How to Install a TV Tuner in Your Car

Add a TV tuner to your car's video system and your passengers can watch local broadcasts while you keep your eyes on the road. You can hide the tuner anywhere in your vehicle and control it with an infrared remote control. Here's how to install one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Screwdriver
• A/V cable
• Wrench/socket
• Drill
• TV tuner

1. Find out which TV tuner is compatible with your video system. You must connect some tuners to video equipment of the same brand for the units to work properly.
2. Open your car's hood and use a wrench or socket to disconnect the battery cables from the battery. Check the car's repair manual for the correct size tool.
3. Decide where you want to mount the TV tuner. Choose a spot where it won't get hit or crushed—many people put it in the trunk or under a seat. Use the mounting brackets and screws that came with the unit. You may have to drill holes for the brackets.
4. Route the TV tuner's power wire to the fuse block (the tuner is powered by your car's 12-volt power supply). Connect the power wire to an accessory power output in the fuse block. Check the car's repair manual or owner's manual for accessory output locations on the fuse block.
5. Attach the tuner's infrared "eye," or receiver. Choose a spot where the eye will be accessible to the IR remote control. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation.
6. Route an A/V cable from the tuner's video output to the monitor's video input. Connect the cable securely for the best signal.
7. Mount the antenna (if your tuner came with one) on the windshield and route the antenna cable to the tuner. Plug the antenna wire into the antenna input of the tuner.
8. Reattach the battery cables and start your car. Turn on your video system and use the remote to turn on the TV tuner. If you installed the device correctly, you'll receive local TV stations.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're not confident in your ability to install the device, or if you try to install it and it doesn't work properly, hire a professional.
• Each TV tuner make and brand is different. Read the manufacturer's instructions before beginning installation.
• Do not install a TV tuner or any other electronic device with the car battery cables attached. You could receive a severe, even fatal, electric shock.
• Do not watch any video system while driving. This is both dangerous and illegal.