In-Dash Players

The In-Dash Players category contains a wide variety of media players that may be installed into the dashboard of a vehicle. Many in-dash player options are available and deciding which player is best is based on the needs of the vehicle owner.  

Definition

The definition of an In-Dash Player is a DVD player, CD player, MP3 player or combination of players that is installed into the dash of a car, truck or van. In-dash players are convenient for the enjoyment of music or video. However, the in-dash must be non-intrusive to the driver’s ability to focus on the road. Therefore, in-dash players should not include a video screen that is in the driver’s field of vision.

However, the in-dash player should include the controls for the device, such as the DVD player. If the driver needs to pause or disable the music or video in play to ensure the safety of the passengers, the driver should be able to easily access the in-dash player controls.

Probably the most common in-dash players are CD and MP3 players. These music players install into the dash, usually where the factory installed radio was situated when the vehicle was shipped. The radio is removed and replaced with the in-dash player, in most cases. However, in-dash players may also be installed in alternative locations, based on the needs of the vehicle owner. 

Choosing Your In-Dash Player

When choosing your in-dash player, the first step is deciding on the functionality you need in your player. Most in-dash CD and MP3 players also include an AM/FM stereo receiver. Because these units often fit into the radio compartment, and the factory installed radio is removed, they replace the radio’s function with an included receiver. 

In-Dash CD Player

Though many vehicles are now shipped with an in-dash CD player, you can still purchase an after market player as well. In-dash CD players may hold one or multiple disks. For CD players that hold one disk, each time a new CD is needed, the user will insert the disk and load each CD individually. Multi-disk players allow the user to place multiple CDs into a CD changer. The player allows the user to switch between loaded CDs. 

In-Dash MP3 Player

An in-dash MP3 player may be purchased with or without CD playing functionality. In-dash MP3 players include some form of storage for the MP3 files. Some in-dash MP3 players utilize memory cards while others provide upload functionality through a USB port. An in-dash CD player with an MP3 player with an AM/FM stereo receiver is perhaps the most versatile in-dash combination player. 

In-Dash DVD Players

In-dash DVD players are often shipped as a standard feature in minivans and multi-passenger vehicles. However, after market in-dash DVD players may be purchased and installed, as well. In-dash DVD players provide convenience to those viewing the multimedia disks in the vehicle. Other DVD players may be located in the trunk or under a seat, making changing DVDs cumbersome while in transit. In-dash DVD players, on the other hand, are mounted in the dash, providing easy access for loading and unloading DVDs for passenger viewing.

Many in-dash DVD players do not include a screen. The signal is passed to screens mounted in the passenger viewing area, such as the back rows of seats in a van. However, some in-dash DVD players also double as GPS devices. Those in-dash DVD players do include a screen that is accessible by the driver. Other in-dash DVD players may include backup cameras with the DVD player screen doubling as a screen for the camera to monitor the vehicle while in reverse.

In-dash DVD players will often play CDs, as well. Many in-dash DVD players will also include an AM/FM stereo receiver. In most cases, the in-dash DVD player will send signals to multiple screens throughout the vehicle. However, the player must be wired to each screen in order to accomplish this task. When having an in-dash DVD player installed, you must also have the screens that the device will transmit to installed already, or they must be installed when the player is installed.

Viewing screens for vehicle use are LCD screens and are generally less than 14 inches in size. Most are around 7 or 8 inches on the diagonal measure. Having a DVD player in a multi-passenger vehicle will keep children, as well as adults, entertained during those long driving trips. 

Which In-Dash Player is for You?

To determine which in-dash player is best for you, first determine the functionality you will require for the vehicle. Do you need a standard CD player to play CDs in the car? Do you need the added functionality of an MP3 player? Do you have a multi-passenger vehicle that could support the use of an in-dash DVD player? Once you determine how the in-dash player will function in your car, the next step is finding a player that will function with your budget!

Decide the features you can not live without and then go shopping to compare prices on the type of player you select. Shop around and compare in-dash players to get the best possible price for your device. Even the same brand of player will be priced differently from different shops and vendors. Sometimes, a lesser brand will have all the same features as a more well-known brand. Consider the price difference. Does the difference warrant trying out the lesser brand. In many cases, it will.

Become an educated consumer with regards to the type of in-dash player you decide to purchase. Learn what stores and vendors carry the device, and find out by comparison, where you might receive the best deal on your purchase.