Car DVD players

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Not long ago, car DVD players were an expensive luxury item that few people would consider. In recent years, they have become so common that a ride seems empty without one. Advances in technology and an explosion in popularity have led to their ubiquity. Dozens of makes and models from all over the world include them as standard equipment.

Once a staple only in rental SUVs used in rap videos, car DVD players have become increasingly popular in family-oriented vehicles such as minivans. Most in-car DVD systems allow for audio to be run through the vehicle’s speaker system or earphones.

Car DVD players can be mounted just about anywhere in an automobile. Flip-down units are among the most popular. They disappear when not in use and allow everyone not riding in the front seat to view the screen. The next most popular spot for a screen is in the back of a headrest. Automotive multimedia kits often include more than one LCD screen. Some allow for a different DVD to play on each of the screens at once. In-dash screens or others that are mounted toward the front of the interior often tilt away from the driver to limit distractions.

Small, portable DVD players are the forerunner of in-dash units. They are still popular because they can be used anywhere, inside the vehicle or out. Most include adapters so they can be powered by cigarette lighters while on the road and standard plugs at home. Portable units aren’t as fashionable or sleek as in-dash players but they do provide added versatility. Portable DVD players are also quite a bit less expensive than aftermarket in-dash systems.

LCD screens can be used for much more than just watching DVDs. They are used to display navigational tools, safety and security features or standard control panel instrumentation. They can be used in conjunction with a back-up camera to assist people who don’t understand how mirrors work. Where signals are available passengers can watch local or satellite television. Video game consoles may also be plugged into LCD screens to keep little nerds happy. The progress of LCD technology has been the key to the growth of the industry.

LCD is an acronym for Liquid Crystal Display. It is a relatively new technology, beginning within the last 50 years. Within an LCD screen there truly are liquid crystals. The crystalline nature of certain liquids was discovered late in the nineteenth century. Scientists at the time found the discovery to be intriguing but no practical applications were foreseen. Research of the phenomenon continued throughout the next several decades and real-world uses began being discussed. In 1970 something called the twisted nematic field effect was discovered. This effect allowed liquid crystals to be manipulated and harnessed using virtually no outside energy. Shortly after the discovery a Japanese company introduced the first liquid quartz wrist watch. Twisted nematic liquid crystals are still used today in LCD devices.

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