When choosing a DVD player for your car, there are essentially three screen options you can choose from: headrest mounted, in-dash or ceiling mounted. The most popular option is probably the headrest-mounted DVD player. These are designed for backseat viewing and can be built-in to the headrest or mounted with a bracket. You need to have receiver to send the signal to the monitors, which can be mounted on the center console or in the dashboard. Ceiling-mounted players normally contain the monitor and receiver in one unit, just like a portable DVD player. The screen flips down when needed and folds away safely when not in use. They are a great option for larger vehicles. Ideally they should be professionally installed. An in-dash receiver will allow you the most flexibility – you can install the screen anywhere, such as on a sunvisor, in the dashboard, or on the center console. High-end car DVD players sometimes include satellite navigation systems and may allow you to hook up your iPod or other media player.

There is a huge variation in price between the lower and upper ends of the car DVD market. An economical choice is the Philips PET7402/37, which sells for around $140. It consists of two 7″ LCD screens with built-in speakers, designed to be attached to the front headrests with the included straps. It comes with an AC charger and an in-car one, and a cable to connect the screens together. It’s a cheap and easy option which includes everything you need to keep the kids entertained and doesn’t require permanent fitting.

If you choose to fit monitors to your existing headrests, then this will normally entail using a supplied template to cut a hole in the headrest and then installing the monitor. You then attach a surround which will hold the screen in place provide a neat finish. Buying headrests with embedded screens is obviously an easier option for many people and they are available to match the style and color of most common cars.

Whichever option you choose, you will need to route the cables through the headrest’s supports and then preferably through the seats and under the carpet to the DVD player / receiver. If you are in any doubt as to whether you have the ability to do this neatly, then it’s highly recommended that you get the job done by a professional.

The ‘Click Duo’ models have a master and slave screen, allowing you to show the same film on both screens simultaneously. All models have a headrest mounting system which is designed to be left attached to the headrest; the unit then clicks into it. This makes it very easy to take the unit with you. They are some of the only car DVD players to have passed European crash tests, and are designed with rounded corners and smash-proof screens.

For under $100, it’s a great way to keep your kids entertained on long car journeys.

Audiovox also produce a fantastic overhead design called the VOD10. It consists of a 10″ 16:9 screen with built-in DVD player and 2 sets of wireless headphones. This roof-mountable system is certainly much neater than the headrest type, though obviously needs permanent installation. The DVD is the slot-loading type, so there’s no danger of damaging a flimsy loading tray. It ships with a wireless remote. Usually it sells for $500 – $600, though it’s currently on offer here for $387.57.