mobile tv questions & advice needed

[tbomb]

well, i really want a tv real bad, but no money right now, so i figure i can do my research now, so when i get money i can just go get one.

so heres the deal: i dont want the best one i can get, i just want an affordable one that looks decent and has decent quality, and i wanna play dvds, i dont really wanna watch tv channels...at least not right now. maybe just a 5.5" or 6" screen. in dash models are out for a few reasons - theyre way too expensive, and i just got a new head unit 3 or 4 weeks ago, anyway; though, it does have tv controls.

also, since im not gonna go with the in dash model, what do you guys suggest for placement/mounting, so i can still see the screen, too, from the drivers seat (obviously, i wont be watching while im driving.) i know some guys put em in the sun visors, but i dont think thats for me; and some other guys put the screen in the center console where theres those 2 little storage pockets, and they just fiberglassed around it, well, i kinda like those storage pockets, i put my cell phone and wallet in there on long drives so my ass doesnt fall asleep. and i dont really just want one with a bracket and i screw it into something and its just there, i wanna do something kinda cool and somewhat "stealth"; im willing to do custom stuff. i dont think a flip down one from the ceiling will work either, because i have the compass/thermometer in my ceiling and id have to put the tv so far back i wouldnt be able to see it, or at least, me and the person in the passenge seat couldnt see it at the same time.

sorry this is so long, but when it comes to mobil video, i dont know anything, so school me on it

to sum up, i want a 5.5" or 6" screen thats affordable with average or better than average quality (what resolution should i be looking for?) i dont want top of the line or even close, i dont need to spend 2 or 3 grand on this, for that much money id rather do a custom blower setup, heh. also, id some cool mounting/install/placement ideas...and dvds?...how does that work? separate dvd player? where could i put that? damn, i wish someone made an in dash 5.5" tv with a dvd player and no radio in it for ~$500...or maybe someone does and i just dont know about it.

thanks.

 

[Brian's98XLT]

Have you thought of mounting it were the rear view mirror is. I have a rep who did thism on his pick up and it looks really good. He has a camera in the back that shows whats behind him when he puts the truck in reverse or he can hit a switch and see whats behind him while driving. He did do a small 5" monitor.
Picture quality varies greatly between monitors. The only way to find one is to look at the pictue from a angle that you will be veiwing it at.

 

[tbomb]

thats a pretty cool idea, but i dont know if i want all that. i wish i could go around and check some models out in person, but the only place that has any around me is best buy, and they only have a $2300 in dash model from...um, panasonic, i think.

 

[Alec]

Maybe put a monitor where the rearview is, but maybe so it can fold up to reveal the mirror. Because of the console it may not look pretty, but it might work. Hmmm, how about coming up out of the dash in front of the passenger? I'm pretty sure there's room in the dash above the airbag to be able to hide it away somehow.

Or, you might need to sacrifice those 2 pockets below the A/C. That seems the best location to me, someone posted a little while ago with that setup. You can always learn a new way to economize storage space. Hell, just by taking out the liner in my center console I gained extra space for my fake faceplate.

 

[tbomb]

Originally posted by Alec
Or, you might need to sacrifice those 2 pockets below the A/C. That seems the best location to me, someone posted a little while ago with that setup. You can always learn a new way to economize storage space. Hell, just by taking out the liner in my center console I gained extra space for my fake faceplate.

yah, so far that seems like the best idea. i remember reading that a few guys did it and posted pics of how they fiberglassed around it and it looked awesome, and im sure i could make something to hide it, too. i guess now the questions are: which one do i get and how much will it cost? heh.

 

[Black Magic]

TBOMB

Where did you get your new head unit from? What kind of budget do we have to work with? Also do you want to have screens in the back as well?

 

[tbomb]

Originally posted by Black Magic
TBOMB

Where did you get your new head unit from? What kind of budget do we have to work with? Also do you want to have screens in the back as well?

i got my new HU from best buy. the budget isnt too big, probably just a few hundred bucks (maybe about 500.) i dont want screens in the back, just the one up front. the thing is, that since im waiting for a lil while, but researching it now, the budget can definately change; even if the budget can change a lot, though, i wouldnt want to spend more than, maybe 900, even if i could afford it, its just not worth it to me.

 

[newbz]

Glad to see more people putting in screens

Well as far as some places...i've seen people use a 3rd sunvisor in the middle of the normal too with the screen mounted on it

You could put it in your glove box, its a good location plus it can be concealed when u want it to

When you buy a screen it will probably come with a universal mounting bracket and arm, I used this with one of mines and i have it mounted through my vent thats in the middle of the dash and is angled perfect looks just like a flip out one

Passenger visor is also a good place....

