Keeping kids happy and occupied during long car journeys can feel like an impossible mission. I remember those early trips where silence was a luxury and restless energy filled the back seat, often leading to squabbles and distractions for everyone. Finding a reliable way to provide individual entertainment was crucial, not just for peace of mind, but for overall travel safety and enjoyment. Without a solid entertainment solution, those miles could stretch endlessly, turning what should be family adventure into a test of endurance. A system like the GOnavidio 12″ Dual Car DVD Players would have been a game-changer back then, offering a reprieve from the constant “Are we there yet?” and allowing passengers, young and old, to relax and enjoy the ride.
Before diving into a purchase like dual car DVD players, it’s essential to consider what you truly need and who the product is best suited for. The primary purpose of this category of electronics is to provide portable, independent entertainment for passengers, typically in the back seats of a vehicle. They solve the problem of boredom, reduce sibling arguments over shared screens, and allow for more peaceful and focused travel for the driver. The ideal customer for these headrest DVD players is a family with children who take frequent road trips, whether they are long vacations or just regular drives to activities. If you rarely travel by car, or if your passengers are primarily adults who prefer listening to music or podcasts, this type of dedicated system might be overkill. Similarly, someone with only one child might find a single player sufficient, or perhaps a tablet setup would be more versatile.
When evaluating car DVD players, think about screen size and resolution – larger screens are better for viewing, especially for multiple kids sharing one screen (if watching the same movie), but need to fit comfortably on the headrest. Consider the power source; most rely on the car’s power outlet, which is fine for travel but means they aren’t useful outside the car unless you have an inverter. Connectivity is key: do you need HDMI input for external devices? USB and SD card support for digital files? And for families, the ability to play separate content on each screen simultaneously is a major benefit worth looking for, alongside sturdy, easy-to-install mounting solutions.
Introducing the GOnavidio 12″ Dual DVD System
Let’s talk about the GOnavidio 12″ Dual Car DVD Players with HDMI Input. This system steps in as a dedicated entertainment solution for vehicles, promising to keep passengers entertained on the go. When you get the package, you typically receive two 12-inch screen units, headrest mounting brackets, necessary power cables (car adapters), AV cables for linking the two players, remote controls, and often a couple of pairs of headphones. It’s designed specifically for families with multiple children or passengers who have different viewing preferences, offering larger screens than many standard units on the market and the flexibility of dual playback options. It stands apart from simpler, single-screen units or basic tablet mounts by being a fully integrated DVD playback system right there on the headrest. It’s geared towards those who value the convenience of physical media playback alongside digital options, prioritizing a dedicated in-car solution.
Here’s a quick look at the ups and downs:
Pros:
* Dual 12-inch screens are large for comfortable viewing.
* Supports playing the same or different content on each screen.
* HDMI input adds significant versatility for connecting external devices.
* Region-free DVD playback is very convenient.
* Clamshell design makes disc loading easy for kids.
* Supports a wide range of media file formats via USB/TF card.
Cons:
* No built-in battery means it relies solely on car power.
* Mounting brackets may not be universally compatible with all headrest post widths or shapes.
* Sound quality from built-in speakers is basic, though headphones are included.
* Screen resolution isn’t specified as “Full HD,” which might disappoint if connecting high-res sources via HDMI.
Exploring the Capabilities: Key Features and Their Impact
After spending a good amount of time with the GOnavidio 12″ Dual Car DVD Players, I can attest to how well certain features translate into practical benefits for family travel. This isn’t just a set of screens; it’s a system designed to tackle the challenges of keeping multiple passengers engaged on the road.
Dual 12-Inch Screens and Flexible Playback
The first thing you notice is the size. The 12-inch screens are significantly larger than the typical 7-inch or 9-inch units you often see. This makes a real difference in viewing comfort, especially over extended periods. For kids, a bigger screen is just more immersive. What’s truly transformative is the dual nature of the system and its playback flexibility. Having two independent players mounted on the back of the front seats means each passenger (or pair of passengers) gets their own screen right in front of them.
The ability to either play the same movie on both screens simultaneously (via an AV cable connection) or let each player run completely independently with different content is absolutely brilliant. This solves the classic sibling conflict of wanting to watch different movies. One kid wants cartoons, the other wants a superhero flick? No problem. They can each watch what they want with headphones on, providing a peaceful environment in the car that felt impossible before. The synchronized playback is great for shared family viewing of a single movie, making it feel more like a mini-cinema experience in the car. From a practical standpoint, having these dedicated screens means tablets aren’t being passed back and forth, dropping on the floor, or running out of battery power mid-trip.
The Versatility of HDMI Input
This feature sets the GOnavidio dual DVD system apart from many basic models. The inclusion of an HDMI input on these players opens up a world of possibilities beyond just playing DVDs. It allows you to connect external devices like smartphones (with the right adapter), Firestick, gaming consoles (PS3, PS4, Xbox), or even a laptop. This means you’re not limited to your physical DVD collection or even just files on a USB drive.
Want to stream movies or shows downloaded on your phone or tablet? Connect it via HDMI. Want to let the kids play a video game on a bigger screen during a long stop? Hook up a console. The product description mentions support for 1080P video playback via HDMI, which is a good step up in potential picture quality compared to standard definition DVDs or lower-resolution digital files. This connectivity significantly extends the lifespan and utility of the system, making it adaptable to modern digital media sources as well as traditional discs. It essentially turns your car’s back seat into a mobile entertainment hub, offering much more than just DVD playback. Over time, I’ve found myself using the HDMI input more and more as our digital media collection grows, making the DVD slots almost secondary on some trips.
