Replacement Headrest Monitors with DVD Players for Mazda CX-9

[AllyJack]

Just picked up my 08 Touring this weekend and I already love it. I borrowed my neighbor's portable headrest unit for the trip and now my kids are addicted. Now im shopping...

I have to give it up to whoever decided to just put everything in the headrest and send you the whole package as I have found with these products...

http://www.amazon.com/NEW-LCD-Headrest-Monitors-Player/dp/B000XB6OOC/ref=pd_sbs_auto_6

Does anyone have experience with these? They seem a little too easy and affordable.

[CX9 SportOwner]

How about this one with the covers and wireless controllers...

http://www.amazon.com/Headrest-Monitors-Region-Wireless-Headhones/dp/B001OIRS02/ref=pd_sbs_auto_1

[Trey169]

AllyJack
The headrest DVD players you are looking at are the exact same ones I bought a week ago and installed. They come from a company called ONFAIR.COM and each headrest has a DVD player in it which will give you the capability to play seperate DVD's or one DVD on both headrests. If you go directly to the webiste, there is a $20 off coupon, plus you can get the ones that come with wireless controllers and wired controllers.

The set I bought, the 7" ones, came to $284 delivered and work great through the wireless headphones, the car speakers or the speakers on the headrest.

The other thing I found great about the company is they responded back the same day with any questions I had. Lastly, the 7" model does not dwarf the headrest area like some of the 9" ones. There is about a 10" gap for the headrest to fit in and these are about 11"...still looks great and the black leather matched fairly well.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Photos...always include photos...

[AllyJack]

Trey...

Thanks for the feedback. Do you have any pictures? I was a little concerned that the headrests are smaller than the stock ones an might look a little odd.

Also, I am not good with wiring. Where did you run the power to and how did you hook it up?

Thanks for the help.

[Trey169]

I will try to get some photos up later today.

The dvd headrests are wider than the stock ones, but not as tall. If you measure the stock headrests, they hardly seem wide enough to fit a 7" screen in there with speakers, so I think that is why these are 11" wide.

As far as hook up, I was going to run a wire to the fuse box so when I shut the car off, the players go off. However it is time consuming and a little more difficult then the route I took . What I did and it only took me about 15 minutes, is to remove the back panel of the center console(the part where the air controls are for the rear seats). When you do this you have access to the wiring for the cigarette lighter and auxillary hook up. The cigarette lighter has a black cable and a yellow/black cable. I hooked up the power of each headrest to the appropriate cable of the cigarette lighter.

The DVD headrests have 2 sets of cables coming from the poles of the headrest. One set will hook to the other dvd player so you can watch the same DVD on both headrests. The other set has a cable attachement with a red cable and black cable coming out of a fuse box . This is what will power each DVD player. Hook the black cable to the black cable of the cigarette lighter. Hook the red cable to the black/yellow cable of the cigarette lighter. Now you have power!! When you shut the car off, you will have to push the power buttons on the DVD players to shut them off. I have not found this a problem since I am back there anyhow to get the kids out. Plus my son is old enough where he knows to shut it off.

Sorry about not including photos, I will soon. To tap into the power, radio shack has some attachments where they crimp into the wire.....very easy.

[CX9 SportOwner]

I would recommend not tapping that power outlet. Too much draw, and that's one of the two that was causing Air Bag warning light problems if used with certain devices.

There is a fuse block you can tap behind (in front of) the glove compartment. I'd run a wire from that to the same location Trey talked about, since you can feed it through the center console. Then make the connection there. The panels on that side come off very easily, too.
The ground can be made in the back of the console where you make the hookups. .

I'd also put a fuse holder right off of the fuse block connection, preferably one that takes the same type of fuses as the car. (blade).

Don't forget to record your radio presets and disconnect the battery.

[Trey169]

I agree that is the best way to do the hook up and the original way I was going to do it, however, I have not had any problems YET nor any airbag warning light coming on. If you do decide to do it that way, you will have to buy extra hook up wire as the ones attached to the headrest units are not nearly long enough to run to the fuse box.

[CX9 SportOwner]

As I said, I'd run a single larger wire from the fuse block to the rear of the console, and hook both to that.

If you short something, or even over draw it, you can cause untold problems with the various systems. Everything from the Air Bags to Power Windows, to Traction Control.

[Trey169]

Since the fuse box is easy to get to, and there are vacant spots for more fuses, do you think there would be a problem using a fuse and a fuse tap to run the wire? I had trouble figuring out how to attach the run wire with no room to see what I was doing.

[CX9 SportOwner]

As long as your tap has it's own fuse.

