Questions about having dual headrest monitors installed in 2006 M35 Sport

[fridgeymonster3]

So I recently bought an 2006 M35 Sport with the advanced tech pkg that has the DVD player in the center console. I want to add dual headrest monitors and have a question.

If I have them installed and wired to the center console DVD player, when I'm driving will the video continue to play through those headrests or will it cut out like the front dashboard Nav/DVD screen will? I DON'T want to hack the DVD screen so it can play while moving because I find it distracting, I just want the back headrest screens to play while moving so my wife's little cousins can be occupied and want to know if its as simple as just having them wired to the DVD unit or if additional work is required. Thanks!

[jmcclain01]

They will play while you're driving. I have the stock rear DVD and they play while driving and the Nav map shows up front. Just make sure they wire the sound correctly so they can have the headsets and so on so you don't have to listen to the DVD when they're watching it, you can listen to the radio.

[DaddysWhiteCar]

They will play while you're driving. I have the stock rear DVD and they play while driving and the Nav map shows up front. Just make sure they wire the sound correctly so they can have the headsets and so on so you don't have to listen to the DVD when they're watching it, you can listen to the radio.

That's a cool IDEA. I have a m35x w/ advance tech... DVD player in the center arm rest. Can you just add aftermarket headrest monitors ? or do you have the REAR DVD too ?

[fridgeymonster3]

I don't have the rear DVD entertainment system. Personally, I don't like the idea of having to look in the center from both the L and R rear seats. Of course, if you have 3 passangers, the center person will have to look to one side or the other. I was going to have two screens installed into the headrests by an audio/video shop I've used before. The screens and labor are pretty cheap, as long as you just get screens that tap into the DVD system in the center console. You can get headrest monitors that each have their own DVD player encased too. Too costly for my purposes since I already have the DVD player right there. The kids can compromise on a movie! I'll have to buy two pairs of wireless headphones too as the screens I've looked don't come with them (but they are pretty cheap at Amazon so it's ok).

[jmcclain01]

That's a cool IDEA. I have a m35x w/ advance tech... DVD player in the center arm rest. Can you just add aftermarket headrest monitors ? or do you have the REAR DVD too ?

I just have the stock flip down DVD player, not the headrest units. But to answer your question, yes, you can simply pull the signal right off your DVD component in the center console and run it up inside the seats. Again, I would make sure the installer connects the audio correctly so that you won't have to listen to the movies while you're driving if you don't want to.

[aidan2474]

The screens and labor are pretty cheap, as long as you just get screens that tap into the DVD system in the center console. ... I'll have to buy two pairs of wireless headphones too as the screens I've looked don't come with them (but they are pretty cheap at Amazon so it's ok).

I was wondering about doing this as well, as one of the '06 M35x's I test drove had monitors in the headrests and it was pretty sweet.

But Cheap is a relative term,... I was wondering how cheap is cheap since you've looked into this?(monitors, install, wireless head phones?)

[palincal]

I think you will need more than just two screens and headphones. How do you plan to control the center console DVD player? There is no way to get to the menu while the car is moving. The front control doesn't have fully functional DVD controls. The rear entertainment system comes with its own controls and a remote.

[fridgeymonster3]

The installer I go to recommended Valor VH-700WR headrest monitors. Saw them in action and they looked great. He charged $200 for 1 so $400 for the screens; however, you can find them online for anywhere between $119/each (Amazon) to $169. The are a two source A/V unit and each have an IR transmitter for headphones. He said the install, which included wiring and putting them in my headrest would run $75 per headrest (quick off hand estimate he gave me). Not sure about wireless headphones, I saw the sennheiser rs110's on Amazon for 49.99 each. You could get cheaper ones but I love sennheiser. So cheapest cost for me would be:

Headrests: $119*2 + S&H = $260Install: $150Headphones: $100

Total: $510

So, I'd say cheap in this case is $500-$650 depending on where you buy the headrests, install costs, and what type of wireless headphones to get.

[fridgeymonster3]

I think you will need more than just two screens and headphones. How do you plan to control the center console DVD player? There is no way to get to the menu while the car is moving. The front control doesn't have fully functional DVD controls. The rear entertainment system comes with its own controls and a remote.

I had thought about that and i'm not sure. I know the monitors have their own volume so that's not a problem. You may have to start the movie before you leave by using the front controls? Is there perhaps some sort of remote you can buy for the consle DVD player? That would solve the problem. Starting the movie at the beginning of a trip would be fine by me, but if you were taking a long trip that require multiple movies then it would be a hassle to have to stop to change. I guess the dvds wouldn't just automatically play when you switched them? A possible remote would be best...anyone know of one available for the center DVD console?

[fridgeymonster3]

UPDATE: So, last time I talked to my audio/video guy I didn't have my M with me (the wife had it), so I went back yesterday to have him verify what exactly he would charge and everything. The stock Infiniti headrests can only support 6" screens it turns out not 7" as the 7's would stick out a little on the sides and not make for a factory finish. The 6" screens are only $135/ each , otherwise, everything else he quoted me stayed the same. If/When I have everything installed, I'll be sure to post pictures.

[aidan2474]

Here is a link on how to install an oversized monitor , just in case you still want those 7" monitors....

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulleti....html

[fridgeymonster3]

Here is a link on how to install an oversized monitor , just in case you still want those 7" monitors....

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulleti....html

That's looks pretty cool, but I think I'm going to go with the 6" monitors as I believe it will have a more finished appearance. Though, I do have to admit those looked really good.