Though the DVD-L200 does have decent built-in speakers, I found the ambient noise while driving at highway speeds required the volume to be turned up during scenes with quiet dialog, and then turned down again during action scenes. This is where you'll really appreciate the dual headphone outputs. Sure, you can buy a "Y-jack" to split a single headphone output, but if you've got my luck, it'll be swallowed by the black hole that lurks between the seats in most family vehicles.

The DVD-L200 includes a couple of nice extras, too. If your back-seat passengers get bored with watching DVDs (as if!), you can use the supplied audio/video cables to connect an external source such as a game console, VCR, or camcorder to watch on the 10" LCD.

Xantrex XPower Mobile Plug 75

The unit includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack for use on the road, averaging about 2 hours of playback time. This is under ideal conditions — loud playback volume and cold temperatures reduce it somewhat. Instead of worrying about battery usage, I used the DVD-L200 with the Xantrex XPower Mobile Plug 75. At only $30, and small enough to keep in your glove box, this power inverter was perfect for running the DVD player.

Besides being great for mobile use, you can also use the DVD-L200 as a home player. Use it as a stand-alone unit, or connect it to your TV and home theater system for thrilling cinema sound. It includes composite and S-Video cables, and even has a mini-optical digital output for passing Dolby Digital and DTS-encoded signals (optical cable not included).

The only challenge you'll have using this player on the road is deciding where to place it. The large 10" LCD makes it difficult to secure between the front seats of most vehicles, except for larger SUVs. You can place it your lap, but this is not always comfortable, viewable to all, or all that safe. I have seen a piece called "Suspension Theater," which is a mounting system that uses straps to secure the player to the front seats, but I have yet to use it.

This is a wonderful and versatile unit for home and mobile use, and can even be used on airplanes — all for only $799 (plus $30 for the Xantrex power inverter, which is worth every penny).

Sony's Mobile DVD Dream System includes a remote-mount player, 7" overhead monitor, and headphones.

Sony DVD Dream System for the car
Building upon their experience with packaged home theater systems, Sony has introduced the new "DVD Dream System" for mobile video. This all-in-one-box solution includes the remote-mount MV-101 DVD player (CD, CD-R/W, VCD, MP3), the XA-115 hideaway connection box, and an XVM-R70 ceiling-mount, flip-down 7" LCD monitor — all for only $999!

Kudos to Sony for leading the way in providing a consumer-friendly mobile video solution, instead of offering the traditional pieces and parts. Many a potential customer has gone into a store to inquire about a video system for their vehicle, only to leave baffled and confused from too many options for players, monitors, and connections.

Swivel the monitor to adjust for ideal viewing.

Unlike many mobile video systems, the Sony Dream System's connections are incredibly simply and straightforward. The DVD player and the overhead monitor are each connected to the hide-away media box using a single cable. The box provides power for the entire system. In addition to the DVD player, the hide-away box has inputs for three other audio/video sources. Connect a VCR, camcorder, and gaming console for a true multimedia system!

Speaking of gaming consoles, here's a cool feature. The hide-away box includes a cable and connection for powering a Sony PlayStation 1 (PS1 not included). Just plug in the power, connect the A/V cable, and switch the input using the remote control — next thing you know, you're playing Tomb Raider on the overhead monitor!

Wireless infrared (IR) headphones provide audio for the backseat passengers. Using emitters located high above the monitor, the IR signal should carry to the way, way back of almost any vehicle. Interestingly, the package contains only one set of wireless headphones — additional wireless headphones are available, but it would be nice if a second set were included in the box. There are also two outputs on the hide-away box for optional wired headphones.

You can mount the DVD player horizontally or vertically — just be sure it's within easy reach for loading in your discs.

The DVD player includes brackets for mounting either vertically or horizontally, but due to its depth (8"), finding a convenient mounting location can be a challenge in some vehicles.

The only thing lacking in this package are instructions for mounting the overhead monitor — definitely the most challenging aspect of the installation. Sony's instructions simply recommend that the Dream System be professionally installed. I agree that for those who are "installation challenged," an install shop is the best idea. But I enjoy the installation process, and would rather save the labor charges and do it myself. Sony, please include installation instructions in the future!

A wide range of options
Hopefully you've now got a good idea of how easily and affordably mobile video can be to added to your car. As is the case with mobile audio systems, mobile video systems range broadly in price and complexity — multiple monitors, multiple sources (DVD, VCR, video games, TV tuners, even mobile DIRECTV tuners!), subwoofers, amplifiers, and surround sound processors can be added to really beef up your mobile video experience. Once you've experienced full, 5.1 digital surround sound within the confines of your vehicle, you'll never go back!

The best way to go about shopping for mobile video is to consider the features you want, your existing audio system, the configuration that will best suit your vehicle, and your budget. Best of all, though, is the satisfaction that comes from enjoying a quiet, peaceful ride without worrying about the kids in the back. Mobile video is truly a new kind of family fun!