ABN:
Distinct Car Entertainment
has
been advancing in leaps and bounds recently. Sophisticated DVD and video
systems have become an essential part of family road trips. Plus, having
a bunch of LCD screens lighting up the car's interior as you and your
friends cruise around pushes the cool factor off the charts.
Let's take a closer look at the technology that may forever send the
question, Are we there yet?into the family travel history books.
Different
Styles Meet Different Needs
Different
Formats
A Media Room
in Your Vehicle
Finding Your Way
Keeping in
Touch
Think About
Your Connections
Final Thoughts
Different Styles Meet Different Needs
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There are plenty of different vehicle types out there, so it only makes
sense that you should have a variety of in-car video and navigation
systems from which to choose. You can opt for a simple player with a
built-in screen or a full rolling car theatre set-up, complete with
multiple screens, full surround sound, TV, gaming and much more. Let's
start with the basic types.
In-dash - These units have a bright, vivid LCD monitor integrated into
the deck. The monitor will automatically slide out of the deck when you
start the car, then flip up to a 90-degree viewing position. It almost
makes you want to just sit in the driveway and re-start the car again
and again, just to watch the screen slide out. Some models feature
widescreen displays.
These systems are great if you have a small vehicle, or if your front
passenger is the only one you need to worry about entertaining. You can
pull over at a rest stop and watch a movie in the front seat, if you
need a break from driving. Many models do more than just play movies, of
course.
You can also use the in-dash models to display system information about
your vehicle, or to help navigate the song archive you've saved as MP3
or WMA files on a CD-R. If you have satellite radio or DAB (digital
audio broadcast) programming, the screen can display a lot of
information about the artists or songs.
Having the screen up front is also a great safety feature. If you drive
a large vehicle, it can display the image from a rear-mounted camera, so
you can avoid obstacles when reversing. Combined with a navigation
system, it can display an endless amount of information about where you
are, where you're going and where you went wrong if you're lost.
Future uses for your in-dash system could include real-time traffic
alerts, satellite video on demand and Web browsing.
Overhead - Overhead units can also have a video or DVD player integrated
into the unit, or they can work from a dash-mounted player. They fold
down from a closed position and feature an LCD display for easy viewing
from wide angles. Some even rotate slightly for optimal viewing. The
size of the display can vary from about eight to fifteen inches or more.
Many models come with infrared transmitters that work with wireless
headphones, so you can keep noise to a minimum as you drive. Some
include a variety of video and audio inputs, so you can plug in a game
system or another audio source, such as an MP3 player, and listen with
headphones. Overhead models will not be practical for all vehicles. Be
sure you have enough headroom to be able to take advantage of the
overhead screen. Again, you'll be able to choose between standard and
widescreen displays.
Headrest - Headrest monitors don't have a player built in, and they
display images sent from a dash-mounted or other player. They do add a
lot of flexibility for setting up multi-user systems, though. With a
monitor in the front seat headrests and a dash-mounted player and
monitor in the front, everyone gets a clear view of the action.
Mounting the LCD screen can be done in one of two ways: you can install
it on the headrest posts with a special bracket, or you can install a
headrest with the screen built in. Many manufacturers are now producing
aftermarket LCD screen headrests that look remarkably similar to the
factory-original equipment in many models of car and truck, down to the
upholstery. There are also widescreen format headrest models available
for a more car theatre experience.
Players - If you don't want to go with an in-dash model as the centre of
your video system, there are dedicated car DVD players that can be
installed under a seat or in the glove box. If you choose this model,
remember to install it somewhere where you can easily reach it to change
movies or CDs. Of course, these models will include a remote control, so
you don't have to fumble under your seat while driving to change scenes
or songs.
Different Formats
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You should expect your DVD player to do more than just play DVDs,
particularly if it's an in-dash model and your only option for audio
entertainment. Some models can play a wide range of formats, including
DVD, VCD, SVCD, CD-R/RW, WMA and MP3.
Many models come with a tuner built in, so you can watch conventional
analogue broadcast radio and TV, satellite TV and Digital Audio
Broadcasting (DAB), where available.
A Media
Room in Your Vehicle
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Maybe a media room is overstating it, but some models actually give you
the ability to separate your vehicle into different zones. With
dual-zone audio control, you can use one audio signal for the front
speakers and another in the rear. This is most useful when you have a
DVD in the player to keep the kids occupied, but you don't want the
sound effects and excessively catchy kids' tunes to distract you as you
drive. Listen to the radio in the front and give the kids some
headphones, all using the same system.
You can set up the rear passengers with their own monitors in the front
seats' headrests or overhead, and give them the ability to use the
remote to advance or replay scenes, adjust volume and pause the movie
when it's time for a rest stop.
Finding Your Way
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Car DVD video systems actually deliver safety when you add a navigation
system to your player. These navigation systems work from current GPS
data for your area, wherever you happen to be. You get a map that will
show you where you're going, and even how to get there. The display
shows you how you're progressing on the map image and suggests the
direction you should go. With some models, you can even choose between
routes that are shorter, usually have less traffic and are more scenic.
Many navigation systems also include special points of interest,
including restaurants, hospitals and so on. This feature helps you get
where you're going - quickly - and removes any stress associated with
getting lost.
Some navigation systems even use voice commands. Your system will "tell"
you where to go and how to get there so you never have to take your eyes
off the road.
Keeping in Touch
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A really cool feature found on some systems is an interactive touch
screen that gives you access to your system's functions. The LCD screen
is made to withstand the additional wear and tear from being poked and
prodded. This feature makes it easier to find the menu item or function
you're looking for. Most models will also come with a remote control,
which will also make it easier to find a function, and keep your eyes on
the road.
Think About
Your Connections
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There are new models of in-dash players being released that will connect
directly to your iPod and will bring up the song library on the touch
screen for easy navigation. You can even work the iPod's controls from
the screen.
Different models will have different connections for working with
additional screens, external components, gaming systems and more,
including optical outs and component video. Many also work with wireless
headphones, which will be sold separately. Be sure the components you're
considering have the necessary connections.
You may want to turn your video player into a full car
entertainment centre on wheels, so be sure you can connect your player
to the necessary outboard gear. Be sure you have audio outs that will
work with your amplifier so you can take advantage of Dolby Surround or
DTS performance.
Final Thoughts
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You can find each component separately or, for added convenience, buy
them as a package.. This is a great way to go, so you can be sure you
have compatible hardware. Your DVD system can work with your existing
deck, if you don't want to part with a good system. However, be sure the
player is compatible with the audio inputs.
If you're replacing your existing CD deck, remember that most models
also play CDs, CD-Rs and other media. Like any CD player, have a look at
the digital to audio (D/A) conversion format to be sure you're getting a
good quality player. When it comes to D/A conversion, a higher bit rate
is better (24-bit conversion is quite good; 32-bit is better). The lone
exception is 1-bit D/A conversion. This is the ideal and uses direct
digital conversion rather than the "ladder" conversion used in multiple
bit-rate converters. If you see a 24-bit resolution 1-bit D/A converter,
this means the signal is taken from the source digitally, then converted
to audio at a high bit rate.
Most of the in-car video systems on the market today are of quite good
quality, so you should have no trouble finding something you like. Be
sure to consider how you plan on using your system, and think
realistically about what your vehicle can use, as not all configurations
will work for everyone.
