MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: JCOJ on May 09, 2010, 04:43:28 PM
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We do try and entertain the kids as much as we can but for our big July trip with some long days behind the wheel we are thinking of getting a dvd player for the kids to give ourselves a break every now and then.
We've had one quote for $1400 for an overhead roof mounted one:
Positives: It's Alpine so the quality is very good
: Apparantly it won't jump around on corrugations
: You can play the sound through the car stereo, or through headphones so we can listen
to our own music
Negatives: Do I really have to spend that much??
: They have to be watching the same thing (is that an issue for those that have them?)
: Not sure I want this 'thing' mounted to my roof!
The salesperson was pretty keen on selling me this over a headrest type of system - mainly due to the picture quality.
My questions are:
- Have you now got an incar dvd system and do you find it a help to give you a break from the kids?
- What do you have - a centre roof mount, a headrest one (and if headrest can you play separate things or not), or portables strapped to the back of the seat?
- Headphones - do you think they are great or do the kids break them, step on them, and/or sleep with them on and therefore bend them?
- What incar dvd system would you recommend, how much is it, and where can I get one from?
THANKYOU!!
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;D
Hi JKohn, a couple of years ago we went all out and bought a $300 DVD set for the car. Came with mini DVD player and 2 screens with game dvd and 2 controllers (haven't used) + headrest mounts... 12v as well as 240v adapter, normal tv cable and desk stands for the screens. plugs into cig lighter And I regulate amount of time. If you go to c van park or cabin it takes 2 sec to grab the dvd and plug into their tv set. In qld it's illegal to have a dvd player that the driver can see. pretty sure you can get a cheapie like ours to do a job... depending on what/who needs to see it ie in a van or over two lots of seats.
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have had a car with all the headrest monitors all the business, but when we got our new car we bought 2 x cheap models from aldi. Now the kids have there own each, they can play what they want, and all there dvds are on a 32GB USB flash each, this means no dvds to carry, and no skipping on bumpy roads. good set of headphones and they are away. fraction of the price and they can use them in there beds once the camper is setup. this works for us.
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Kjohn
I have been looking into this also and I am leaning towards this one
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/DUAL-SCREEN-17-5CM-7-PORTABLE-DVD-PLAYER-AMAZING-/260571455538?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Players_Recorders&hash=item3cab44e032
It is cheap and the quality will be OK and it just attaches to the head rest with velcro straps so easy to remove and use elsewhere.
I also have a single unit that I can plug into 1 of the screens if needed.
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We have a roof mount one. Its been in the car almost 4 years now. We chose the roof mount because at the time our kids were small, 2 and 4, and the cheaper head rest ones would of been a pain in the a$$ with the cords and the fact they could reach them and the screens easily.
I cant fault the roof mount one. It has never skipped, never ran out of battery, dont have to worry about plugging it in etc. And perhaps the funniest thing is our kids are always the popular ones where ever we camp because we put all the backseats down at night and they have a cinema in the car, and every kid camped near us usually piles in for movie night. :cheers:
We also bought the kids a cheap $79 dollar portable dvd player for inside the camper for those days when they are up at 6am and mum and dad want a sleep in. But they use them all the time at home as well because they dont have a TV in their rooms, some nights they have movie night with the portable DVDs.
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We have a couple of the 7" portable ones for each of the kids so they can watch what they want (4 kids from 0 to 15 :'( ). At night we hook it up to a portable LCD Flat screen tv and have some quiet time watching a movie.
L U X U R Y!
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My thoughts would be to buy 2 single units with straps to attach to the headrests.
I got one for my daughter a few years ago & I wish I'd done it many years before.
On the initial Tuff Truck return (driving 11hrs + on monday) all I heard from her was, Laughter from the funny bits,
Dad- I'm hungry or Dad - I need to go to the toilet.
Much, much better than the usual stuff kids ask when travelling ;D
Pro 1- they vary rarely will want to watch the same movie at the same time
Pro 2- if needed they can be removed easily for viewing elsewhere.
Pro 3- Price varies but I suspect cost would be less than $5-600 for a couple of decent brand named units.
good luck with what you choose!
cheers
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When I brought my falcon, it had a roof mounted DVD player in as standard (I brought the Classic), and used it when I drove from Hobart to Surfers, and had no complaint from the Boy or the Wife. Must have looked funny me going along the Hume, and the boy and the wife in the back being chauffeured while watching movies. ;D ;D
The system runs through headphones, and is only viewable whilst in the back.
Yes there are regulations about screens in the fronts of cars, and most state that they have to be hooked up the the handbrake switch for them to display movies/videos.
Ours has been a good decision and one that I would do again for a new vehicle.
Dasnowman
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We have had the roof mounted Alpine system now for over 3 years. It still works fine and the 2 kids are happy with their own remote headphones which are kept in the back pockets of our front seatcovers.
Only issue we have is that the unit over time rattles, especially on corrugations or bumpy road. We even took it out for our trip to Cape York last year.
I think if we were looking again we would go for inbuilt players in the front seat headrests.
