Inexpensive Entertainment System

[Capecruis8der]

I frequently trade in my vehicles, so putting $2-3K+ into a vehicle is not always feasible.
I outfitted my Red Devil with some economical equipment that keep my kids [and me & the wife] happy
I used a 9" Toshiba AC_DC TV/DVD that mounts on a small stand I made from a planter stand.
The 9" real TV gives a superb picture from either side, unlike LCD
I also picked up a 400W Inverter that allows the use the boys Dreamcast Gaming System
The stand and TV mounts nicely so it does not interfer with the center console and locks under the rear seat brackets, so incase of a accident, it will not go flying.
I designed it this way, because I have two vehicles that I swap it back and forth between and when traveling, you can take it out and use it in a hotel/motel rooms, again another nice feature that keeps the kids occupied.

Not sure how to put all pics in one file, so will send individually.

 

[Capecruis8der]

front view

 

[Capecruis8der]

right view

 

[Capecruis8der]

DVD stand
sorry for the multiple -posts
smart in some areas--dumb in others

 

[hultzger]

Cape,

I too go with the inexpensive system. I have a the vcr version. I haven't actually tried to put it in the Av yet . It has travelled in the wifes Sienna though.

I thought about putting it on top of the center console, but then wouldn't be able to us it. Your plant stand is very ingenious. Can you open your console?

 

[Capecruis8der]

I should have mentioned that it does not interfere with opening of the console nor does it block the heat/AC vents at rear.

Also if you adjust your seat and rear view mirror properly, you can watch the movie while driving. LOL

 

[rager24]

We have one off the bag types that hangs off the seats and works fine and costs about 200 at best buys

 

[dandan]

You said inexpensive.

Cost?

 

[Leather]

I cant tell from the pic's but how do u have the TV fastened down?

 

[Chief]

I cant tell from the pic's but how do u have the TV fastened down?

I think this will be trouble in case of an accident. I am not sure if the current mounting, fastening and bracket will be able to hold it.

 

[Capecruis8der]

The stand it mounts on is made of metal
the rear legs hook under the front of the rear seats
the front legs hook around on the side of the front seats
the TV bolts to the stand/with safty strap
I'm sure it will be fine for low/mod impact
In a severe accident, I'll have other things to worry about

TV was $450/Dreamcast on sale $49/stand $20/invter$50
Enjoyment and quiet/happy kids-- PRICELESS

Picture/DVD has never bounced from ruff road
because the AV is outstanding

 

[Wiki]

The stand it mounts on is made of metal
the rear legs hook under the front of the rear seats
the front legs hook around on the side of the front seats
the TV bolts to the stand/with safty strap
I'm sure it will be fine for low/mod impact
In a severe accident, I'll have other things to worry about

TV was $450/Dreamcast on sale $49/stand $20/invter$50
Enjoyment and quiet/happy kids-- PRICELESS

Picture/DVD has never bounced from ruff road
because the AV is outstanding

The cost for the above mentioned was $569 roughly.

If you went with an installed DVD system it would cost you, $169 for a 5" headrest monitor x 2, $179 for a DVD player , and the wires to hook it up. It is about the same cost and you wouldnt have to worry about the TV comming off the stand in a wreck. The only drawback to installing a system is removal when you sell the vehicle. The cost of this would be your time and 2 new headrests.
Food for thought.

 

[Wiki]

Oh yeah, Sony Playstation 1 is on sale at Best Buy for $40. I think I will go with one of those too.

 

[Capecruis8der]

Wiki
Yeah-but,
this system goes weakly between my AV and the wifes AZtek in 30 sec
and when not in use, goes in the house
so it dosen't attract theft of vehicles

I was not worried about accidents,. Goo was
Iv'e been pleased

 

[Wiki]

Wiki
Yeah-but,
this system goes weakly between my AV and the wifes AZtek in 30 sec
and when not in use, goes in the house
so it dosen't attract theft of vehicles

I was not worried about accidents,. Goo was
Iv'e been pleased

Great idea. I was wondering if I installed video if it would attract thieves. I work late shift and always wonder who is snooping around in the parking lot. Also moving it from vehicle to vehicle is priceless too. I guess Food for thought for me ...huh.

 

[chevroletavalanche]

The only drawback to installing a system is removal when you sell the vehicle. ?

I would never sell my 02 Avalanche. Especially when the 03 Avalanche dodesn't have the same look.

 

[Awesomebase]

I know this may seem like the obvious, but, you could have very easily just gotten a laptop with a DVD player built-in. There are new ones now for $800 at Frys. Used ones sell for less. You get a large LCD screen (doesn't have great wide-angle viewing) a built-in DVD player, and the ability to play computer games, etc. Plus it's portable, can run off of your cigarette lighter or its own battery, and if you're really creative, can play all the MP3s and other music you want right through your factory stereo. I think it would be safer, and heck, you can use the laptop as a laptop!
On the otherhand, I just really like the satisfaction of a "do-it-yourself" project, so good work! Just make sure that the planter can be locked down somehow... I would hate to be close to that in an accident...

 

[kps]

I took a 5.8" flip-down monitor, mounted it on a flexible stalk, set the stalk in plaster. Shaped the plaster to fit the cubby at the back of the console, between the A/C vents. Painted the plaster black, so it's not so noticeable.

Ran the monitor cable back to a DC-powered DVD player under the small back seat. Connected the wireless headphones, and off we go. Power, for now, is fed from a long cord run from the cigarette lighter.

Everything comes out in about 10 seconds.

The DVD player was $113, the monitor was about $80, headphones about $80 for the pair.

 

[Capecruis8der]

Great creativity guys
Kudo's to any one who uses thier head

Awe-- I tried a laptop first
the viewing angle was pathetic
and the DVD kept stopping and limited accessory output

Kps
nice job/ is it LCD/ hows the viewing angle
removability was importand for theft and putting my other vehicles

 

[kps]

Cape,

The monitor is a 5.8" LCD, so far the kids haven't complained about the picture. In a hurry, I can pop the monitor out of the cubby, lay it face-down under the back seat. No one knows what the hell the plaster thinggy sticking up is.

I took the modular route, so I can swap out parts as I need to -- I already have a 9" TV/VCR combo who's VCR won't play while running on DC power, so I figured it would be easier/cheaper to swap out what's broken when I need to.