Video Overhead Console

[walker.627]

I am trying to figure out how to install an additional video screen somewhere in my prius. Has anyone ever tried installing one of the overhead video console systems, such as the one at the link below?

Buy the Jensen 11" Overhead DVD Player and other Overhead & headrest video systems at circuitcity.com

Is it possible to install such a thing without damaging the interior or making it impossible to uninistall the video if I did not like it and set the overhead console back to its original state?

Any other suggestion how to mount a larger video screen in the prius?

[zenMachine]

An overhead monitor will block your already limited rear view. And once installed it will leave holes in the headliner should you decide to remove it. How large a screen are you considering?

Attached is my solution for our 9" portable. Note that you can see the rearview mirror fully in this photo. That's because I have my mirror flipped downside up, which gives you a better rearward view and makes holding down the Homelink button much easier.

Another option would be to have headrest mounted monitors, although I have not been able to find any to my liking. And the built-in headrest DVDs are just too expensive for my kids' needs.

[mingoglia]

Originally Posted by zenMachine

An overhead monitor will block your already limited rear view. And once installed it will leave holes in the headliner should you decide to remove it. How large a screen are you considering?

Attached is my solution for our 9" portable. Note that you can see the rearview mirror fully in this photo. That's because I have my mirror flipped downside up, which gives you a better rearward view and makes holding down the Homelink button much easier.

Another option would be to have headrest mounted monitors, although I have not been able to find any to my liking. And the built-in headrest DVDs are just too expensive for my kids' needs.

Min is similar to yours. In fact, I believe there may be another thread where we had the same conversation. Anyway, mine is a arm as well except my DVD player is a "tablet" style. By tablet, imagine a tablet PC as opposed to a "laptop" style that flips up. Mine is a bit lower.... I took a pic of it yesterday as I'm currently on a trip. If my cable for my camera wasn't in the car (I'm in the hotel) I'd pull this pic off....

[timm]

Here is a pic of my solution that has worked well for two years in our Prius. I had the portable unit in a minvan for five years before that. We also use it when camping, etc. Therefore, I consider it a better investment than trying to install something permanent overhead.

[walker.627]

Thanks for the posts so far... both of them are solutions for back seat passengers. I was hoping for something that would be visible in the front seat. Any ideas for something like that? There are some in dash radios with pop-up screens which look feasible, but they have tiny 7 '' screens. I was hoping to fit a much bigger screen in.

[zenMachine]

Originally Posted by walker.627

Thanks for the posts so far... both of them are solutions for back seat passengers. I was hoping for something that would be visible in the front seat. Any ideas for something like that? There are some in dash radios with pop-up screens which look feasible, but they have tiny 7 '' screens. I was hoping to fit a much bigger screen in.

Sorry, your original post didn't make it clear that you wanted something for the front passenger (not the driver, I assume?).

Anyhow, besides the pop-out DVD monitor some people have installed in the compartment below the radio, you also have the option of installing the Lockpick to use the MFD as a video monitor. But neither one of those options can give you an 11" screen. Are you planning to watch golf in HD or something?

[mcsenerd]

Originally Posted by mingoglia

... Anyway, mine is a arm as well except my DVD player is a "tablet" style. By tablet, imagine a tablet PC as opposed to a "laptop" style that flips up.. ...

I've got a 10" Audiovox tablet model...and I've been looking for an arm. I'd love to hear some more details on your install to see if there was something I might be able to emulate in my own setup. I despise the strap mounting systems...

[mingoglia]

Originally Posted by mcsenerd

I've got a 10" Audiovox tablet model...and I've been looking for an arm. I'd love to hear some more details on your install to see if there was something I might be able to emulate in my own setup. I despise the strap mounting systems...

The manufacturer is Next Base. They're popular in Europe, but I've never seen them here.... they're really just another one of those Chinese imports. The quality seems very high, the case is actually metal, it has a tray less DVD slot, and the sound is good.

The arm unfortunately will only work with their own screens because it's designed to mount directly to the back. The fit is perfect, but you'd have to get rid of the one you have and buy the Next Base. I believe mine is a 8.2" screen and it's the largest screen that will work with it. The screen size is perfect for the Prius... in fact, I couldn't imagine it any bigger back there.

There are several mounting options. Here's a pic showing all of them (from the manufacturer's site http://www.nextbase-usa.com). The sdv185-s is the one pictured on the arm... it's the same model I have. The arm extends in order to center it between the seats (it's not extended in the pic). It also swivels up/down/forward/back.

[zenMachine]

This one looks like a cool solution:

Amazon.com: Vogel's EMC5000 DVDock Car Headrest...

YouTube - Vogel's DVDock