Having said that the kids hardly watch a DVD these days and are happy to look out the window or read a book. What the!!
Karen
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You could buy 2 iPads for less than $1400. Movies, games, good battery life. Just a thought.
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We have a portable DVD player shared between 3 kids - all movies stored on a USB thumb drive - gets a tad difficult at times finding the right movie due to the age range of the kids.
After thinking about it a bit the last few weeks I am going to buy three new Ipod touch's - each kid then has their own 'console' - can play games, movies, music and a host of other things to keep them occupied. Only downside is that the screen is small compared to a 7" DVD player.
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We have a couple of portable DSE dvd players - these can be slaved one off the other, or run independently (different movie on each screen - good as the age difference kicks in). The only problem we have had is that they don't like even slightly rough roads - bit of a problem.
We have ended up with a couple of portable media players - Cowon D2. These have 8 Gb internal capacity, take SD cards (so can add movies etc) and have TV out so can hook up to the DVD players if needed. But we have found the kids are more than happy to just hold them and watch on the little screen (great screen quality). Only down side is you need to re-encode movies to fit the screen size, but otherwise are great. Plus not affected by bumps / vibration and take up no space.
Cheers,
Richard
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In the 4wd we have the dvd screens mounted into the back of the headrests and our boy listens to it via head sets. The only other thing is we have a screen so we can watch what he is playing (the control unit in the front passanger seat footrest and you need to see when you have to press play). Switch it on check what the problem is and then switch it off.
In the 911 we have a screen in the front and no headsets. Get the headsets I have listened to star wars more times than I care to remember.
Having said all this he is now 6 and has a nintendo ds which he can watch movies on. The dvd is all good and we use it because its there but honestly at his age I would go for something like a Nintendo Ds or Itouch etc
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My questions are:
- Have you now got an incar dvd system and do you find it a help to give you a break from the kids?
We bought a DSE twin screen player that straps to the headrests - best decision we ever made! Enjoyment for the kids and peace for us. We only use it on long highway trips and pack it away for trips where we want the kids to see the countryside.
- What do you have - a centre roof mount, a headrest one (and if headrest can you play separate things or not), or portables strapped to the back of the seat?
Headrest mounted portables with Velcro strap and safety bungee. Cant play separate DVDs but this hasn't been a problem. The girls take it in turns to choose a DVD
- Headphones - do you think they are great or do the kids break them, step on them, and/or sleep with them on and therefore bend them?
They are great as they add to the peace for us! We ditched the crappy earpiece headphones and bought a cheap set of over-ear headphones but they only lasted one trip - too cheap and nasty and broke very quickly. I went and spent $140 ($70 each) on a pair of decent Sennheiser headphones and haven't looked back.
- What incar dvd system would you recommend, how much is it, and where can I get one from?
I don't think you need to spend $1400 - you could buy 3 portable sets for that. Unless of course you want the all singing and dancing built in version with IR headphones. Actually, I would like the IR headphones to reduce the cables in the back but despite their inconvenience, the cables have been manageable. You can get them from any number of suppliers ranging from DSE, JAYCAR, JB Hi-Fi as well as all the Car Audio suppliers
THANKYOU!!
You're welcome!
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I didn't want to spend too much money on these things, as I figured what ever I get will crack up from the abuse of dust, corrugations and typical child operational aggression...
$198 from Big W, two screens, one master with DVD unit (also has usb etc) the second screen is a slave unit. It's really surprised me how good they are, we used them for the first time on the weekend. They used head phones - and not a word from either! Gold. 8)
They strap to the headrest which was the versatility we needed. We have a few cars and obviously the patrol only gets used offroad, so if we're doing a quick dash to qld or something - they need to move to another car.
$198 is church change now days, I am very impressed for the the price. I would have expected to pay $500-600 for the same units. They have a 2 year warranty, so if they survive 2 years and crack up - I'll buy another set.
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We bought a cheap set of headrest dvd players about 4 years ago fo $199 and they have been great. The biggest problem we have travelling now is the kids singing and laughing with the dvd. we also have a 240v adapter and everything to hook them up to a tv, so when in a motel or friends place we can hook them to the tv there. They are also allowed in the camper but only just before bed. For headphones we buy cheapys and replace them as needed for about $4 at the reject shop or similar. We generally carry ours in a laptop bag with everything in the bag so we can switch from car to car easily. we are now starting to look for a seperate unit for our 8yo as he is starting to grow out of the movies the littlies watch. Hope this helps.
Cheers
Steve
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G'day guys, we have used the incar portable DVD players with the kids for about the past 4 years and have gone through 3 DSE units and currently have one Phillips twin screen unit. We have used all units in all types of terrain and found that dust and corrigations/vibration were probably the cause for the 3 failures that we had. All units we purchased had 12 months factory and 3 yr extended warranties and were purchased at Dick Smith electronics, as most regional centres and capital cities have a Dick Smith franchise for support. The DSE extended warranty company were great to deal with also. Cheers.
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+1 for the el-cheapo solution.
Is great for the longer trips (usualy the trip home, once the kids are a bit grotty).
