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How to Buy an In-Dash DVD Player for Your Car

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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In-dash DVD players are one of the latest cool gadgets for vehicles. Not only do they make long car rides with the kids more tolerable, they can also entertain adults. With all the capabilities and models out there to choose from, there are many things to consider when deciding to buy an in-dash DVD player for your car. Follow these steps to make an informed decision about which brand and model is right for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Shop around. A good in-dash DVD player for your vehicle will cost anywhere from $400 to $800, depending on the features you want and whether you prefer a specific brand name model.

  2. Step 2

    Make a list of features you are concerned about. Picture quality and skip protection are two things that will make your DVD player either really cool, or really annoying. Because the screen is attached to the unit of an in-dash model, it's necessary to make sure that all the features you would want in a home entertainment system are included in the in-dash unit.

  3. Step 3

    Find out which in-dash units are compatible with your vehicle. This may limit your choices. Some in-dash DVD players will not work with the wiring systems of older cars.

  4. Step 4

    Talk to the professionals. Often, many car customizing specialists will have a better idea of what units will be compatible with your vehicle. They'll also tell you if there will be any special adapters that you need to hook it up.

  5. Step 5

    Check out sites like "Consumer Reports" (see Resources below) to get professional and customer testimonials. They may point out features or problems that you had not anticipated.

  6. Step 6

    Know your brands. Longstanding names like Alpine, Pioneer, Jensen, Panasonic, and Kenwood are all good brands to start off with. They may be higher in the price range; but its because they are some of the best on the market. These brands have the best reputations and have received high ratings from consumers for their vehicle accessories for a long time.

Tips & Warnings
  • Not all models will work with all systems. Certain Honda models are known for compatibility problems with most major brands.
  • If your car is non-compatible with an in-dash unit, do not despair. There are portable units that can be plugged into the cigarette lighter of the vehicle and work just as well.
  • This is not as easy as installing a new stereo. If you're not mechanically inclined, have a professional install it.
  • Many companies will consider your warranty null and void if you do not follow the installation instructions. Often, this includes professional installation.
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