Our standard system consists of Playstation2 with two wireless controllers or remote control DVD player with either two headrest monitors or a single larger roof monitor. Audio is provided by lightweight infrared headphones for private listening, but can be supplemented by FM wireless connection to the car's own speakers.
Below are some examples of installs we have carried out for Scottish car dealers. Basic systems start from £850 + VAT.
Mercedes ML320
Headrest [Bracket Mounts] 1, 2
The ML has a hardback shell, which is connected to the airbag system, requiring brackets to support the monitors. The upside of this means pretty much any size of monitor can be used, although here we used 7" widescreen LCDs.
We have taken delivery of pre-built universal fitting headrests with 7" wide LCD screens and hidden wiring. These are available in black, grey and beige to match most vehicles with leather upholstery.
*Update* We can send this type of active headrest to a specialist upholsterer, who use a moulding technique to fit the monitors directly into the headrest shell. This unfortunately adds to the cost.
Landrover Defender
Headrest / PS2
These 5" screens fit beautifully into the rather small Defender headrests. Due to lack of hidden but accessible spaces, we had to surface mount the PS2.
Landrover Discovery
In-dash Monitor
Necvox 5169 fits rather neatly in coin pocket in dash, allowing monitoring of what the kids are watching.
Rangerover Sport HSE
Headrest / PS2
The headrests tilt away from the rear passengers more than in most cars, requiring a little more ingenuity when fitting our 5.8" LCDs. The Playstation was mounted under the single rear passenger seat.
Chevrolet Swift Caravan
Roof Monitor 1,
2
17" widescreen roof monitor, with separate radio/DVD, digital TV tuner with externally mounted aerials.
Caravans are generally awkward to retro-fit AV equipment into, due to unremovable panels & strengthening struts stopping wire runs.
But, hey, we can never refuse a challenge.
Citroen Picasso
Headrest Monitor 1,
2 /
DVD
This vehicle has no centre to its small headrests, so the 5" widescreen LCD is the only choice, with a panel fitted behind the monitor to hide cabling. The slimline DVD player is mounted in the glovebox, with an external IR sensor for the remote control.
Mitsubishi Shogun
Headrest Monitor
This equipment was removed from our customer's previous car and fitted into this Shogun. The monitors are 5.8" Clarion VMA533.
Ford LWB Transit
Monitor 1, 2 /
DVD
Long wheelbase Transit fitted with two 11" roof monitors and dash-mounted DVD.
BMW 530d
Monitor /
PS2
Because we didn't want to cut into the headrest's supporting substrate, we used Clarion VMA573's recessed behind the leather trim to giving a more moulded feel to the fitting. We can now install monitors into active headrests as used on X6 and 125 models, but this does add to the cost.
Citroen C6
Headrest Monitor
These headrests have internal plastic mouldings, requiring brackets to hold the
monitors. PS2 was fitted under front passenger seat facing rearwards.
Audi Q7
Headrest Monitor /
DVD
The Q7 headrests have internal plastic mouldings, which have to be cut in order to fit these 5.8" monitors. The monitors also have to be angled downwards due to the forward tilting headrests. The dvd player & ir emitter fitted neatly into the rear coin pocket.
*Update* We have decided to send all Q7 headrests to a specialised upholsterers to have the monitors fitted, adding to the cost somewhat.