5 and 3 year old so still watching the same movie, although it can get tricky to choose.
I'd go the removable one only cause we've used it in the camper on battery while its been pouring down. It was the middle of our 4 week road trip and only stopping for 1 night and the kids were grotty so it was a quick setup and then into the tent for a movie while dinner was being cooked.
I suppose they could have stayed in the car, but they were much happier in the tent as they could stretch out and get comfy.
It doesnt always come with us on trips either, which is a good thing. We really didnt want them to get used to watching movies in the car or when we are away.
cheers
Rossow.
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We used to use the strap on ones. had one with a single player then one with a dual player so they could watch a different movie. For our last set though, the ones we used in our 22000K across Aus trip we got a set of Option Audio ones. These replace your head rests and so are built in, great not to have the player sitting some where getting banged, crashed and knock all over the place. They have built in player so they can watch their own movie, you can play a movie in one and also watch it on the other if they want. Wireless head sets so we don;t have to listen to the movie - bliss...They can also accept RCA in such as the I-Pod adaptor or play station which we let the kids use when we were at camp for a few days. These are still going strong after a lot of rough stuff. Yes there were times when they would jump.
Just a note. While the player may not jump you will get scratching of the disks if you play them in very rough conditions. it just has to happen as the laser has to float to read the disk. You will end up wit rings on DVDs if you play them in really rough stuff.
Oh, cost about 1000 Bucks
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My wife has an installed unit in her Honda Euro. When operational its great but the unit was installed under the drivers seat and its a pain for inserting / ejecting DVD's. It came with IR headphones which require batteries - 2 issues, kids don't remember to turn them off and the infant in the baby seat kept kicking the IR sensor off the centre console and no other location for it.
I have el cheapo headrest strap on units in my Prado. Yes cables are a bit of a pain but can be tucked away and they alleviate the need for batteries. The USB port is the best option IMHO but I travel a lot and have hundreds of movies on an external HDD so there are plenty of choices for the kids. The teenager has the responsibility of downloading 8gigs worth of movies onto a stick prior to departure. The only drama with my el cheapo unit is that it has a small internal battery which doesn't appear to recharge when the system is plugged into the 12V but will recharge when plugged into 240V. When the internal battery is flat the system doesn't operate.
If it wasn't for the internal battery issue the portable units would win hands down. If you spend a little more than the $200 I spent you should be ok but make sure you ask about internal batteries and ask for a unit with USB ports if you are set up to benefit from them.
Cheers ... Taz
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I have a roof mounted soundstorm in my xj and for 350 odd $ its been great for the last 3 years!
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We've been thinking of a dvd setup also.
How do people go with the twin head rest versions, but with 3 kids across the back seat, does the centre child get problems from looking to one side to watch?
Cheers
Sam
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um how do you get the movies onto USB????
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OK,
When I make my mind up to get something it doesn't take long for me to do it.
I must thank the Mrs for winning this on ebay tonight: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/7-TWIN-SCREEN-W-H-DVB-T-CAR-PORTABLE-DVD-PLAYER-/170483289104?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Players_Recorders&hash=item27b1988c10
It looks as if the two screens can run independant without the base bit by using USB's in the side.
So Shemdaph, when we have worked out how to do it I will let you know!
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OK,
When I make my mind up to get something it doesn't take long for me to do it.
I must thank the Mrs for winning this on ebay tonight: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/7-TWIN-SCREEN-W-H-DVB-T-CAR-PORTABLE-DVD-PLAYER-/170483289104?cmd=ViewItem&pt=AU_Players_Recorders&hash=item27b1988c10
It looks as if the two screens can run independant without the base bit by using USB's in the side.
So Shemdaph, when we have worked out how to do it I will let you know!
Good buy Catie.
I like the idea of the TV too.
Looks like you might need an electrician to connect up all those cords you can see in the photograph ;D
Sam
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OK, lets see about the USB. Usually that is to play photo slide shows but I'm not sure about your brand. Hope it does the job for you
Just went to the page. It does look good for what you want. We had some thing similar and it worked well until it was stolen in Penrith. Let us know how the movies go via USB. Through put on USB is not all that flash so will be interested to see
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For anyone with the DSE units, Do they play DivX and/or Xvid in avi format.
Are there any restrictions on the size of the USB sticks.
Reason I ask is I could recode TV shows to a lesser resolution for such a tiny screen.
Should be able to get 80 hours out of of 8GB stick.
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Whats wrong with the LOTW system , its real time , its educational , its interactive , its how it used to be . LOTW , LOOK OUT THE WINDOW
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Phuie to you ;D Kids don't what to look out the window. What's wrong with you. Anyone would think you were out to see the great out doors, nature, sights and sounds..I dunno you have it all wrong :laugh:
Na your right and ours do but after 6 Months on the road I reckon they are allowed to watch a movie or two
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Whats wrong with the LOTW system , its real time , its educational , its interactive , its how it used to be . LOTW , LOOK OUT THE WINDOW
I can tell you don't have kids ;D
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;D ;D ;D Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?
Just in case someone was missing out...... Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?
