Cheap Headrest Monitors

[chuckactor]

If anyone is thinking about adding headrest monitors, this might be a great deal.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Planet-Audio-PHR9B-9.2-Auto-Headrest-Monitor-Tan/20611782

I am in the process of collecting bits to install a new stereo in my 96. So far I have purchased the following:

- Kenwood DNX-9980HD Head Unit
- Kenwood CMOS-200 Backup Camera
- Sirius Connect C1 Tuner

Since the head unit has a DVR, I was debating whether to add headrest monitors to entertain the kids. I was looking around online for some 9” tan headrests with no DVD player. I ran across these from Planet Audio. They also have IR which I thought would be nice to be able to add wireless headphones. The going price seems to be around $90-100 each. I did a quick Google shopping search and found them at Walmart for $29ea. The only confusion is the color. The part number shown is for black ones and the description and picture shows tan. I figured for this price I’d order a pair and send them back if I didn't want them.

Chuck

 

[bhicks]

That's a killer deal; but are you sure the walmart ones are a DVD player and not just a monitor? do they actually have built in speakers?

 

[chuckactor]

They are just the monitors. I don't want the DVD player versions. I'm using the video out from the head unit.

Chuck

 

[dontblink]

Good deal.

Right now I have these in the 's car:

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-PD7012-37-7-Inch-Portable/dp/B003ES54A6

Being able to listen to the radio while the wee one watches a dvd is bliss on long car rides.

 

[chuckactor]

Walmart just cancelled my order. They said they were out of stock. I guess if it looks too good, it probably is...

Chuck

 

[dontblink]

Bummer.

 

[western flyer]

Bait and sold out...

 

[dontblink]

Bait and sold out...

Yeah really. I had this same thing happen to me multiple times the last time I was gun shopping.

Bastards.

 

[alia176]

They are just the monitors. I don't want the DVD player versions. I'm using the video out from the head unit.

Chuck

I was curious if losing the ability to tilt the head rest in our vehicles would be a big deal? I assume any of the aftermarket built in headrests just go up/down and no tilt option. Anyway, just curious.

 

[alia176]

Good deal.

Right now I have these in the 's car:

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-PD7012-37-7-Inch-Portable/dp/B003ES54A6

Being able to listen to the radio while the wee one watches a dvd is bliss on long car rides.

I really like this product and thinking about ordering it. The negative reviews mostly state that the second monitor just quits working. How long have you had yours?

This is great for a multiple vehicle family I have to say, for those of us with older vehicles.

 

[chuckactor]

After trying Walmart one more time and getting the order cancelled, I ended up buying the headrest monitors online from Advanced Electronics. I decided to go with the 7" size. Both from a cost perspective and I thought the headrests might be too large and look funny. I bought 2 of the Planet Audio PHR7T headrests. They were only $53ea. I also picked up 3 sets of their PHP22 IR headphones at $14ea. Overall I can say I am pretty impressed with the quality and function. Especially at the low cost. Mind you I have only had them in a week so the longevity is up for debate.

Sorry no pics of the install. I am anal and slow. The whole install took maybe 4 evenings. I was taking my time and making sure everything went in real clean. The backup camera took forever to get in. The very first night I had the head unit and the main wiring harness hooked up. Too bad I had, 2 Sat antennas, a mic, a switch, sat receiver, backup camera, USB and ipod cables etc left to go. And the headrests which I knocked out in another session.

Anyway, here is a pic of the headunit. It's amazing. I can split screen nav and an audio source up front while at the same time playing a DVD for the kids in back. It does Topo maps, Pandora, HD radio etc. I bought it as a refurb off eBay.



The backup camera works real nice. Routing the wiring was a pain. At least I had a chance to do the pin 7 mod while I was digging around for the reverse wire in the kick panel.



Lastly, here is the headrest monitor. The color is close. Not a perfect match to the seats but pleasantly surprised for the money. I picked up power from the un-used 3-pin connector under the console.



Chuck

 

[alia176]

Very nice install. So the headrests don't swivel like the OEMs but ok comfort wise? Did they have the Oak color too?

 

[pilotuku]

added to my wishlist....

 

[chuckactor]

The headrests go up and down as well as tilt if that's what you are referring to. My interior is the tan (oak?) color. The headrests are a decent match and everything looks of good quality. Actually amazing cosmetics for the price of the units. The fit in the seat back was a bit snug since the right post where the wiring comes through was a tad bigger than 10mm. I ended up running a drill into the plastic bushing of the seat that mic'd to around 10.2mm. The wiring harnesses are simple and have a very slim connector in the middle if them to allow for easy routing. They were just the right length to pick up the power under the center console.

The wireless headphones work pretty well. The screens can be set for 16x9 or 4x3. They also have 2 video inputs if you need it. Also remote controls if you can't reach 2 feet.

Chuck

 

[alia176]

Chuck,

Thanks for the detailed info, looks like I'll pick up a pair of these units and a DVD player of some sort. I don't have the double DIN unit like you, unfortunately. If you have any suggestions for a DVD player, please let me know.

 

[kimikmy]

Recently I bought cheap headrest monitor. I advice you to buy it at a online shop instead a store. you know, things at a online shop can be much more cheaper. Mine cost 129 dollars. This is where I bought, hope that could help http://www.justcardvd.com/