Mobile video allows drivers to take the show on road
Television culture has become part of American DNA, just like our interest in automobiles. Innovative entrepreneurs have connected the two strands ever since the explosion of both industries in the 1950s.
One savvy car dealer in Southern California, known as Madman Earl Muntz, pioneered early audio and video systems. He even installed a small black and white set in his family cruiser. Today, drivers have a variety of options to literally bring the show on the road.
What should you know before investing in mobile video?
Todd Ramsey of the Ramsey Consulting Group, which specializes in mobile audio trends and technologies, gave some insightful answers.
What kind of mobile video systems are available?
"Portable" video systems may be removed and carried into other vehicles. Video products intended for permanent installation are commonly only offered at dealerships or specialty retailers where professional installation services are available.
How do you choose the right system?
Your application drastically influences which products you select and the kind of installation required. Your choices are immense: From in-vehicle computing systems to "all in one" overhead screens that contain DVD player, games and wireless transmitters.
Before making a decision, drivers need to consider several important aspects of automobile video systems. This includes:
-
Cabin Safety. Items not properly secured such as portable players can become airborne in a sudden stop or in an accident. Permanent installation is better for occupant safety, especially for children.
-
Driver Safety. Video systems are intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be in view of the driver when operating the vehicle, except for the navigation system and back-up camera. (See the Consumer Electronics Association mobile video policy PDF.)
-
Video application. Do you want to keep the kids occupied while you're running errands? Is it for breaking up the boredom on long or frequent travel? Or do you want to display something specific such as navigation, rear view camera or other video sources?
What are the most common types of systems?
Many times you cannot find "out of the box" or "off the shelf" solutions for installed video systems. A part may fit cosmetically but need bracing or structural consideration behind the scenes. Or it may require electrical integration of the aftermarket product with the vehicle's own electrical system.
Automobile video usually fits into:
-
Portable
-
Overhead
-
Headrest
-
In-Dash (aftermarket)
-
Pre-existing factory video screen integration
The portable category includes battery powered or cigarette lighter-powered device that can be easily removed from the car. They are not installed as to be part of the vehicle.
The other categories typically require at least some level of installation expertise. Even application specific products, such as overhead or headrest monitors made to fit a specific car, still need to be interconnected to a video source unit. A technician must choose a strategy for how the sound portion of the video content will be delivered.
What formats are important?
DVD-Video players will play virtually all types of disc media that are used in vehicles. Newer HD-DVD and Blu-Ray formats are not yet available for the car as dedicated players, though installing an XBOX or PS3 could easily add that functionality. High Definition video for a car is a stretch due to the limitations of screens size and resolution.
You can consider any kind of compressed media player that supports video (iPod or Microsoft Zune). Importantly, you must find out if the device has the capacity to output video content or if it's only available for viewing on the device itself. Make sure the portable media device can support output or sharing.
Can anyone install a mobile video system?
An Installation Technician should be MECP certified, preferably at the Advanced or Master level. They have the necessary on-the-job experience to handle a wide variety of installation challenges regarding integration of a video system into today's vehicle (see http://www.mecp.com/consumers.asp)