:cheers:
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um how do you get the movies onto USB????
It depends upon the kind of player you are using although most players will play .avi.
You can choose either divix converter (cost involved) or any of the freeware xvid converters. The one we have found most successful (although it is not for the feint hearted) is:
pgc.net to convert dvd to remove copy protection from dvd and then avi.net to convert the unprotected dvd to compressed format.
If you google both of these you will get the websites. Most Dvd's will compress to about 700mb which is good enough for home theatre although for dvds in back of cars (small screens) you can easily go for a smaller file size ie higher compression (basically an 8gb stick will get 15 movies) enough for that trip to Isralite Bay and back.
PS There is also software to put movies onto Nintendo DS and iphones....kids love them
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For the DS and DSi you need a new Cart some thing like the r4i. The you can load the software onto the chip and play the movie. it works well.
I also use our I-POD to play our movie in the car. No jumping around. That' why I would make sure it has RCA jacks
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Whats wrong with the LOTW system , its real time , its educational , its interactive , its how it used to be . LOTW , LOOK OUT THE WINDOW
Speewa I totally agree with you. But for a 5-6hr drive mum and dad get tired playing eye spy, spotto, breaking up arguements etc. I think we are allowed peace and quiet for an hour of our drive.
I don't intend to have them on from the time I start the car to the time we stop - just when we have had enough and so have they to makes everyone's journey that bit more pleasant.
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Our rule is if it less than a 2 hour trip, then no dvd, and even then we ration it. Games, reading, spotto, LOTW also play a part. Speewa, there are large chunks of this country that are pretty boring out a car window, especially when you are a kid.
Cheers,
Richard
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For my eldest son, we bought a 7" portable DVD player that straps onto the headrest for $100. It has a 12V power cable and also an inbuilt battery so it can be used in the tent during extended periods of rain. It rarely gets used so I'm glad we didn't spend alot of money on it. We'll get a second one for my little boy to use before our trip in September.
Regards
Salty
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All right- checking for more up to date info on choices and what works/ doesn't.
I know JK has had a bad experience- anyone else?
It might be worth paying the extra $$$ and buying from a "shop" rather than ebay just for warranty?
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gday i hhttp://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110572912606&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:ITope this link works this is what we have bought and are putting them in tomorrow.cheers trevPLEASE DELETE LINK DIDNT WORK SORRY
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Here ya go JNR
http://tiny.cc/dvrqb
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Don't buy what I recommended earlier - lasted all of two days on the corrugations!!!
4wd26 - A good option is to buy from a store so you can take it back - that's what we will be doing next time!
We are now thinking portable units that they can sit on their laps but still view movies off a usb. Will be visiting Dick Smiths and Hardly Normal early next week so will let you know.
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G'day John, good to see you on this forum too- (hows the JK going?) I have a soundstream roof mounted dvd player and hasn't missed a beat after about three years! About 350 on special- great innings so far!!
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A mate and I are investigating iPads. Can get headrest mounts for them. Not cheap at $600 for the cheapest model, but they can also have games and other stuff, and be used at camp and at home.
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I'd like to again put in a vote for the Option Audio brand that replaces your original head set. We used ours over 22K for corrugations and it's still going great. Had to turn it off on some roads as it was just to much. bungles was one.
Anyway they were sold by TJM and others and I like the unit. We still have our E-BAY tv version back in Sydney some where which is where it will stay.
If any one would like Pics or more info let me know. Again the wireless head-sets are magic.
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We have girl boy girl varying in ages from 10 to 6 .. we have found it easier to go forthe $77 lennox brand ones from http://dealsdirect.com.au they come with their own compact carry bags & it means each kid can watch what they want as per their age range...
They dont need to game, as they have their nintendos they can wifi into each other with, IF THEY WANT TO PLAY TOGETHER <read not very often>
Cheers
Jacq :D
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the 2 boy have ipods, easy to limit time( battery lasts about 2.5 hrs) i control the chargers, they dont take up much space, i upload movies from the computer before we go so they have new ones,( i use DVD FAB 5 to convert the format, this program converts most formats( dont know any more about brother inlaw set it up for me)they use headphones & they also can play games, draw ect ect depending what app's you have, if they don't want to watch a movie
PS: boys are 8 & 10.
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A mate and I are investigating iPads. Can get headrest mounts for them. Not cheap at $600 for the cheapest model, but they can also have games and other stuff, and be used at camp and at home.
If I was looking to go down this route I'd wait for the multitude of Android based tablets (pads) that are about to hit the market, they'll be available in many sizes and you won't be tied to iTunes and all the restrictions that come with it.
Check out the link below for an insight in to what is coming in the not too distant future.
http://androidspin.com/category/hardware/tablet/
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I've looked at a couple of Android pads but the problem is they don't have the range of accessories that the iPad has. Also, unless they are substantially cheaper there's no real benefit. I already run a couple of iPods and an iPhone so I'm familiar with iTunes foibles.
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I went and got some ebay ones about 2 weeks ago- 9" headrest DVD installed them into a ML triton.
