iPad as Rear DVD... it Worked Well

[Manhattan]

This run was more of a "proof of concept." My daughters approved. They are admittedly spoiled when it comes to rear seat entertainment - wife's MDX has the factory DVD, etc. The goal was to have the screen centered (if you have two kids, you get it).

I bought a basic pleather portfolio for the iPad - opens like a book; iPad slides in one side; other side covers screen.

I slid the cover into the headliner behind the sunroof. It slides in with the perfect resistance/friction - didn't feel like I was jamming/forcing it; was not going to fall out.

Okay, so that held the iPad exactly where I wanted it... but how to set the optimal viewing angle and keep it from swinging? Duct tape and a license plate! Seriously. I bent a license plate and duct taped it to the outside of the portfolio. This worked perfectly, well... with one downside - it doesn't fold shut when not in use.

I used a .5mm splitter from Radio Shack to allow the girls to use their headphones - 'cause I sure as *#$^ didn't want to listen to Muppets, chipmunks, princesses...

Overall, it was great. The huge screen (relative to the typical in-car system) was a hit. And, when they weren't watching a movie, they could just slip the iPad out and play with it - leaving the mount in place.

So now it's time for Gen2. I need to come up with some type of hinge/mechanism that will allow the iPad to remain in a fixed/down position, then fold up when not in use.

Any suggestions?

 

[Tahomatom]

I would just look for something like this.

CoulVue Car Headrest Mount for iPad

There are bunch out there now and have seen them for as low as $20.00.

I just got an ipod touch and am thinking of returning it and getting a 2nd ipad so both kids can play with them.

 

[Manhattan]

I would just look for something like this.

CoulVue Car Headrest Mount for iPad

Hate to admit it... but ^that^ is a better route. Even taking my time out of the equation. Every other mount I found put the iPad behind the headrest. And, as mentioned - centered was key. That one does both. Grrr...

Thanks.

 

[e9999]

much more fun to DIY. Good for you!

 

[patrickfinley]

I gotta give you points for your homebrew. I like the Coolvue but that looks to be within kicking range of my toddlers, yours is up out of the way. Only downside with yours is if you slam on the brakes fast and wind up with an Ipad in your windshield.

You're lucky your LC doesn't have that tiny poor resolution DVD screen with audio that crackles in through the stereo like I have in mine. I can't wait for something to replace it. Does anyone else's drop down on them when the slam the rear hatch?

 

[nakman]

Are you running it off the battery? Did you run any aux. wire to it for headphones, etc? if not then when not in use I'd just yank it out of the ceiling and store it.. the KISS principle seems to work well here.

And FWIW, I just got back from a 2000 mile road trip with both kids, we got them a cheap set of strap-on DVD's for Xmas, and they worked great. For $100 I'm pretty happy with it.. best part is they're off now and stored, only come on for longer, "special" trips.

The 6yo got to be in charge of the movies, the 3yo just sat back and watched.. I was pleasantly surprised at how well they decided what to watch next, etc. guess we'll see if that lasts when they get older.

 

[Txanm]

Have to agree with Nakman. The cheap DVD players strapped to the seat is a plus. The other bonus is you can charge them and take them with you on a plane trip or camping. I think My SWMBO got mine around noon on Black Friday from Target for $70. Normally they are around $100 for the pair.

+1 on the liner mount though too. I like the ingenuity of the project.

 

[Tahomatom]

I installed some cheaper headrest monitors and they broke within 6 months.
Got them fixed and wife got in an accident and the screens fell out so need to replaced again.

I will definately be going with a set of portable DVD players if they dont warranty this time.
Next Base has a nice set but they are $$$.
They headrest mounts were crash tested for safety in europe if your worried about what would happen to the kids in back.

I dont see anything like that for the Ipad mount I listed above and one reason why I interested in your idea.

 

[Intre9id]

Buy an otterbox case and run a piece of ribbon around it. The iPad will snap into place by clamping the ribbon inside the built in stand







Works perfect. And you can take the otterbox with you. If your kids are anything like mine, your iPad will need it.