There are numerous portable car DVD player options available and each has its own benefits and potential drawbacks. Take a look at each configuration described briefly below and see if you can figure out which would be best for your own situations.

Portable DVD Players For Cars

Mobile DVD Player Case

This is probably best for those seeking a cheap car dvd player option. Cases are basically similar to a laptop case. They are ideal for back seat viewing because they strap to the front seat backs and hold a conventional folding portable DVD player. The player sits on top of the horizontal base section, which acts as a table top, while the vertical back section of the case is the part that attaches to the seat back. This is a good option if you already have a portable DVD player that has decent skip prevention technology. It allows the user to extend the usefulness of their player by having it double as both a in-home and car DVD system. They are very inexpensive but if you don’t already own a portable DVD player a case won’t help you very much. Of course you this option is not very applicable for front seat viewing and relies on the unit’s battery for power. You can enhance this type of set up with a car charger. Also, if your player only has a single headphone input, it will be difficult for multiple passengers in the back seat to watch.

Dual Screen Car DVD Players

These also mount to the front seat backs or headrests and are also best for rear seat passenger viewing. Dual screen portable car DVD players have the DVD player housed in one of the two units, with the second screen acting as a remote receiver which gets the signal from the main unit’s IR transmitter. Most often, each piece has its own separate headphone jack and external speakers, but they naturally share a remote since both units are playing the same disc. As with the first option, battery performance is a limitation, but since these are most frequently used in cars, many come with the necessary adapters for in-car charging. This option is slightly more flexible than the last in that it is technically possible for both a front seat and back seat passenger to watch. Although the one up front will have to hold the unit and this could become a distraction for the driver. Come dual DVD players for the car can be mounted to the visors for front seat viewing.

Tablet DVD players for cars

Tablet DVD players are simply portable DVD players that don’t fold. The difference is comparable to that of a tablet PC vs. a laptop; same functionality – different layout. A tablet car DVD player mounts horizontally and has either a topside or under screen disc loader compartment. External speakers are usually flush mounted on the face of the unit. The main disadvantage here is that there is only one screen but many come with dual wireless headsets.

Indash car DVD players

These come in a variety of flavors. You can get an indash car DVD player with a screen or without. Those with a screen require enough dash space and are most appropriate for vehicles with very large front seat passenger areas – like giant SUVs. The screen usually folds into the unit when not in use, so screen size is generally between 5 and 7 inches. Another thing to be aware of, these are often described as 2 din car DVD, or double din DVD players and this designation references the height of the unit. Single din components are 2 inches tall and so a double din dash opening will accommodate a unit that is 4 inches tall. In dash units can be found with and without a TV tuner.

Another option is to install an indash unit that doesn’t have an integrated screen and pair it up with a flip down dvd screen that suspends from the roof or other remote screens via IR or bluetooth.

Flip Down Car DVD Players

There are also roof mounting all-in-one systems that include DVD, Game console, FM transmitter and TV Tuner. Families like these and typically mount them for rear seat viewing and/or gaming.