How should I decide whether a Flip-down monitor is the right choice for my mobile video system?

1. When first deciding to mount a flip-down monitor in your vehicle, there may be an installation obstacle such as a sunroof. This may prevent the capability of mounting a flip-down monitor in the proper place for rear passengers. Thoroughly inspect the mounting area prior to making your purchase of a flip-down monitor.



2. If you are planning to view different video sources for the rear passengers such as a video game for one screen and a movie for the other, a flip down monitor would not be as practical for this application because you would have to mount two separate monitors in the ceiling. Headrest monitors would be a better choice for this application.

How should I decide on a wide-screen or a standard 4:3 flip-down screen?

If you utilizing a VCR for your primary source to be viewed, it is probably more logical to install a standard 4:3 screen since most VCR tapes are formatted to a 4:3 screen size ratio. If your primary viewing source is going to be a DVD player, it is recommended to utilize a wide-screen flip-down. This gives you the ability to view DVD wide-screen (16:9) movies in their native format without the black bars on the top and bottom of your screen.

Why would I buy a 16:9 screen over a 4:3 screen if it looks like I am getting a smaller picture?

Typically when you watch a movie at home on a standard 4:3 screen (meaning 4 parts wide by 3 parts high or a 4:3 ratio), it has been reformatted to fit within your TV's 4:3 dimensions. Movies are typically produced in a 16:9 ratio or 16 parts wide to 9 parts high. The 16:9 Ratio is often called "wide screen" because it literally captures wider area of view than what is typically seen on a 4:3 screen. When you are watching a movie on a 4:3 screen and it reads. "This movie has been reformatted to fit your screen" you are missing the outer sides of the movie that would typically be seen if you were watching it on a 16:9 inch screen. When you view a 16:9 movie on a 4:3 screen you will see "black bars" at the top and bottom of the screen this will be perceived as wasted area or a smaller picture. Purchasing a 16:9 or wide screen monitor will enable you to view the entire wide screen format without wasted area on your monitor.

How difficult is it to install a flip-down screen?

Though Parts Express has provided an easy-to-follow guide to installing a Flip-down screen at www.Parts-Express.com, the installation of a flip-down can be a little tricky. It will typically involve the partial or full removal of your headliner in your vehicle. The removal of the headliner will vary in each vehicle. Some installations will be more difficult than others. For an installation of this nature it is recommended to have someone there to assist in the removal of the headliner and to help position the monitor for mounting.