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Latest Trends with In-Vehicle Entertainment Systems
Written By Sabah Karimi
The days of radio, CD players and even just singing out loud for entertainment on that road trip are long gone. Today's savvy travelers are moving into high-tech entertainment to outfit their vehicles with top trends include tuning into satellite radio, DVDs on overhead screens and even hooking up a Playstation console in the backseat. In-vehicle computers and entertainment systems are just a few components of the $56 billion market for in-vehicle entertainment.
Portable entertainment systems are quickly becoming a necessity for families of all sizes. New fleets of cars and minivans may already be equipped with the latest DVD player and overhead TV screens, and it's not only luxury cars that are installing premium entertainment accessories such as iPod jacks, surround sound MP3 players and cinematic options with video players. Tuning out while on the road offers many options for today's tech-savvy traveler. From the affluent baby-boomer's minivan to the price-sensitive college student's Civic, some of the latest trends include:
1. In-vehicle video players: From portable DVD attachments to full-screen equipment, having access to your favorite movies during long car rides offers more entertainment for your travel plans. These are relatively easy to install, but the position of the player is very important. Most state laws do not allow video players that are in view of the driver, and these can generally be installed in the backseat or passenger's side facing back.
2. Satellite and XM Radio: Installed with surround sound speakers and plenty of options for customization, these sound systems offer high-quality music no matter where you are. Tuning in with digital sound makes it easy to pick up signals from around the world, and subscription services are available through companies such as Sirius.
3. Wireless internet: Technology is quickly turning to portable Wi-Fi and access spots around the country. Picking up a wireless signal for your laptop computer or PDA is becoming easier with in-vehicle accessories.
4. Dashboard navigation and video: While video players are not an option near the driver's seat, many dashboard navigation devices and computers can be installed for easy viewing. Still, drivers need to exercise caution when using these distracting devices.
5. iPod compatibility: Many cars are being manufactured with iPod compatibility, making it easy to simply 'plug and play' the MP3 player for surround sound. According to Autobytel, 81% of respondents to survey admitted that they own an iPod, and many listen to it in their vehicle. Even if the vehicle is not iPod-compatible, adapters are available.
6. MP3 Jukebox and players: Digital audio players run the gamut from simple MP3 adapters to complete sound systems. Increasing capabilities with large gigabyte storage makes it easy to create your own jukebox and listen to a customized lineup of songs for each trip.
7. Rear seat flat panel TV screens: Configured to work with in-vehicle DVD players and satellite tuners, these screens can be installed easily onto the backs of passenger and driver's seats for easy viewing by all passengers. These are ideal for minivans and cars that will transport kids. Some can also work as a computer monitor for laptop compatibility.
8. Playstation and video game consoles: Since most of today's leading video game consoles are also portable, in-vehicle entertainment reaches new heights with easy access to video games and connectors so multiple passengers can take part. Installing a small screen or video player is all that's needed to create an in-vehicle gaming system, completed with surround sound speakers.
The future of in-vehicle entertainment includes a full suite of computer connectivity and applications, as well as increased battery life for portable players. Many new fleets are already equipped with some of today's latest technologies, and it's easy to enjoy the comforts of home while on the road-old-fashioned road trips of singing along to the radio may cease to exist!