Cost a little over $300- then added rechargable AAA batteries (all 10 of the things- infra red headphones and remote controls) and 2x 32gig SD cards.
The SD cards will be installed with about 50 movies (compressed format) which should mean no scratched DVD's in the rear (Kids are 5 and 8) don't quite trust them yet.
Instalation-
My main bugbear was getting direct power from the battery, and getting this power into the cab.
I bought 5 strand trailer wire and went in through the dust cap (main wireing feed on the passenger firewall) but it was time consuming with me being home sick- genuine and having little paitenance)
I went with direct power supply due to concerns of loosing power if stopped for fuel etc- this way the dvds will still work with the ignition switched off. I went with the 5 strand, as I can add a 12 outlet in the future. I have a 6 blade fuse block at the battery for accessories (uhf, anderson plug, dvd, spots, and some other things that require power)
The triton seats were easy to slip the wires down, I did undo one of the wire circular holders at the bottom of the seat in order to get my arm up into the rear of the seat. I have them fully connected together so either can be a slave or master or independent. I did not however join them to the front DVD player. There is a huge bundle of wires now wrapped together against the siderail on the passenger seat (about 10cm diameter x 15cm) I had hoped to "hide" these under the centre console but no such luck due to the size.
One concern is that they draw constant power- red led light on at all times, but the draw would be minimal- just got to be wary that the power button does not get pushed while the covers are on.
The screens look to face the roof a little where IMO should be angled slightly back, but the kids are not complaining- and that makes us in the front happy as well, will insert a switch into the line to isolate power, to minimise the kids use if required.
Been installed for 3 weeks now and have had no problems with DVD's skipping or anything, so far.
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Hi Peeps,
We originally got a pair of screens with a seperate DVD player for starpping onto the headrests for traveling long distances (1300km in one go). It was the single best investmnent we had ever made. Not a peep from the kids. It was a cheapie which had games and everything but would skip occassionally on bumpy roads. After a few years of excellent service, after we packed for our mega hoiliday, it was the last item I hooked up and as we loaded the kids I tested the unit. Bummer! Only one screen would work, so I decided it was better to have none than one as there would be fighting. I was right, there was fighting, and I got as far as Geraldton before I was ready to let the kids out and drive off without them. As my wife had issues with that I raced into the local DSE shop in Gero and bought a new unit with integrated DVD in one of the screens, it also had SD card input.
I mounted the screens on the headrests and that was the last peep we heard from the kids unless a DVD finished and needed changing. I then copied a bunch of movies onto an SD card so they had a menu and choice of what they wanted and forever after driving was again pleasant.
Can't speak highly enough of these units, no skipping, good quality, easy to operate, removeable, and cheap.
Go the head rest strapped ones, that way the kids don't get TV or movies on the way to school and when we aren't on holidays.
Cheers,
DJ
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When we looked at replacing our twincab with the 100 series wagon we now have, to fit the kids, my wife mentioned getting an in-car DVD player. Of course I responded with " There is no way I would pay to have a bloody TV in the car, thats the problem with kids today, they can't entertain themselves, ect. ect. Anyway we got the roof mounted DVD player with the infra red head sets.
We headed off on a 6 hour trip to Bundaberg to visit my parents and as normal within minutes of leaving all 4 kids are fighting and whinging and generally making driving less enjoyable than it should be. Then my wife folds down the screen, hands out the headsets and presses play and like magic there is silence. BLISS. And this silence kept going for more than 5 minutes. HEAVEN. Instantly I was a huge fan. My wife and I were like a couple of 18 year old's driving alone to the beach. ;D ;D
I totally agree with others about it being the single best investment they have made. These things are great and just need to be managed to ensure that the kids don't just spend the whole trip watching movies. I like the fact that they all have to watch the same movie on one screen as this makes life a bit simpler. If they don't like the movie they can play there ds games.
All the headphones and DVD's go into one of those woollies blue bags for cold stuff. We have a 12 volt AA battery charger to charge the headset batteries. The kids are between 12 and 6, 3 boys and a girl, and they work out what they want to watch without to much trouble. Every 4th movie is a fairy movie or those coloured horse movies for our daughter but they all still watch them. Its simple, neat and tidy and works well. I like the idea of having all the movies on a card or whatever you do, that would be great.
farmer6
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We're not quite at that stage of getting a DVD player. Have two kids, one is about to turn 6 and the other is going on to 8. But I sure am looking forward to when they buy a DSi or DS Lite or whatever each! They have enogh saved up so just waiting to see if there are going to be any good deals around Xmas!
It's not like the good old days where they would eat, sleep, look out the window then eat some more and sleep again! Silence when it rarely happens is bliss and if it goes on for longer than 5 minutes it certainly reminds me of the early days (no kids).
I'm hoping the DSes will be ample for those times when everyone needs a bit of peace and quiet because the kids certainly don't know the meaning of those words lol. Certainly nothing more distracting than bickering kids in the back too.
Sure they should just look out the window just like they should just play outside at home, but it's not always practical.
