Driving a car does not always feel like exciting journeys with flickering picturesque landscapes. Often this is a boring and even routine move from one cork to another, which gives a little pleasure. And if adults, for example, can entertain themselves by listening to the radio through the car radio, then this is not enough for children. And the driver on a long journey may have a desire to relax and distract himself by watching a movie or a concert recording. Just for such cases, the monitor for a ceiling car is designed, which practically does not occupy usable space in the cabin, but provides a wide range of multimedia functions.
Overview of Car Ceiling Monitors
Such equipment is a combination of a modern TV and computer monitor. The devices borrowed functional support from conventional TV technology, and the sizes and matrix modules of computer screens. The only thing that distinguishes the segment as such is the mounting platform, the device of which is specifically designed for installation in the car. Another feature is the assembly mechanism, that is, the screen in an inactive state can be closed in the corresponding niche of the mounting panel.
Models differ in different characteristics. The main one is size. Available on the market with a diagonal of 10 to 22 inches, and this is only the middle category. So, a ceiling monitor in a 19-inch car will fit more organically into the interior of an SUV, and 10-15-inch models can be used without interference in a regular hatchback.
Preparing for installation work
Installing a monitor on the ceiling of a car interior is complicated by the fact that in the process of its implementation full access to the power structure is needed. This means that the casing must be removed beforehand. This operation is performed in different ways - depending on the model of the car and the interior decoration device. As a rule, work begins with the dismantling of niches for storage, shelves, pens and lighting equipment on the ceiling surface. This may require the removal of the rear window and even doors - this will provide free access to the workplace.
Next, the sheathing is removed. In order for the monitor for the car ceiling to freely enter the prepared false space, the parameters of the installation platform should also be calculated in advance. Space must be released in accordance with the dimensions of the monitor base. After that, the power supply source is connected. Power will be supplied from the battery pack.
Ceiling Monitor Installation
Installation is carried out in several stages. Usually, kits with car monitors provide mounting hardware, in addition to the base of the device itself. It can be a steel plate with a set of self-tapping screws. It must be fixed in the prepared place first. Next, the monitor wires should be connected to the lighting shade. It is important to distinguish the wiring lines: usually yellow provides power to 12 V, black is the mass, red is the ignition, and the blue cable may be responsible for opening the door.
Using fixing elements, a ceiling monitor is attached to the steel plate. Installation of monitors of this type in a car can also be carried out with a small angle - this is important to consider even at the installation stage, since the range of basic adjustment may not be enough. Correction of the base angle is carried out using mounting hardware, which increases the height of the setting of one of the sides of the metal plate. Thus, the angle of the position of the screen platform also changes.
Installation Precautions
The implementation of electrical wiring and installation involves taking into account the nuances that matter in terms of reliability and safety. In particular, the cable route should not block access to the control infrastructure, which includes the brake pedals, steering wheel, gear knob, etc.
When making technical holes, it is important not to damage the cable insulation. Otherwise, there may be a risk of contact between the cores and the metal surfaces of the vehicle structure, and this threatens the failure of all electrical equipment connected to the battery.
In the matter of how to install a ceiling monitor in a car, the nuances of ensuring the protection of equipment from dust and moisture are especially important. This also applies to wires, but they have the insulation mentioned. Only high-quality insulation of the car itself will help protect the monitor from harmful effects from the outside. To do this, the ceiling, and the joints of the glass, and the sides should be reliably sealed.
Machine setting
Basic settings include adjusting the image for parameters such as sharpness, contrast and brightness. In more technologically advanced models, it is also possible to adjust the balances for individual colors. If a monitor is provided with a radio, then you should search for radio stations, although depending on the position of the machine, the performance of the frequencies may vary.
More modern versions also provide several ways to control functions. In almost all versions, the ceiling monitor for the car is provided with hardware buttons and a remote control. But premium modifications also allow wireless control via infrared or Bluetooth. It is recommended that you initially configure the communication device with a mobile device that supports similar technologies, and then you can control the equipment even outside the machine.
Manufacturers
Almost all manufacturers of automotive electronics and accessories have monitors for ceiling installations in their product lines. In particular, the firms Challenger, Mystery, AVIS, Shinco and Alpine can be noted. Each of these manufacturers develops individual product characteristics, attracting the appropriate audience. For example, the ceiling monitor for an Alpine vehicle in the TMX-310U modification has a wide range of interfaces, allowing you to connect third-party high-quality signal sources. Models from Challenger and Mystery are not so technological, but they give a high-quality picture.
Price issue
In the lower price segment, such equipment can cost about 15-20 thousand rubles. These may be models from AVIS or Shinco. For example, a ceiling monitor in a 15-inch car performed by AVIS1550MPP from AVIS costs about 17-18 thousand rubles.
The premium segment is characterized by high build quality, the presence of additional options and, of course, a large screen size. For models of this level, it is mandatory to have a digital HDMI port and a Wi-Fi module. However, there are exceptions.
Large manufacturers do rely on a ceiling monitor for a car without a DVD, which at the same time can cost 30-40 thousand rubles. This is explained by the desire to optimize the hardware in favor of the same wireless technologies that allow you to receive content in more convenient ways - including through the network.
Conclusion
In order not to be disappointed in the installed device, it is necessary to pre-evaluate the needs for its functions and consider the requirements for operational capabilities. The optimal monitor for a car ceiling is characterized by high ergonomics and the ability to provide high-quality display of multimedia materials. Therefore, any trifle will be important in the choice, up to the presence of a headphone jack. It may not be necessary if the model supports Bluetooth connectivity. But these and other points should be taken into account even before the installation, on which a lot also depends.