DVD Headrests Install

[YotaRunner4]

Its been a while since I've posted, but just thought I'd share some pics and comments of my Dual DVD Headrest install in my wifes 08 HL LTD.

First off, I purchased the Chameleon 7" LED-LCD Headrest DVD Monitor. I chose this for a few reasons:

1. Each headrest has a DVD player
2. Both headrests can be linked together to play the same DVD
3. It has external speakers, a 3mm jack for headphones and also supports IR headphones (not included) and FM modulation
4. The price was very reasonable.
5. Came with 3 leather covers - black, tan and gray.

Before purchasing, I read many reviews and most were fair in regards to the product. There many negatives reviews based on the lack of instructions. However, I thought the instructions were quite sufficient. The instructions explain how to hook the unit up, connect it to power and how to connect the INs/Outs to another monitor or source. What it doesn't tell you is how to remove the existing headrests and how to fish the wires. Since each install would be vehicle specific, I wouldn't expect this info anyways.

The complete install only took me about an hour. I thought it was quite easy - but I am also handy. Remove the old headrests, fish a coat hanger/wire down the hole, tape the connectors to wire, fish back up, connect to headrest wires, slip back down in hole and wah-lah, all connected and ready to go. Another nice aspect of this headrest is that it has notches to control the height adjustment - I've read that other system do not have this. It also has a tilt feature as well. Our HL has grey leather and the gray leather cover that came with the system was a very close match. maybe a shade darker, but if you weren't looking for it - you would never notice it. The picture is awesome. Much better than I would have thought for the price. BTW - I paid $320 for both from Best Buy. You can also purchase them from Amazon and a few other vendors, but I like the security that if something goes wrong, I can go back to BB. Hopefully if they last a long time, it would be money well spent.

Here is the link to Best Buy:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Chameleo...ests&cp=1&lp=1

Here are a few pics. Not the greatest quality pics, but pics nonetheless.









Any questions, just let me know.

[AXMACD]

Looks great, reminds me of the DVD head-rests in my buddy's Range Rover. Just curious, do you have a sunroof?

[YotaRunner4]

Yes, I have a sunroof - but it is aftermarket.

[Ralph6410]

Originally Posted by YotaRunner4

Any questions, just let me know.

Looks great. What power source did you tap into? And where / how did you access that wire?

[YotaRunner4]

I actually didn't hardwire the system. Reason being is that as soon as power is applied, the monitors turn on and begin loading. I didn't want them to turn on everytime the vehicle started. So iin order to control this, both monitors are connected together (power) and spliced into the 12v cigarette lighter power cord. I think I may end up hardwiring and tapping into the power supplying the power seats. Iwill then add a switch so I can control when they get power.

[Ralph6410]

Thanks.. that 12v cigarette lighter power supply is one I want to get at.. I have had instructions on how to remove the console between the seats where access should be a snap.. but sadly I can not make it come off. It obviously does.. but the trick is one that I have yet to discover.

Wiring into a power on all the time could be desirable... until you forget to turn it off and run down the battery..

[YotaRunner4]

Originally Posted by Ralph6410

Wiring into a power on all the time could be desirable... until you forget to turn it off and run down the battery..

Thats the other reason of why I did not tap the seat power. The seat power is "always on".

[9volt]

What are you using for headphones with the DVD players?

[YotaRunner4]

Right now, the kids are just using the external speakers. Our 2 year old won't keep any headphones on his head yet. Any headphones with a 3mm jack will work. I also have a set of IR headphones from our other portable DVD player (made by Sevic) that work as well.

[tagheuer]

we have been considering installing a DVD player in our 2011 Highlander Limited....pretty expensive for retrofitting an overhead one in the roof....and about $300 on up for headrests like yours.

So, as an experiment, we bought a $100 Sony 9" portable DVD player from Amazon and a bracket that mounts it between the two front seats, its perfect, and portable from car to car and on airplanes, etc.

I am dumb for not thinking of that before, I would have killed myself for paying $500 or more to install a system.

So just a different option for folks that are considering these. We are VERY happy with this setup.

Alternatively you can just use an iPad, they make GREAT brackets to mount the iPad in the center of the front two seats of the headrest posts.

Completely portable, can remove at any time and take wiht you on airplane, etc. etc.

Not criticizing your install, looks great and is affordable. To anyone who is thinking of something even cheaper, a portable fits very nicely on center arm rest and/or on a mount as well...

[9volt]

Originally Posted by tagheuer

Alternatively you can just use an iPad, they make GREAT brackets to mount the iPad in the center of the front two seats of the headrest posts.

What iPad brackets do you recommend?

[mikmabz]

Originally Posted by 9volt

What iPad brackets do you recommend?

here is one cool ipad bracket http://toucoul.com/products/coulvue-for-ipad-2

[caf2461]

Originally Posted by tagheuer

we have been considering installing a DVD player in our 2011 Highlander Limited....pretty expensive for retrofitting an overhead one in the roof....and about $300 on up for headrests like yours.

So, as an experiment, we bought a $100 Sony 9" portable DVD player from Amazon and a bracket that mounts it between the two front seats, its perfect, and portable from car to car and on airplanes, etc.

I am dumb for not thinking of that before, I would have killed myself for paying $500 or more to install a system.

So just a different option for folks that are considering these. We are VERY happy with this setup.

Alternatively you can just use an iPad, they make GREAT brackets to mount the iPad in the center of the front two seats of the headrest posts.

Completely portable, can remove at any time and take wiht you on airplane, etc. etc.

Not criticizing your install, looks great and is affordable. To anyone who is thinking of something even cheaper, a portable fits very nicely on center arm rest and/or on a mount as well...

I went the same way with dual portable Pillips players that strap to the headrest posts.

Amazon

Amazon

If I had the money I would have went with the dual Ipads which still is cheaper than the factory option.
I wonder how new aftermarket headrests would affect the functionality of the standard Highlander Active Headrest safety feature?

[naturoses]

Originally Posted by caf2461

I went the same way with dual portable Pillips players that strap to the headrest posts. http://www.amazon.com/Philips-PD7016-37-7-Inch-Portable/dp/B0044T2Q9Q
If I had the money I would have went with the dual Ipads which still is cheaper than the factory option.
I wonder how new aftermarket headrests would affect the functionality of the standard Highlander Active Headrest safety feature?

Could you kindly send me pics of Philips DVD after instal. I wanted to see how they look like when they are hooked to to the car seat head rest, Please also show us how the wires etc., are present after install if you can take a pic.

Many Thanks

[RoryPG]

We have gravitated away from installed dvd options. Our kids have Nintendo DSi consoles. We bought them Supercards and 16gb micro SDcards. We load the Supercards up with games, mp3 music and movies (divx avi) of their choice. Affordable, portable and customized to each child. Perfect solution for us and the kids love it.