I did consider the PSP because it's more versatile but I think it's geared towards older kids and not as many games. Could be a consideration for some of you with the older kids though because they can play movies etc and the screen seems to be good quality and graphics.
I've watched some home made vids on my little 8gig ipod and I'm quite impressed with the video quality even though the screen is rather small, so I wouldn't rule out an iPod touch or iPhone etc providing there wasn't going to be a big associated cost (internet / phone or whatever).
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Here's mine:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SOUNDSTORM-SDVD300M-7-FLIP-TFT-DVD-CAR-SONY-XSR1341-/170542989092
here's one similar to mine:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/10-DVD-Player-Car-Roof-Mount-Flip-down-Monitor-AUS-/250700989713?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a5ef18511
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Here's mine:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SOUNDSTORM-SDVD300M-7-FLIP-TFT-DVD-CAR-SONY-XSR1341-/170542989092
here's one similar to mine:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/10-DVD-Player-Car-Roof-Mount-Flip-down-Monitor-AUS-/250700989713?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a5ef18511
benny
how much fixing do these take? (Generally) can you reuse existing captive nuts in the ceiling?
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Very easy, used the cross rail/roof support rail to support the dvd player bracket with tec screws. I used the power from the existing light but will rewire when I build my overhead console. ;D
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We're not quite at that stage of getting a DVD player. Have two kids, one is about to turn 6 and the other is going on to 8. But I sure am looking forward to when they buy a DSi or DS Lite or whatever each! They have enogh saved up so just waiting to see if there are going to be any good deals around Xmas!
It's not like the good old days where they would eat, sleep, look out the window then eat some more and sleep again! Silence when it rarely happens is bliss and if it goes on for longer than 5 minutes it certainly reminds me of the early days (no kids).
I'm hoping the DSes will be ample for those times when everyone needs a bit of peace and quiet because the kids certainly don't know the meaning of those words lol. Certainly nothing more distracting than bickering kids in the back too.
Sure they should just look out the window just like they should just play outside at home, but it's not always practical.
I did consider the PSP because it's more versatile but I think it's geared towards older kids and not as many games. Could be a consideration for some of you with the older kids though because they can play movies etc and the screen seems to be good quality and graphics.
I've watched some home made vids on my little 8gig ipod and I'm quite impressed with the video quality even though the screen is rather small, so I wouldn't rule out an iPod touch or iPhone etc providing there wasn't going to be a big associated cost (internet / phone or whatever).
I'm hoping the DSes will be ample for those times when everyone needs a bit of peace and quiet because the kids certainly don't know the meaning of those words lol. Certainly nothing more distracting than bickering kids in the back too.
You can also get a chip/SD card for the DSi etc and from there you can also load movies and music. it's not hard to do and then they can do every thing. My kids will easily fill in 2 hours playing their Pokemon games, trading etc....
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We have 3 kids 11 to 8 and we bought a set of 7 inch headrest DVD players and a DSi and the change is unreal. silence you can actually hear the radio.
The child that sits in the middle gets the DSi and we have gone from arguments based on I am not sitting in the middle to its my turn to sit in the middle.
Have had no issues with dvd's skipping.
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We bought a set of twin screen DVD sets that tie to the head rest and the player only lasted 12 months and the second screen plug broke before that anyway. Then we bought the same thing but a name brand and that lasted 8 months.
Solutions
(http://www.crazysales.com.au/products_pictures/8/877_19827_F.jpg) and (http://www.auspcmarket.com.au/images/info/IMG_ACH-HMPSTOUAP32B_138868_0.jpg) and (http://www.auspcmarket.com.au/images/info/IMG_AL-0S02561_149699_0.jpg)
CD's don't skip anymore, all is powered by 12V and keeps the kids quiet. I have the master switch and we have a simple rule - they all agree on the movie / show they are going to watch or daddy just turns the whole thing off...
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do you run the media player on 12v or via a inverter? and any issues with the HDD on bumpy roads?
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do you run the media player on 12v or via a inverter? and any issues with the HDD on bumpy roads?
The media player we bought was 12V (many of them actullay are) so that I wouldn't need an inveter. The only problem we have had so far is when it get really bumpy and the drive jumps about, it tends to unplug, but that can be solved with a solid state or USB stick. We only have copies of our own DVD's on there so a large USB stick would be fine. Both units are "shoved" into the tissue holder below the back AC controller on the Prado.
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I have finally started the template for a roof console.
Now I am thinking of installing a DVD player at the back end of this console which will be wired up to two screens for the kids.
I can't find a website with a normal 12V DVD player. Most of them are complete with radio etc.
Anyone any idea whereto look?
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I have finally started the template for a roof console.
Now I am thinking of installing a DVD player at the back end of this console which will be wired up to two screens for the kids.
I can't find a website with a normal 12V DVD player. Most of them are complete with radio etc.
Anyone any idea whereto look?
like this or you want without screen?