Region-Free Playback and Memory Function
For anyone who collects DVDs from various regions or travels internationally, the region-free capability of these players is a godsend. You don’t have to worry about whether your disc will work. Pop in a DVD from Europe, Asia, or anywhere else, and the GOnavidio players will handle it. This is a thoughtful feature for families who might have discs from different countries or who purchase discs while on international trips. It eliminates compatibility frustration.
Equally important, especially with impatient young passengers, is the last memory function. This feature remembers where you left off in a movie or show when the player is turned off. There’s nothing more annoying than restarting a movie from the beginning every time you stop for gas or turn off the car for a quick errand. The last memory function ensures that when you power the players back on, the movie resumes right where it stopped. This simple detail significantly improves the viewing experience and reduces potential meltdowns from having to fast-forward to find the spot. It’s a small feature, but its impact on user experience is huge over multiple trips.
Supporting Diverse Media Files
Beyond DVDs and the HDMI input, the built-in USB and TF (microSD) card slots provide another layer of media flexibility. This allows you to load up digital video files onto a USB stick or a TF card and play them directly through the unit. The product description lists compatibility with a wide array of full-HD video formats including MPEG, MPG, TS, TRP, VOB, FLV, RMVB, AVI, MOV, ASF, WMV, and more. This extensive format support means you likely won’t need to convert your digital video files before putting them on a drive, making it incredibly convenient to prepare content for a trip.
This feature is particularly useful for content downloaded from streaming services (if they allow offline downloads to files) or home videos. Instead of carrying a stack of DVDs, you can have hours upon hours of content stored on a single small USB drive or TF card. The ability to mix and match media types – DVDs, external HDMI sources, and digital files – gives you unparalleled options for keeping everyone entertained, catering to different ages and preferences easily. It future-proofs the players to some extent, acknowledging that digital media is increasingly common.
Thoughtful, User-Friendly Design
The physical design of the GOnavidio dual screens shows consideration for the primary users: kids and parents in a moving vehicle. The clamshell design, where the screen folds open like a laptop, is ideal for car headrest mounting. It makes inserting or changing a DVD simple, even for a child sitting in the seat. They don’t have to awkwardly try to slide a disc into a slot on the side or bottom; they just lift the screen, put the disc in, and close it. This design also helps protect the disc slot mechanism when not in use.
The customized headrest mounting brackets included with the system are designed to fit most standard headrest post sizes. While installation might take a little initial effort to get them perfectly aligned and secured, once they are on, they provide a stable platform for the screens. Stability is key in a car – you don’t want the screens bouncing around or becoming loose. The ability to angle the screen slightly after mounting allows for optimal viewing angles depending on the child’s height and seating position. The fact that these are dedicated headrest mounts, rather than just straps, feels more secure and professional.
One point to reiterate from the “Cons” list, which relates to the design and power, is the lack of a built-in battery. This means the players *must* be plugged into the car’s power outlet to function. While standard for this type of product, it means you lose power when the car is off, and you can’t easily take a screen out of the car for use elsewhere without an external power source (which is not included). For exclusively in-car use during driving, it’s fine, but it limits off-road versatility. However, given their size and purpose as headrest players, this isn’t a major drawback for their intended use case.
Overall, the combination of large dual screens, flexible playback options (same/different), extensive connectivity (HDMI, USB, TF), and user-friendly physical design makes the GOnavidio 12″ Dual Car DVD Players a robust and well-rounded solution for in-car entertainment. It addresses the core problems faced by families on the road effectively, offering multiple ways to consume media and keeping passengers engaged and content for hours.
Hearing From Others: Real User Experiences
Looking around online, it’s clear that many users share positive experiences with these types of car headrest players. Feedback often highlights how the included accessories, like headphones and mounting gear, make it a convenient package for family travel right out of the box. Reviewers frequently mention how these dual screen systems provide excellent entertainment in various vehicles, including SUVs and trucks. The image quality is often described positively, noted as appearing clear and sharp, adding to the viewing pleasure. Many parents appreciate how effective they are at keeping children happily occupied, transforming stressful drives into much more manageable and even enjoyable journeys. The sentiment is generally one of satisfaction with the overall quality and the comprehensive set of features offered by this type of product.
Summing It Up: Your Path to Quieter Road Trips
Dealing with restless children on long drives is a common source of stress for parents, potentially leading to distracted driving and overall unpleasant journeys. Finding a reliable way to keep passengers, especially kids, entertained independently is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for safer and more peaceful travel. The GOnavidio 12″ Dual Car DVD Players with HDMI Input offers a compelling solution.
Firstly, the dual 12-inch screens provide ample viewing real estate and the crucial flexibility to watch different content simultaneously. Secondly, the HDMI input and extensive media format support future-proof the system and offer far more versatility than basic DVD players. Finally, features like region-free playback and the last memory function add layers of convenience that significantly enhance the user experience on repeated trips. For families looking to invest in dedicated, reliable in-car entertainment that caters to multiple passengers and media types, these car DVD players are definitely worth considering. To check out the product and see more details, Click here.