I don't think having it on the floor or lower on the console or something is that good cause then you have to look down and you take your eyes off the road, they are not that distracting, chances are your not going to be watching something you havent seen before or are truly completely interested in more of a show off thing or for your passengers, I have 1 in each visor and the one in the middle and even with all of them running it isnt distracting

Oh also if you are worried abot the legality of it, most of them have power switches, so all you got to do is turn it off if you get pulled over also I don't think having a screen on is considered a primary offense, so they can't exactly pull you over JUST for that so if you turned it off when they pull you over it should be ok *i think*

But for the most part I don't think most cops know the laws about that kind of stuff too good or completely so they don't really bother to hassle you with it, same thing with my clears, I get harassed a lot actually and I was pulled over about 12 times in 2 months and only 1 of the cops mentioned anything about my clears, 2 mentioned something about my colored bulbs in the front turn signals, for most officers they won't bother you with it inless your doing something really stupid ontop of it.

I got quite a few pictures of some interesting screen installs if you would like to see them to get some ideas let me know also I know some good cheap places to get screens so hit me up. Goodluck.

 

[Black Magic]

Do you have the sunglass holder by the temp and compass? If you did you could put one in there.

 

[tbomb]

Originally posted by Black Magic
Do you have the sunglass holder by the temp and compass? If you did you could put one in there.

yeah, i do. that might be an idea.

 

[Alec]

I thought about that, but won't it be too far back for you to see?

 

[tbomb]

alec, yeah, prolly will. man, this sucks maybe ill hit the lottery and i can get an in dash unit.

 

[Alec]

This might seem like a stupid question, but how visible are those screens in daylight? It would seem a little pointless to get one if I couldn't see it very well half the time.

tbomb, stupid and silly idea: get a power inverter for $30 and a small tv from Walmart for $50. You wouldn't have it integrated or anything, but if you're gonna watch the tv anyway when you're not driving, you could just sit in the back Wait, don't you already have an inverter?

 

[YamahaRick]

Get a inexpensive laptop with a good screen and DVD player. Much cheaper alternative than the indash stuff.

For extended playing, you will need an AC inverter.

I'm gonna go this route, primarily to support a GPS system.

 

[tbomb]

alec, nah, i dont have an inverter. looks like the dream is sliding down the list of priorities (not that installing a tv in a vehicle is ever a life threatening priority )

 

[rflores2323]

ok here is some info

ok this is my set up that I am doing.. it cost under 800.00 for everything and will be a very nice set up in your explorer. yours will be alittle less since you are only getting one screen and not the subs.

IMG]http://thezeb.com/images/brands/poweracoustik/dvd1.jpg[/IMG]
Farenheit Mobile CD/MP3/DVD Player w/Remote for 180.00 site: http://www.thezeb.com


Dead Link Removed
(2) 4 in LCD screens for 85.00 each for head rests ( I haev these in the del sol and they are good quality LCD's) site: http://www.partsexpress.com

Dead Link Removed
(1) 5 in LCD screen for 120.00 for dash site: www.partsexpress.com

(3) audiobahn AW1000eu for 69.99 site: www.thezeb.com

also getting a FM modulator for 40.00 (farenhiet) www.partsexpress.com

no go get em dude!! the screens are very good for the price and they are able to be seen in the day as well. I have 2 of the 4 in in my del sol and they rock!

 

[Slick]

Hey RFLORES2323, i also want to get the tvs in my car, where are u going to mount the 5" screen in ur dash? also can u hook up a DVD or PS2 or just regular playstation to these? Can you wire them so the sound comes out of the speakers/subs u already have? Sorry for all the questions, but i really want to get some TVs also! lmk thanks!

 

[Jerryk959]

I have been very interested in getting a LCD TV or at least a monitor to hookup to a VCR or DVD. Currently I have a $30 B/W TV with a 4 head VCR running off of a power inverter. Keeps the kids happy on long trips. However I bungee cord the TV to the rear of the center console when in use. I have found all types of LCD monitors and TV's on ebay including the flip down types for less than $150. Might be an option for you. Just be sure to check the sellers feedback.

 

[ok89]

what would be a good in dash model to replace the HU? And how much do they cost?

 

[tbomb]

Originally posted by ok89
what would be a good in dash model to replace the HU? And how much do they cost?

jon, the cheapest ive seen one was $800, and i think it was a clarion (but that seems awfully cheap for a clarion, right? i dunno, im prolly wrong.) most others start around $1200 and the sky's the limit.