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd234/cremo1/patrol/image_view.jpg)
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Havent you got bloody windows in the tug for the kids to look out ??? :cheers:
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Havent you got bloody windows in the tug for the kids to look out ??? :cheers:
Speewa, I understand where you are coming from, HOWEVER, kids get bored of looking out the window after a few hours, then after they then get bored of the in car games, then in car fighting starts. It is much less stressful, peaceful, less tiring and therefore (and most importantly) SAFER for mum and dad to have a bit of total peace and quiet occasionally while the kids watch a dvd for an hour.
We don't use them as an all day thing, only sparingly, but for the above reason we highly recommend them.
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Also. We use them at night after the kids have had a shower etc. While we are all drinking and telling b-hh1t stories we let them sit in the car and slow down before bed....
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Lost, I was thinking of the unit only without the screens.
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Speewa, I understand where you are coming from, HOWEVER, kids get bored of looking out the window after a few hours, then after they then get bored of the in car games, then in car fighting starts. It is much less stressful, peaceful, less tiring and therefore (and most importantly) SAFER for mum and dad to have a bit of total peace and quiet occasionally while the kids watch a dvd for an hour.
While I agree, what did we do as kids on trips to pass the hours? There was NO electronic anythings. Surely they arent the full answer.
Bloke in my club still to this day does 1 annual 6-8 week trip and they still have and never have had electronic anythings (his kids are now teens), and his kids are probably the best behaved kids I've met in 25years.
Lost, I was thinking of the unit only without the screens.
No problems, I have the one in the photo and works brilliantly with wireless headphones or through the car stereo when the Blues Brothers are on :)
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I would buy 2 cheap DVD players from Dick Smith or something. They are about $100 each, then they cant squabble over which DVD to watch. I bought the cheap one DSE and it still works after about five years, lots of camping etc...the only issue the batteries only last for one DVD.
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Anyone heard/seen one of these?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/D0009-Eonon-Half-Din-New-Car-CD-DVD-Player-SDHC-/180677120393?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a11321189
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Anyone heard/seen one of these?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/D0009-Eonon-Half-Din-New-Car-CD-DVD-Player-SDHC-/180677120393?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a11321189
their feedback looks like a bit of a lottery...
The advantage of the "hook over the headrest ones" is they handle bumps a touch better, and wont lockup, jump and skip.
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Been searching andfound another one: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170631722044&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en
Been thinking.
If I install this in the front so the passenger can keep an eye on it.
If something happens the passenger can control it. The kids are still young. (8 and 5)
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Another question this time :-)
How are the screens attached to the headrest?
We have a single piece sheepskin over over front seats and what I can see is that most straps are vertical, meaning going between the headrest and the seat which in our case can't.
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Not that it matters to some, but bear in mind that ADR approved headrest players are few and far between. Sure 99.9% of the time that won't be a problem, but I'd check your insurance and liability situation before spending money on them. Ridiculous maybe - but the law is the law.
We ended up getting a 2 screen, 1 DVD player from Target for $90. Both kids have to watch the same movie if/when we turn it on. They take turns choosing what gets played, so if one decides to sit quietly and look out the window then that works for me too!
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How are these screens of yours strapped to the headrests?
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We have dvd players that strap to seat head rest and have their own power supply.
Pro...
Can be easly removed and and used in the Camper after dark as a good night movie.
SHMBO Has taken it to hair dressers to keep 4 yr old happy for 1/2 hour.
Con...
Dont think they would be to useful in an accident .
Only 2 in car and have 3 kids,so far not to much fighting.But its coming.
We only use them on long day drives and only after lunch.
Cheers Ian.
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How are these screens of yours strapped to the headrests?
With the ones I got from Target, it's just a horizontal strap that goes around the driver/passenger headrest. I pull it pretty tight so I don't feel it when I am driving.
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With the ones I got from Target, it's just a horizontal strap that goes around the driver/passenger headrest. I pull it pretty tight so I don't feel it when I am driving.
Cool, that is what I need! Thanks.
Now I need to go to Target and see if they have them still. Do they have a USB port as well?
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No it doesn't from memory, but it will apparently play divX from a DVD with lots of movies on it (untried at this stage)
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Bump.
So anyone done anything like this lately?? the current overhead one has died :(
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Bump.
So anyone done anything like this lately?? the current overhead one has died :(
The kids have both just got cheap android tablets with bluetooth headphones. They can watch movies or play games on them.
I went through the whole roof mount, headrest mount.......the tablet option is so much easier and cheaper
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The kids have both just got cheap android tablets with bluetooth headphones. They can watch movies or play games on them.
I went through the whole roof mount, headrest mount.......the tablet option is so much easier and cheaper
Yea starting to think that.. they both have laptops, but rooted batteries, and then theres a fight for the inverter :(
The headrest option screens are so small and the options of what format they play is extremely limited.. welcome to 10 years ago style...
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The kids have both just got cheap android tablets with bluetooth headphones. They can watch movies or play games on them.
x 2
They can watch them before bed then also.
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thinking about getting one of these:
http://www.seagate.com/au/en/external-hard-drives/portable-hard-drives/wireless/wireless-plus/ (http://www.seagate.com/au/en/external-hard-drives/portable-hard-drives/wireless/wireless-plus/)
with two android tablets with two of these:
http://www.gpscity.com/arkon-universal-tablet-headrest-mount.html (http://www.gpscity.com/arkon-universal-tablet-headrest-mount.html)
can stream movies from the hdd to the tablets with seagate's included app. looks pretty good to me...
