There are two main types of in car DVD systems: portable and in-dash DVD. Portable systems, though not as sleek or worry-free as the in-dash systems, are considerably cheaper and more versatile. They are usually powered by your car’s 12-volt power adapter but can be converted to run from your home’s power supply, allowing you to take the DVD player and monitor into your in-laws house when your happy family arrives.
In-dash car DVD systems are hardwired into your vehicle’s entertainment program. They display movies either on a screen in the center-console, on a screen that descends from the roof of the vehicle, or on a screen which flips up from the dashboard. Though these systems aren’t portable outside the vehicle, as soon as installed they don’t require any extra cords or setup: you can load in your movies and drive away. Screens located either on the center console or which flip up from the dashboard can double as displays for in-automobile GPS or navigation software, but they can be distracting to drivers. The flip-down screens prevent driver distraction, but they are generally only convenient for back-seat viewing, leaving a front seat passenger to count license plates or play I-Spy with the driver.
