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List Price: $399.95
Sale Price: $191.99
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I picked up a set of gray units from OnFair and did a quick installation myself in an Odyssey. Unfortunately I have the dark gray interior and these units are light gray. They're not that noticeable but I went into this knowing they wouldn't be a perfect match. Running the cables through the seat back are very easy in this vehicle, but power can be a pain if you're not comfortable with finding and tapping off of an accessory source.
My first issue was that the head rest posts are very narrow so you have to use some supplied sleeves that make the posts a bit fatter and take up more space within the head rest holes within the seat. The problem was that even with the sleeves installed I could not raise the head rest and get it to latch into place. Meaning, if you raise the head rest it doesn't stay. This isn't a biggie for me as I never use or raise it anyhow but for those who do, you'll lose this functionality cause the little mechanism that's supposed to come into contact with the head rest post doesn't reach the post due to its slim design.
The designers thought of just about everything in terms of functionality in that audio for either A or B channel for separation with head sets works well and the FM transmitter works mostly pretty good so that you can hear it in the car's stereo. Yet, I found that someone can't be listening on one head rest with head phones while the other transmits cause we'd get some interference in the head phones. Also, you need to make sure that both head rests are NOT transmitting on the same channel even if the same movie is being shown on both cause you'll get interference as well. The ability to watch different movies on each unit or watch the same movie on both is very cool and worth running the cables for, but use only one for an audio source or make sure you're using different channels for each unit.
The units have a limited field of broadcast so if you're too far to one side or if you're in the back seat with the units on front seats...you'll most likely incur audio interference. Also, as the seat backs are tilted you'll see the screen appear dim as the viewing angle seems to be limited. Fortunately I'm more upright by my wife's seat was tilted a bit more than mine and I noticed one of our kids stooping down to get a better viewing angle.
As someone else mentioned, it's information overload with all of the buttons. My 8 yr old has them down though in terms of quickly setting them, but this is a hassle cause you have to set the channel to broad cast on as well as enable the input of the 2nd unit if you're watching the first unit's output every time you turn the car on. There are a lot of features but I guess it's better than having to navigate an onscreen menu. Speaking of navigating, the remotes are very small and thin. But they too contain way too many buttons. It makes usage and navigation in the dark impossible for both the head rest buttons and remote controller.
I also opted for a 3rd set of head phones. Beware that the additional head sets are not the same was what comes with the head rests and do not fit over the ears like the ones packaged with the head rests. They also have limited adjustments so do not fit well on little heads. Fortunately I found that not all 3 kids were wanting to wear them so this became a non issue, which means I probably didn't need them...but still a disappointment.
Finally, shipping was very slow as the units were on back order. We wanted them for an upcoming trip and I received them 2 days before departure, which was over 3 weeks from when ordered.
Now, enough of the bashing and on to the good stuff. I think the units are pretty well made and the screen/hinge mechanism feels solid. I did not see any dead pixels (yet) and the color is bright and vivid. I picked up the game pack and tried a few. I think the inclusion of it is pretty kewl and the games are cheap entertainment (although the controllers feel pretty lightweight). They did a nice job with providing the necessary cabling and installation is pretty straight forward. The packaged head phones that come with the head rests are comfortable and fit little heads nicely (skip the additional ones). The range of features is amazing in terms of how you can watch movies and distribute audio. Speaking of audio, the built-in speakers within the head rests are of moderate quality, but it does provide another option. I have yet to try, but you also have other forms of input such as for USB and SD which again provides additional flexibility. Lastly, for the price, I think the feature set out weighs all of the negative items I noted and makes these units a steal. If I had paid a lot more then the above noted areas of concern would become really big issues and this would be a 2 star rating. But when factoring in the cost this really a spectacular buy.
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If you have looked on line you have found similar products for $1100 to $1500 for custom headrests etc. After reading the reviews on this product I decided to give it a go... thinking I could always return the product if it didn't work out.
My concerns prior to purchase:
1. How does one headrest fit every vehicle?
Answer: the location of the mounting bars slide in and out to fit any vahicle (no tools required)... not a problem for my ford explorer.
2. How can it be a quality product at this price?
Answer: it seems to be quality and the features are great... the remotes are not well made (cheap plastic) and the controls are not as good as they could be, but if you were able to navigate the internet to see this posting you can figure it out.
3. Some reviewers say they had it profesionally installed, othes say they did it themselves... will I have to pay someone to install them?
Answer: if you can fish 2 wires through a seat with a coathanger, and attach a red wire to positive, and a black wire to ground, and plug a yellow, red, and white RCA connector together, you can do it yourself.
Summary:
If you are looking for a basic DVD player that plays every type of DVD from DIVX to CD to DVD etc. and you are not concerned with the leather matching exactly to your car, or having HDMI or component (composite RCA only), you can save a bundle with this product and do it yourself.
Good luck!
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I would not recommend this product at all especially from the seller. The product did not work and was able to send it back to the seller for a new monitor but the second monitor didn't work either and now the seller won't even work with me on resolving the situation. I bought the product in March and is still in the middle of arguing with the seller about getting a refund or new working monitors. Customer service and product quality is horrible and they don't stand behind their product. I don't even think they deserve a one star rating.
Honest reviews on PlexonTM - Headrest 7" LCD Car Monitors with Region Free DVD player
After reading so many mixed reviews, I decided to take a chance and try them out for myself. I have to admit, the 1 page (if you'd like to call it that) of "installation" instructions was quite humorous. I agree with others on that part.
The hardest part was finding the wiring diagram for my Equinox. We finally decided to tap into the accessory powerlet in the middle console. Once we did that, the rest of the installation was a breeze.
The sound quality from the speakers are really good and having wireless headsets is definately a bonus. The best part is having two DVD players. Now on our long trips we won't hear any arguing over which movie to watch. They each have their own. Ahh the peace and quiet we will have now.
I am however amazed at the complaints about the seller being non responsive on the units. The units are clearly marked that you have a one year warranty with an address and instructions on what to do if it breaks. I am not sure why you would try to send it to the seller, that's like buying a Pansonic TV from Best Buy and 6 months down the line you have problems with it and complaining to Best Buy... Why? You contact the manufacturer or their authorized repair center for that product.
I did get a SquareTrade Warranty on the device, so it's nice to know that it's protected for 3 years with accidental insurance on it. I would suggest it since it's the kids that will be using it and they can be a little rough with things at times.
I would have to say, compared to my Insignia Dual Headrest monitors (that just strapped to the back of the headrests and were $199.99) that this was a much better deal and well worth the money and time spent.
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We purchased these for use on a family vacation. They wouldn't play about half of our kid's Disney movies. The sound quality (what little sound there is..) is terrible. After having them for a 2 week vacation I inquired about returning them and have never received a response from the company. I guess the next stop will be the recycle bin. Live and learn...
