The question of what the TV in the car is called often arises among owners planning to upgrade the cabin for the comfort of passengers. In the technical documentation and equipment catalogs you will not find a single term "car TV", as it is a collective concept. Multimedia system - here is the most accurate name for a modern complex that combines screen, tuner and media player.
Previously, such devices were rare and installed exclusively in luxury limousines, but today they are available to most motorists. Headrest monitor (monitor in the headrest) or ceiling console are only options for execution. Understanding the right terminology will help you find the right equipment in the catalogs faster and avoid errors when ordering.
Modern solutions are often integrated into Android NavigatorsReplacement of regular radios, and perform the functions of a full-fledged entertainment center. If you are looking for a device to watch movies on the road, you should focus on the term “car monitor” or “multimedia console”.
The main types of car monitors
The choice of screen depends on where exactly you plan to place the device and what budget you are ready to allocate. The market offers a variety of form factors, each with its own features of installation and use. Ceiling monitors They are considered classics of the genre as they provide a great view for all rear row passengers.
Embedded screens in headrests are a more personalized approach, allowing each viewer to choose their content. These systems are often called Headrest MonitorsThey can be both wired and wireless. There are also retractable models that hide in the ceiling or back of the seat, preserving the aesthetics of the cabin.
⚠️ Warning: When installing screens in head restraints, make sure they do not overshadow the driver's view through the central rear-view mirror. This is critical for traffic safety.
A separate category is made up of portable devices that are attached to suction cups or brackets. Their main advantage is mobility and the ability to use outside the car. However, stationary systems look more organic and are often controlled from the main remote or touchscreen.
Ceiling systems and consoles
The ceiling TV in the car is technically called Overhead Monitor Or a ceiling multimedia console. This device is mounted directly to the roof of the car, usually in the central part of the cabin above the second or third row of seats. The design can be folded when the screen in the folded state is hidden in the case, or rotary.
Modern consoles are often equipped with built-in speakers, IR transmitters for wireless headphones, and even game controllers. Flip-down monitor (Handover monitor) is the most popular type that automatically turns on when the lid is opened. This creates a cinema effect and saves space when the device is not in use.
Installation of such systems requires a professional approach, since it is necessary to carefully lay the wiring under the ceiling. It is important to correctly calculate the mounting point so that the console does not vibrate when driving on uneven roads. Hard fixation - the guarantee of the durability of the mechanism.
Use special acoustic boxes or seals when installing the ceiling console to avoid rattling plastic at high speeds.
Monitors in head restraints: personal comfort
The screens built into the backs of the front seats are called Headrest Monitors. They can be of two types: replacement head restraints entirely or built-in (in-dash). The first option is easier to install, the second requires disassembly of the seats and often stretching with leather or alcantara.
These systems allow passengers to watch different movies at the same time, if two independent signal sources are connected. Often they support HDMI inputThis allows you to connect gaming consoles or laptops. For control, remote control or touch panels built into the screen frame are used.
When choosing a model, pay attention to the viewing angle of the matrix. Passengers can sit at different angles relative to the screen and the picture should not be distorted or blackened. IPS-matrixes In this regard, it is preferable to cheap TN panels.
Difficulties with airbags
When installing monitors in the headrests of cars with side airbags (Airbag), it is necessary to use special screens with side cutouts (Airbag compatible) so as not to disrupt the trajectory of the opening of the cushion in the event of an accident.
Integration with Android multimedia systems
In modern cars, the role of the “TV” is increasingly assumed by the head unit (GU) on the basis of the Android Auto Or a full-fledged operating system. These devices, often referred to as “Chinese androids” or T-boxes, have powerful processors and can play video files directly from USB or over the Internet.
To display the image on additional screens in the cabin, video output technology (Video Out) is used. This can be an analog signal (CVBS) or a digital HDMI. Multimedia plume It is laid from the head unit to the ceiling or head restraints, ensuring the synchronization of sound and picture.
The advantage of this integration is that all content management is concentrated in one place. You can run the movie on the navigator and it will automatically duplicate to the ceiling screen. It’s more convenient than looking for remotes and switching signal sources on each device separately.
| Type of connection | Signal quality | Difficulty of installation | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI | High (HD/4K) | Medium | Modern GUs |
| CVBS (Tulips) | Low (SD) | Low. | Old systems |
| Wi-Fi Cast | Depends on the network. | Minimum | Smartphones/Plates |
| USB Direct | High. | Absent. | Local files |
Portable solutions and tablets
It is not always a desire to drill the cabin or disassemble plastic. In this case, the "TV" becomes a regular tablet, fixed on a special holder. This is a solution called BYOD Bring your own device (bring your own device)
The brackets can be mounted on the head restraint, on the ceiling or even on the front end of the front seat. The main advantage is the lack of binding to the onboard network 12B (if the tablet is autonomous) and the ability to take the device home. Universal holders Suitable for any model of tablets.
However, this approach has disadvantages: the power wires often hang ugly, and the control requires touching the screen, which is not always convenient in shaking. In addition, the tablet's built-in speakers may not cover the road noise, requiring external acoustics to be connected.
⚠️ Note: When using tablets in the summer in the heat, be careful. Lithium polymer batteries can swell or ignite when overheated in the sun. Do not leave the devices under direct beams.
Technical aspects of connection and power supply
Connecting a car TV requires an understanding of the basics of electrical engineering. The standard voltage in passenger cars is 12 volts, in trucks - 24 volts. Voltage stabilizer The DC-DC converter is a must to protect expensive electronics from surges in the onboard network, especially when starting the engine.
For video transmission, cables with RCA (tulips) or HDMI connectors are most often used. If the distance from the signal source to the screen is more than 5 meters, a conventional HDMI cable may not cope and will require the use of a new cable. twister (HDMI over Ethernet).
☑️ Checklist before purchase
Sound can be transmitted via the AUX input of the monitor or wirelessly (FM transmitter, Bluetooth). For high-quality sound, it is better to use a wired connection, as wireless methods can cause delay or interference. Audio cable With shielding, it will help to avoid tips from the generator.
Use separate fuses for each additional screen in the power chain to avoid overloading the car's regular wiring.
Legal norms and safety of use
The most important question is: is it legal to watch TV in your car? According to the traffic rules (SDA), the installation and use of screens, the image from which is visible to the driver, forbidden. This distracts from driving the vehicle.
The screens should be positioned so that the driver in the working landing does not see what is happening on them. This usually means that the TVs are only for rear row passengers. Violation of this rule threatens with a fine and possible problems during the technical inspection.
In addition, a loud sound from a car theater should not prevent the driver from hearing external sounds (syrens, horns). Using headphones by passengers is the best way to balance comfort and safety.
Can I watch TV for the driver in the parking lot?
Technically, in a parking lot with a running engine or in ACC (accessories) mode, this is possible. However, many systems block video playback when a car is moving (Handbrake or Speed). Removing this blockage is dangerous and often illegal.
Do you need a special tuner for digital TV?
Yes, built-in monitors analog tuners are no longer useful. You will need an external DVB-T2 module that connects via USB or AV input. It is better to choose an active antenna, with a signal amplifier.
Will the TV eat the battery?
Modern LCD/LED screens consume a little power (1-3 Amps). However, with a long parking lot with the engine turned off, they can land a weak battery. It is recommended to start the engine every 30-40 minutes of viewing.
How to control the TV when it is high?
Use IR extensions, displaying the signal receiver in an accessible place, or choose models with support for control via a smartphone over Wi-Fi. Some systems are duplicated from the head unit.