FAQ - Mobile Video

What is Mobile Video?
Mobile video began some time ago when people started to put large TV's in conversion vans. It has evolved and is now being put in many more vehicle types and by both car manufacturers and the aftermarket. If you travel a lot or have children, there is no greater way to pass the time. Imagine arriving at Grandma's house and the kids are quiet and behaved and your blood pressure is not boiling over. That's mobile video. It's here today.


Have the screens become smaller and less bulky?
Yes. Flat LCD screens like the ones found in computer laptops are being used in cars to show movies or video games. The picture is very clear, the screen is lightweight, the housing is very thin, and it requires very little current to operate. Due to its thinner profile, the screen or screens can be mounted in many places the bulky TV's could not.




What are my choices for mounting the screen?
The vehicle and your needs will help decide where the screens can be mounted. The most common choices are:

In dash: Most leading manufacturers have radios that also include a screen that pops out. Video can be played through it although not while driving. The nice thing about the in dash screen is that it is the simplest to install as little or no modification to the vehicle is required.
Overhead: Several manufacturers make vehicle specific and generic overhead mounting panels to mount the screen in. The overhead approach may be the best because it can be seen by the most people, only in the back of the car (not the driver), the least interference from the sun, and less visible to thieves. The installation may require some headliner modification.
Headrests: A more custom approach is to put screens in the back of the front seat headrests. This is great for more personal viewing but requires seat modification and typically a more expensive installation. If there is more than one backseat passenger, a screen may need to be put in each headrest.
Floor console: Several manufacturers make a floor console that goes between the front seats. Cutouts are already in the console for the TV, VCR, and often other inputs and outputs. The consoles can be color matched to the interior, mounted to the vehicle, and be removed when selling the car or for in house use. This is one of the less expensive approaches yet provides most of the benefits of the other mounting methods.
Saddle Bag: A very basic approach to having mobile video in the vehicle is a bag that straps to the back of the front seat. The screen is small but it is car to car portable and the least expensive option. It is predominantly a one person viewing option due the small screen size.




Can mobile video be put in any car?
Yes and No. Sedans and smaller cars will be difficult to mount anything permanent without significant custom work like headrest mounting. Minivans and sport utility vehicles are better suited for console and overhead options due to their higher ceilings and larger interiors. A qualified installation center can help or you can refer to our mobile video vehicle specific mounts. If there is a vehicle specific mount available for your vehicle, you can be pretty confident that it will fit your car too.




How do I hear the audio for the source watching?
It can become annoying for the driver or other front seat passengers to listen to Barney for 8 hours en route to Disneyworld. The choices for audio are:

Video speaker: some screens come with a smaller speaker in the housing similar to your home TV. Since the speaker is small, the audio is lower quality and listened to by all in the car. The speaker is typically on the back of the housing so the driver hears the speaker twice as loud as those watching the screen.
Through the radio: The audio signal can be played through the car radio via an RF signal. This is nice because the sound can be faded to the back, the speakers are larger so the sound is better, and its easy to control the volume. Some aftermarket radios have an auxiliary input that the audio can be fed into.
Headphones: Some systems have the flexibility to have headphones hooked up. This is nice because it allows the driver and others silence or the ability to listen to something else. Headphones can be either wireless or wired depending on the system.
Multi-source radios: This is a newer choice but has its merits. A few aftermarket radios can play one audio source through the front pair of speakers and a different through the rear speakers. The fidelity is high, its easy to use, and still allows the driver to listen to their choice of music while Rugs Rats or Pokemon plays in the back seat.




What can be watched on a mobile video system?
Any video source that can be played in a house can be watched in the car. 12 volt VCR's are made so it's easy to play VHS tapes. Camcorder tapes can be played easily. DVD and video games can also be played through the screen but may require a 110V to 12 volt adaptor to power the player.




What are the legalities on mobile video?
Many states have regulations regarding mobile video. Video material can not be viewed by the driver, plain and simple. It is too much of a distraction to have it in view of the driver. Navigation mapping materials are allowed but must include audio directions too. Some shops may install screens in sight of the driver. Be careful is this approach is taken as this adds liability if an accident occurs and the video was playing.




Is mobile video safe to add to a vehicle?
If the installation is done by a qualified, certified installer and securely mounted, it is safe. A secure mount that doesn't block the driver's visibility is key to a proper mobile video installation.