How to Find the Right Display Size for an In-Vehicle TV

If you are in the market for an in-vehicle video system, you will need to know how to find the right display size for an in-vehicle TV before you go shopping. The tight space requirements of the inside of your car or truck have to be taken into account before you come home with a TV.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Determine where you want your TV to be located inside the vehicle. Common positions are on the dashboard, the headrest of the front seats or overhead.
   
2. Use masking tape to lay out the maximum size a display screen could be in each possible installation location. Remember to keep the lines of tape as straight as possible.
3. Measure the long diagonal axis of the masking tape-defined rectangle. Also measure the height and width.
4. Take your measurements with you when shopping for an in-vehicle TV. Use these measurements to eliminate screens that are too small as well as too big for your car or truck.
5. Choose the model of in-vehicle TV that can fit easily in your selected installation space.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to allow for the size or thickness of the frame or mounting bracket when you lay out your display locations.
• Remember that overhead TV mounts need enough room to be able to smoothly swing down and lock into viewing position.
• Some video systems measure display size with the long diagonal axis, while others use the length and width of the screen.