Now an affordable option for any car, mobile video can be as simple or as complex as you desire — from portable all-in-one systems that hang on your seatbacks to custom component integrations that stow away in your dash, headrests, or even drop-down from overhead.

Either way, all the entertainment of home is now yours on the road: movies, TV, music, and even video games.

Setup
While even the most basic in-car theater system will include a monitor, audio source, and receiver/playback device, there are numerous ways to integrate it into your car. Here are the five typical methods...

• Portable: This is the most affordable type of in-car theater system. These are all-in-one systems that contain a video monitor, audio source (speakers and/or headphone jacks) and receiver/playback device (DVD and/or VHS player). Depending on size, these can either hang off the back of your seat or sit right in your lap.
  
  
• In-Dash: A DVD playback receiver that installs directly into your dash — either next to your existing AM/FM/CD receiver or even replacing it all together. This integration allows the parents/driver up front to control the system, utilizes your existing speaker system, and sends its video signal either to an attached video screen or stand-alone monitor installed elsewhere in the car (such as your seat's headrests). And just like your CD player, the faceplate can be removed from most models to help deter theft.
  
  
• Center Console: A popular, space-saving choice that utilizes the existing floor console between the driver and front passenger seats. Typically, both the monitor and DVD/VHS playback receiver is mounted directly into the console itself — along with optional extras such as headphone jacks and video game systems and inputs. This self-contained unit is an optimal choice for those that wish to yield control of the system to the back-seat passengers and allow the driver to concentrate on the road.
  
  
• Seat Headrests: Another space-saving choice, this setup really refers to the placement of the monitor(s) itself. The video screens are inserted into the back of the driver's and/or the front passenger's seat headrest to give the back passengers an eye-level screen for optimal enjoyment — and, if installed in both headrests, even allow for head-to-gaming with an optional integrated video game system. The accompanying DVD/VHS playback receiver can then be tucked away in the dash, center console, or even under a seat.
  
  
• Overhead: The most elaborate of all the monitor setups, but also one of the most coveted. This setup fits the video monitor snugly against the ceiling of your vehicle, usually between and above the driver and front-passenger seats. The screen simply drops down when ready for viewing and, when finished, ascends back up out of the way, flush against the ceiling. These units typically contain headphone jacks for private viewing or can be easily connected to your car's stereo system. And, like the headrest setup, the accompanying DVD/VHS playback receiver can then be tucked away in the dash, center console, or even overhead with the screen.

Options
In-car theater isn't just for movies anymore. In addition to your favorite flicks, today's systems are more than ready to deliver your favorite TV shows, video games, CD's, MP3's and even directional navigation.

• Video Games: Kids bored with the movie? Then hook up a video game console to your system for hours of interactive fun. You can easily install a permanent gaming console along with your theater housing (such as in your car's center console) or utilize select units that have video inputs in the receiver or monitor for a true "plug and play" experience.
  
  
• TV Tuners: Don't want to miss your favorite soap while on the road? Then install a TV Tuner and antenna to your in-car theater system to receive and display the programming from local broadcast TV stations. The tuner can even be tucked out of the way (under your seat or in the trunk) with its sound played through your car's FM receiver.
  
  
• CD/MP3 Players: Most DVD players can effortlessly playback any CD in your collection — a helpful feature if you wish to condense your in-dash receivers to a single one. If this appeals to you, make sure to look for DVD players that are compatible with CD-R/RW's and even MP3's so you'll get maximum enjoyment from your new system for years to come.
  
  
• Headset Systems: Headsets are a great feature to further ensure the driver doesn't get distracted by the backseat entertainment. Headset plugs can be easily installed with the theater unit itself (in the dash or console), next to the video monitor, or in custom spaces such as car door's armrests or overhead.
  
  
• 6 DVD Changers: While at first glance, 6-DVD changers may seem like overkill, they're actually an extremely useful feature that combines the best of both worlds. Not only can you pre-program entertainment for long road trips, but since they also play CD's, you can combine your CD receiver with your DVD player to save valuable car space and rock on and on.
  
  
• Surround Processors / Multi-Channel Amp/ AV Receivers: Let your car rival any movie theater when you add a surround processor, multi-channel amplifiers and/or AV receiver for 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound. You won't believe your ears.
  
  
• Navigation Systems: Get the most out of your in-dash video monitor by connecting a navigation system to it to display large easy-to-read maps and even "speak" the directions as you go. A natural, cost-efficient pairing.

But that's why Car Toys' MECP-certified installers are here to help. They'll take you through the prefect theater setup for you and your car, then install it to perfectly match the manufacturer's specifications and ensure you get ideal picture and sound each and every time.

Why not schedule an appointment today at one of our over 50 nearby Car Toys locations in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, or Texas to see what our professional installers can do for you?