How to choose a monitor for receiving satellite TV in the car
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A great way to entertain passengers while driving is to install a DVD player and monitors in the car. Another entertainment option is to install a satellite TV receiver in the car. Satellite TV is good entertainment and gives your passengers access to a wider selection of programs including movies, sports and major channels such as ABC, CBS and NBC.
When choosing to install a satellite receiver in your car, you must also choose how you want to watch your programs. While most monitors allow you to watch satellite TV in your car, you need to decide what type of monitor you need for your needs. Some of the factors you need to consider include monitor size, cost, location, and any additional features you want.
Method 1 of 3: Decide on your budget, monitor size, and features
Before choosing a monitor for watching satellite TV in the car, you need to consider a few points. First, determine how much you want to spend on any monitors. Also consider what monitor size is best for your vehicle. Finally, select the features you want included with the monitor, such as a built-in DVD player, the ability to act as a GPS device, and any other cool options you prefer.
- FunctionsA: Before buying a monitor, please make sure it is compatible with the satellite receiver you own or plan to buy.
Step 1. Determine the cost of the monitor. The amount you want to spend on a car monitor goes a long way in determining which monitors you can choose from.
For the most part, expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars for aftermarket devices to several thousand dollars for high-end monitors.
You also need to factor in the cost of installation if you don't plan on doing the work yourself.
Step 2: Check your monitor size.. The space available inside your car plays a big role in the overall monitor size you can choose from.
Remember to take into account any bezels around the monitor in addition to the screen. For more reliable models, such as monitors with a built-in DVD player, this can make a big difference.
- FunctionsA: Always measure the space you want to place your monitor in to make sure you have enough space. If you have any questions, please consult with a bodybuilder before proceeding.
Step 3: Decide on monitor features. In addition to size and cost, you also need to consider the features you want from the monitor you purchase.
Some cool features include:
DVD/CD player. Most monitors can play DVDs and CDs. Depending on the type of monitor, this includes models that include such players in their design, or standalone models that easily connect to DVD and CD players for convenient playback.
GPS: A great feature of the built-in dashboard monitor. The GPS can help you get to your destination and also let you find a parking or gas station in the area where you are driving.
Headphones. In order not to be distracted by children's programs, consider buying a monitor with headphones. Better yet, look for monitors with Bluetooth connectivity, which will allow you to use wireless headphones.
Games. In addition to movies and satellite TV, monitors can also entertain passengers by allowing them to play games.
Rear View Camera: While not as pretty as some of the other features, the ability to use the in-dash monitor as a backup camera adds to its usefulness to drivers.
Method 2 of 3: Choose the location and placement of the monitor
Once you've decided on the monitor you want, including cost, features, and size, it's time to decide where you want to place it in your car. You have a choice of places to place the monitor, including on the dashboard of your car, over your head, behind the front seat headrests, and in the sun visors.
Option 1: Monitor in the dashboard. Monitors built into the dashboard allow passengers throughout the car to watch satellite TV.
Dash-integrated models also allow for larger monitors due to the space available in the central area of the dashboard of larger vehicles.
- A warning: Placing a monitor on your car's dashboard can potentially distract the driver. For this reason, many experts discourage the use of an in-dash monitor, instead relegating in-dash monitors for radio, GPS, and vehicle status, which are less distracting.
Option 2: headrest monitor. The most common type of monitors are those that mount or attach to the back of the front seat headrest.
The monitor is normally installed in the back of both front seat headrests. This gives rear seat passengers the ability to see the monitor no matter where they are sitting.
Option 3: flip out monitor. Flip-up monitors, although they allow you to install a larger monitor, come with their own problems.
The biggest problem with overhead flip-up monitors is that they can interfere with line of sight from the rearview mirror. Another disadvantage is that monitors mounted between the two front seats can have a poor viewing angle for passengers seated on either side of the rear.
When installing a flip-down monitor, provide enough headroom for passengers entering or exiting the vehicle from the rear.
Option 4: Sun Visor Monitor. Another place where you can mount a monitor is in the sun visors of your car. The sun visor monitors are great for front seat passengers. They are usually limited to smaller sizes due to the limited space available.
As with the monitor in the dashboard, the driver should not use the monitor on the side while driving to avoid distractions.
Method 3 of 3: Buying Monitors
Now that you've decided on the type of monitor you want to buy and where you plan to install it, it's time to get it. You have a variety of options when shopping, including many online sources and retail stores in your area.
Step 1: Shop locally. Some great retail and electronics stores where you can find a wide selection of monitors include Best Buy, Frys, and Walmart.
You can also find monitors at discounted prices through in-store sales. These sales are usually advertised in advertisements that come in the mail or appear in the local newspaper.
Local shops may be the best option to save money on shipping. You can also talk to the technical experts at many local electronics stores and ask them questions.
Option 2: Online store. Online shopping allows you to get the monitors you want from the comfort of your own home. On most online shopping sites, you can shop under various categories and narrow down your search by monitor type, size, and brand.
Some great online sites to buy monitors include Crutchfield, Overstock.com, and Amazon.com.
Choosing a satellite TV monitor for your car requires some research and planning. You will need to carefully consider and determine the type, size and cost, as well as the location in your car where you want to place the monitor.
If you have questions about installing a monitor in your vehicle, you can contact one of our certified mechanics for advice on how to proceed.
