Considering Flip Down overhead DVD player

[Trey169]

I have read through this forum on the different kinds of DVD players out there for the CX-9 and will probably get a flip down overhead one, the headrest ones are way to expensive. Is it hard to do the install or should I get a pro to do it? Also if anyone has a suggestion on a good dvd please let me know. The ones the Mazda dealer installs is some DVD flip down with a gameboy advance system attached. Are those good or should I do something different.

 

[nguvanh]

If you have moonroof and you want a flip down DVD on ceiling, it will block your rear view mirror when the DVD is in play.
I use Panasonic DVD-LS850 behide the headrest. It has bracket to plug in.

 

[Trey169]

I dont have a moon roof and am going to the dealership today to check the RSES dvd player they have installed on a car on the showroom floor to see if it blocks the rear view. If it does, then I think since my wife will be driving I will spend for the headrest ones.

 

[ceric]

By design, any flip-down DVD system will block part (if not all) of the rear view.
I don't use the DVD system very often. My "cheap" solution was to buy a $99 car-based DVD system from Wal-mart (it works very well), and designed a wood base to sit between two front seats held tightly by the headrest posts.
I did it in two hours (not professional carpentry, but it works). I only put it on for long trips. No invitation for thievery.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Photos

 

[nguvanh]

By design, any flip-down DVD system will block part (if not all) of the rear view.
I don't use the DVD system very often. My "cheap" solution was to buy a $99 car-based DVD system from Wal-mart (it works very well), and designed a wood base to sit between two front seats held tightly by the headrest posts.
I did it in two hours (not professional carpentry, but it works). I only put it on for long trips. No invitation for thievery.

Factory RSES won't block rear view mirror.
Without moonroof, after market DVD may not block rear view mirror either.

 

[Trey169]

I went to the mazda dealer and checked out the GT with the Factory RSES. With the 10.2" screen flipped down it partially blocks the rear view. Maybe it was just the way I was sitting, but since my wife will be driving the car, I don't want any excuse for her to give me about how she couldnt see something before she hit it.

I think I will be buying the headrest DVD's. Any good ones(besides Audiovox and Rosen) out there.

 

[ceric]

Well, I guess it also depends on how tall you are. It is a matter of angle.
I put mine between two front seats (not resting on the arm rest) on a wood frame I made.
It does not block my view of surroundings in any way.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

How about a twin DVD system? Then you can play two different programs.

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=401165

 

[2003protege]

Well, I guess it also depends on how tall you are. It is a matter of angle.
I put my between two front seats (not resting on the arm rest) on a wood frame I made.
It does not block my view of surroundings in any way.

I second: Photos?

 

[ceric]

Here is my solution.
A wood frame I made (costed me <$20 material) plus a $99 Wal-mart 10" DVD Player (came with two wireless headphones + remote control).

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

For a second generation it looks like you could make a more finished bracket to mount above the air vents. Maybe an upholstered upright along each side of the rear piece, screwed on from the inside. the screen in between.

Nice simple solution though.

 

[ceric]

In fact, this frame was made for my Odyssey (which I traded in for CX9).
I trimmed it (the long bar) and drilled two new holes for CX9.
This frame, though unprofessionally finished, can be taken off in a few seconds.
Thanks to the two strong head-rest posts, it is very sturdy on the road.
Portability is what I am getting at.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Can it tie into the car audio? maybe thru the Aux?

 

[ceric]

Sure. There is an audio output. But, we usually let kids use the headphones instead.
My wife and I can listen to our music on the way. Using FM converter is another possibility also.

 

[Trey169]

Very inventive, but looks kind of dangerous if you were to be involved in a serious accident. In my old car(98 4runner), I had a DVD player in a holder that was tied and clipped between the 2 headrests and sat in a similar position. We had a sidewall blow out, the car skidded sidways and then hit a curb and did a complete rollover. Thank God the DVD didnt hit the 2 kids, but I will never set up a dvd player like that again. The blow out and the car doing almost 100 feet of yaw then caused the rim to grind into the pavment and ultimately the rim broke off from the axle...and this was only doing 35 mph prior to the accident. The worst thing is they were new tires on the car(only 8 days old).

I think that accident is why I dont want a flip down monitor blocking any part of my view and I am leaning towards the headrest dvd players.

 

[ceric]

My frame is very sturdy. My 8-year-old son (75lb) actually sat on it (2" solid wood rod).
Your old one was one of the commercial ones which I didn't like for the very reason.
They clipped on the posts. I drilled exact size of holes so that the headrest posts can go thru them precisely. Clippers can't handle strong force in a crash, mine should be able to.

Is there any reason that makes you believe that the OE flip-down is safer in a crash?
Have you ever seen the side mirrors broken off frequently in IIHS frontal crash tests
(lots of video on youtube)?
I personally don't think that the flip-down DVD players would perform better in crash tests.
With the LCD panel flipped down, the DVD Player will not survive the crash tests.
The hinges probably will break off with the LCD panel flying toward the windshield....
Anyway, just my two cents.
I wish we can do a test, but I got only one CX9...

I would recommend the head-rest one also. Headrest are usually well-constrcuted since they are
vital parts of safety design. Have you seen the headrest fly off in crash tests? No, I haven't.

Do they cut the existing headrests or they provide you will new ones of matching colors and texture?
The headrests of CX9 are angled forward slightly. Please keep that in mind.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Just a caution...

I am also a wood worker and carpenter, and those 2x2s are no match for a front end collision. They will split like matchsticks. I'd at least rebuild your mount out of square aluminum stock. It will bend but not break and can be painted.

 

[ceric]

I probably should reinforce it or use aluminum bars.
Good weekend project.
Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

More expensive, but you could by larger tubes and slip them over the wood for even more strength.