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thinking about getting one of these:
http://www.seagate.com/au/en/external-hard-drives/portable-hard-drives/wireless/wireless-plus/ (http://www.seagate.com/au/en/external-hard-drives/portable-hard-drives/wireless/wireless-plus/)
with two android tablets with two of these:
http://www.gpscity.com/arkon-universal-tablet-headrest-mount.html (http://www.gpscity.com/arkon-universal-tablet-headrest-mount.html)
can stream movies from the hdd to the tablets with seagate's included app. looks pretty good to me...
yea, was thinking of something with a simple USB port
I got well over 6TB of movies, but most are in MKV format.. :( Not many things play quality.
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thinking about getting one of these:
http://www.seagate.com/au/en/external-hard-drives/portable-hard-drives/wireless/wireless-plus/ (http://www.seagate.com/au/en/external-hard-drives/portable-hard-drives/wireless/wireless-plus/)
with two android tablets with two of these:
http://www.gpscity.com/arkon-universal-tablet-headrest-mount.html (http://www.gpscity.com/arkon-universal-tablet-headrest-mount.html)
can stream movies from the hdd to the tablets with seagate's included app. looks pretty good to me...
only issue with streaming is the reduced battery life.
We got ours from Kogan and the movies either go on USB or onto mini SD card
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i just use the following application to convert the kids movies so they'll play on just about anything:
http://www.freemake.com/free_video_converter/ (http://www.freemake.com/free_video_converter/)
the only problem i may have with this setup is getting the same video to play on both screens... may have to look at hdmi input/output...
this may work...:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xconns.full.peerdevicenet (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xconns.full.peerdevicenet)
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the only problem i may have with this setup is getting the same video to play on both screens... may have to look at hdmi input/output...
How on earth have you managed to get the kids to want to watch the same movie......... ;D
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How on earth have you managed to get the kids to want to watch the same movie......... ;D
one is 5 and one is 3... they don't mind... :)
at least with tablets, they can use headphones and watch their own when they are older...
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what movie formats do Ipads play?
and can I copy my movie collection to one - or do you have to get robbed buy from apple
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http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/111197347863/ (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/111197347863/)
these look good for the price.
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I recently sold my FG Falcon XR6 that had head rest DVD players.
Would I get them again, no.
For the amount of use they get, they are not worth the money. To watch a full movie requires a drive of 1.5+ hours, which severely limits the opportunities to use the DVD player in the first instance. Add to that the fact that a child watching a 7 inch screen while in the back seat of a car is a recipe for motion sickness, just ask my daughter.
In my situation, I would have been much better off getting a tablet of some description because they are a lot more versatile.
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what movie formats do Ipads play?
and can I copy my movie collection to one - or do you have to get robbed buy from apple
ipads don't play all formats (avi, mp4, mkv) depending on the codec that was used to create the movie file in the first place.
that's why i am looking at 2nd generation google nexus 7 tablets...
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To watch a full movie requires a drive of 1.5+ hours, which severely limits the opportunities to use the DVD player in the first instance.
its usually 2+ hours to get to the bush from my place... I reckon mine was the best investment yet, specially for long trips - flinders, fraser, robe, etc...
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don't bother with the Seagate drive...
http://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=36579&p=306377 (http://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=36579&p=306377)
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don't bother with the Seagate drive...
http://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=36579&p=306377 (http://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=36579&p=306377)
we are testing Pi's in the lab here at work as citrix terminals.. they only need to log on to citrix, PDF's, and print.. so awesome. :D
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we are testing Pi's in the lab here at work as citrix terminals.. they only need to log on to citrix, PDF's, and print.. so awesome. :D
wow. excellent!!
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wow. excellent!!
If we can sort them they will replace 60 lab terminals for the price of $50each instead of 800each.... I didn't even think about this for them!
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If we can sort them they will replace 60 lab terminals for the price of $50each instead of 800each.... I didn't even think about this for them!
And if you can't sort them then there'll be some kicking around for "projects"
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You could buy 2 iPads for less than $1400. Movies, games, good battery life. Just a thought.
16gb for 450ish and 32 gb for $600 and then use for school. Our daughter uses hers(mine) all the time wuth various apps and movies I transferred. Even bought a cheap headrest holder from fleabay
:cheers:
Wayne
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16gb for 450ish and 32 gb for $600 and then use for school. Our daughter uses hers(mine) all the time wuth various apps and movies I transferred. Even bought a cheap headrest holder from fleabay
:cheers:
Wayne
In his defense, his quoted post is nearly 4 years old!
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True.
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:)
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just saw this on kogan
http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/mini-tablet-holder-car-headrest/ (http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/mini-tablet-holder-car-headrest/)
might be of use
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We have kids 5 and 2 they love the IPads, you can get an app to convert existing movie formats to iPad/iTv format....works for us on recent 1000ks in a day drives