Add-on DVD system

[JimS]

Hello all. I just purchased a new 2008 Sedona, but it did not come with a dvd system. I have two young kids and they are looking bored riding on long trips. Does anyone have any info on where/how to get/install a dvd system and make it look good? I am looking for something that will make it look like a factory install.

[josetann]

In our 05 Sedona I installed some headrest dvd players. Was pretty simple once I figured out how to pop off the back of the seat. I also installed a 2-DIN dvd/radio/gps/etc, but had to trim the console piece (doesn't look factory, since all I had was a hacksaw). I believe your Sedona comes with an active headrest, so be aware of the possible issues there. Otherwise, looks nice and works great. And as a bonus, if the dvd player ever craps out I can just pop in a memory card instead.

If you just have two kids, or are willing to buy two pairs of headrest dvd players, I think this option is better than a roof mounted system. Each kid can watch something separate, so no more fighting (make sure you get the ones that have a dvd player in each headrest, some will have a dvd player in one and the other is just a dummy monitor).

[coln72]

While it doesn't look "factory", I have fitted a couple of portable DVD players to our Grand Carnival for the kids.

Works well, they were cheap and can be removed easily if the seats have to be folded down, I am worried about security, or if the kiddies have been playing up

We are investigating fitting an in dash dvd player (Alpine double DIN unit). A adaptor is available to blend the DVD player into the dash. The reason we are looking at this is that a reversing camera can be hooked up to the screen. Some of the Alpine DVD players have the ability to be playing a DVD to remotely mounted screens while also playing music from an ipod or the radio at the same time.

[josetann]

The headrest dvd players I installed have a zipper over the screen, so you can just zip it up and no one can tell by a quick glance that you have two dvd players there (more than a quick glance, they'll see the zippers and might figure it out). Removing the headrests would be a pain though, might as well consider them permanent. Removing the seat wouldn't be too hard though, since the cables that run out of the seats have a quick connect maybe a foot or two after it comes out of the seat. The way I ended up wiring mine I would have to cut a single power wire, but I'd just wire it up to a quick disconnect if that ever happened.

On the 2-DIN radio/gps/etc player I have, it almost fits perfect. I needed to trim about 1/4" or so at the top, else the screen wouldn't close all the way. If you get one with a smaller screen (I think 6.2" is the next step down) that doesn't move, I think it might fit better.

[JimS]

Thanks guys for all the input. I think I am leaning toward the screens in the head rests too.