I'm looking at installing a simple rear seat DVD/PS2 entertainment systems to help entertain our son on road trips.

I've been considering a 5.8" Clarion or Alpine Universal fit LCD panel custom installed into the back of the passenger headrest. I spoke to a installation shop and they actually suggested since I only want to go with a single LCD panel I should consider the Alpine 7" overhead flip down LCD panel which looks like it might better choice.

I'm looking for some opinions and if possible some photos of rear seat entertainment installations to give me some ideas.

 

http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91146

Something like this?

 

I saw those pictures but the poor installation job on the headreset was one of the reasons I started seriously considering the Alpine overhead unit.

Here is a picture to give you an idea of what seems to be an older model. The newer Alpine model is all black with the silver and looks nice. I'm suprised more people don't have these things installed to keep the kids happy in the back.

 

Qatar (one of our members) had installed the screens in his headrests. He did not go the ceiling mounted route because he didn't think the headliner/ceiling rattles were worth the effort. Here are his pics:
http://www.acurainspired.com/galler...d=1145&uuid=956

PetesTL (another one of our members) did the ceiling mount. He was happy with the screen, last he posted on the issue. Here are his pics (I think you have to register to imagestation to see it though.
http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4287218527

Hope this helps. Good luck.

edit:
I decided to stop being lazy and just register. I hope these pics work

 

I am wondering how bad it blocks the rear view. I am definitely going to add some type of screens. I just don't know if I want them in the seats or a hang down one like that. Maybe it's just me but I really don't like the Ny electronics vendor, it seems that they are just trying to sell stuff and not offer any support. The answers are one sentance answers and things I would get pissed at if I was in that situation. I think I will go with the avelectronics.com one. Back up camera and the module that converts the screen up front to play dvd's. Anyone have some real solid answers and suggestions or any true experience with the 04 TL and rear entertainment?

 

I was wondering about the rear-view mirror issue as well. That looks like it's bigger unit than the Alpine unit I was looking at. The installer also commented that he didn't that the shroud would be needed but he wasn't sure.


btw, thanks for posting this information.

 

What are you planning on using for a backup camera?

 

Paying attention along with the rear view mirror work just fine for me so I don't see a need for a backup camera.

I just want a simple but clean installation to entertain a single child in the back seat.

 

I would like to try the one that avelectronics has to offer. Does anyone have this?

 

I have the license plate one. It wont fit on the TL because the tip of the camera hit the bottom of the trunk lid. They make an adapter that drops it a little and that would work nicely. Ask AV if they sell it, just a small piece that lowers the frame. I decided not to to the conversion, so I can offer it to you at a significant discount in interested. Both my av unit (s-video model) and plate camera were on a TSX and pulled off when the car was bought back by the dealer. All parts included.

 

You have the avelectronics one? or the othere?

 

the avelectronics higher end model

 

Sent a PM

 

replied to pm

 

I got around ALL this complexities & cost by buying a 7" portable player, rear seat case, wireless audio adaptor. Total Cost : $275 May be ghetto but I can take it with me anywhere.

 

I am actually in the process of putting a 7" or 8" monitor in the rear just below the 2 A/C vents. It is going to be custom molded and look factory. You will lose "This is not an Ashtray", but no biggie. I will post pics as soon as I am done... It will be slightly tilted up so rear passengers can view with ease..... Parts minus the screen will be around $65 or $75. Then I have to decide on the screen I like.

 

No concerns of people kicking it?

 

That sounds like a good idea, i wonder how viewable it will be w/o getting to be a pain of looking down... hmmm. Can't wait for the pictures.

 

Safety would be my concern, plus higher is better. Who wants to watch TV at their feet. Novel approach though. Maybe it can be somethign that starts there with a plastic part facing out for safety and then flips up for viewing (hinge approach) so that the screen now faces forward instead of towards the "not a ashtray" and will be just above the armrest. Would be perfect. Mark it up a bit and sell me one.

 

Any updates, new idea, projected starting date? This is something I would like to follow. I think the roof mount would be nice as long as it is not AS thick and hand hang down as far as the other TLer who did it. I am sure they make thinner ones. His isn't bad, just a bit bulky. Might be the best way to go. Keep us updated.

 

Well I was concerned about someone kicking it, but I think it will be high enough not to be kicked. Plus i have no children ( I am 23) and I usually only have someone in back that is my age, maximum of 2 people, so they should be able to get in on drivers side, then the other on passenger side. As for the hinge approach I thought about it and am still thinking about it.... I am still in the process of design, it is going to be a touchscreen b/c I plan on also adding a carputer to it... I have a lot in the works, but they have been put on the backburner b/c of $$ needing to be spent elsewhere (dog and gf) so I will probably have it finished within a month... I will definately post pics when it is done. Also, I don't think it will be too low, I prefer it to the roof mount (too bulky and ugly) and the headrests (security, I live in Chicago and my car would be broken into) so it is the only place, plus it will prob be a 8" screen better then just viewing it in the Navi screen...