1998 Caravan Mobile Video System

Hello I am in process of purchasing a mobile video system for 1998 Dodge Caravan. Have 3 kids 2 little ones, 1 is 12. I am trying to decide between an All-In-One unit and a dash unit with rear roof lcd.

I am trying to make decision from the drivers perspective, and ease of changing the DVD/CD. I think the dash unit is much easier and much safer to operate while driving. However all the video "salesman" are pushing the all in one units. They say you can change dvd/cd from drivers seat in some of the all in ones.

Does anyone has experience and/or advice in this matter? Thank you

Thanks Jeff,

I agree with quick scan idea. I wonder what the installation costs difference would be.. could not be double could it?

but is there a "quality" difference to consider? Is not 2 seperate units better because I can choose the player?

thought?

thanks

samgoods

When it comes to costs of installation, the 2 peice will be more expensive, but you have more choices of  a better quality monitor and a less expensive DVD player or vice versa. IT's all up to you, but most places will offer you combo deals on such a purchase. The Dod ge Caravan is an easy vehicle to work on and the wiring for these vans is a snap. I would make sure you go for a mid end player with a low-mid end flip down monitor combination because the quality of the TFT is basically the same across the board ( if they are better, you will not notice it unless you have two screens side by side ). As long as the flip down screen is able to accept a video input, your good to go. On the other end, you want a mid end player because you want the quality and workmanship to transfer to the video. If you get a low end player, it will not play all region DVD's and also, you will get picture quality problems ( this is not an " IF " this is a for sure ) and going with a mid end unit will alow you to also play CD's, DVD'd and VCD as well as have a tuner on there. A mid end system would cost around $ 300 - 500 and a low-mid end flip down would be around $ 200 - $ 300.

Shop around and compare on eBay and also a good place to go for opinions on tested products is epinion.com

Thank Jeff,

Yes I have been doing lots of research about different brands. I guess it is similar to getting a good car stereo system and speakers. At first you get a great player and it sounds OK on factory speakers.. then you upgrade those later.. Good comparison.

Thanks for your help. Do you speak from experience? I mean do you know anyone with the all in one unit and kids that concludes it is a pain in the butt to pull over and change DVD?

thanks again and that a great web site you shared!!

crxtasi,

No no thanks I need your 2 cents and appreciate your input. The biggest thing I am deciding on is the all in one unit vs the dvd player under the dash. It is a matter of the driver having control of the dvd selection.

thanks please keep the advice coming!

Hello

I am thinking about going with an Audiovox unit... the AVD300. Even though it is a very moderate price it appears to have all the features that I am l looking for ( I think). Does anyone has any thoughts or opinions on this unit?

Also, I am interesting in an 8 or 9 inches LCD Monitor (preferably swivel) moderately priced.?

Thank you

...or maybe the Clarion VS735? confused again!!