Something like this...

http://www.cooperbussmann.com/images/3c2dce34-cf0b-43a1-aabf-d886ccd13aad.JPG

Cooper/Bussman BP/HHH ATM Fuse Tap

[Trey169]

That fuse tap is perfect and makes it look so easy. Guess I will switch up my connection to avoid the air bag light possibility. Lastly, there power cables from the dvd headrest unit is 22 gauge...do you think that is sufficient for the wire coming out of the power tap

[CX9 SportOwner]

I'd go bigger. 16 to 18 primary wire.

[AllyJack]

This may not seem involved to you, but as someone who knows nothing about this kind of stuff (i.e. fuse taps, which spot to put it in, etc.) should I do it myself or get it professionally done. Im pretty handy, just not a lot of expereince with wiring. I guess its more a matter of just making sure I have all of the right parts before I start and plan it all out.

Also, if you run it straight to the fuse box, will it come on/off with the ignition? Is there are way to wire in some kind of switch to turn it on/off when I want. My kids are young and wont be able to do it themselves yet.

Will tapping a new fuse void any warranties? Mine is CPO and I dont want to mess with that.

[CX9 SportOwner]

It's actually pretty easy using a tap. Power On/Off depends on what open fuse location you use. A 12v test light will tell you that. I'd hook it up to a location that is switched with the key, so it stays on when you turn the car to Accessory, but shuts off when you turn the car all the way off.

Running the wire will be easy. Just route it behind the panels of the center console to the back end.

I'd use a good crimper and bullet connector and crimp the two DVD leads into the one power lead, or even better, use quick connect bullets so you can disconnect them. Something like this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2104095
Then you can disconnect them and the wire will still fit through the post.

[Trey169]

I knew nothing on how to connect this stuff either, but did some research on the internet and it is not that hard. I did not learn about fuse taps until today and without a doubt that would be the easiest way to run a wire from the fuse box. Radio shack will have all your connectors, but you will need to go to an auto parts store to get the fuse tap. Many people have hooked up their DVD players by taping into the cigarette lighter, but as SportOwner said, it may cause problems witht he airbag warning light. It is a simple fix!

The access to the fuse box is in the glove compartment and from there a wire can easily be routed to the back of the seats under the side molding by the door.

You will probably pay a shop close to $300 to install these things or you could do it yourself for about $20.

[CX9 SportOwner]

The primary reason not to tap into something else is to avoid overloading that circuit. Cars are fused based on what is loading that circuit. Plugging something into the outlet is fine because it occupies that outlet. If you hardwire it then you have those accessories on and are still able to plug something else into the outlet, overloading it.

When I ran my trailer lights, I attached my power primary to one of the bus bolts on the fuse box under the hood, and fused it right there before running it to the back of the car.

Always create a new fused circuit for add-ons.

[AllyJack]

What if I I'd something as simple as running the two power cords together and putting them into a plug that I could put in and out of the power outlet in the console. Spoke with a friend that I could make my own plug with a part from radio shack for about $5. He said that he has done this before (not w/ montiors though) and it has worked well.

This would give me the ability to plug it in or take it out whenever I want to control the power. Only question would be if I woul still be running too much power through that outlet.

Any thoughts?

[AllyJack]

Sorry about the poor typing, I poste from my blackberry an some of the buttons are not working.

[CX9 SportOwner]

The units will list their power draw. The outlets are rated for 15 amps.

[AllyJack]

Well, being that i have not bought them yet, I am not sure how much power they use. Ill have to look into that. With that said, if the power draw is not too much, maybe this would work...

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2289559&tab=accessories

It would be easy to wire and allow me to control when the units are powered.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Certainly a simple option. I would recommend heat shrinking the two sets of leads together where they enter the plug, and twist and solder them for maximum contact.

[AllyJack]

I like simple!

BTW....Im so glad that I found this forum to get help from some people that acutally know what they are talking about. Thanks again. Ill let you know how it turns out.

[T.Narley]

Anyone have pics of these installed yet?

[mixmasterlove]

I am thinking of adding a set to my 2008, any recommendations? I have navigation. Will the navigation sound override the dvd player sound, like it does with music now??? I would prfer a set with built in speakers.... because they is only so much Disney I can take !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Trey169]

I have had my OnFair headrest DVD players in for about 2 months now. They are perfect, the kids love them, the sound is good both over the car speakers and the speakers on the unit themselves. Sound is even better through the wireless headphones they give you. I still can't believe these only cost $284 shipped!! The only thing I would recommend is if the interior color of your car is grey or tan, I would request a color sample to make sure it will match. Black was easy to match and much harder to detect the color difference. The headrests are wider and not as tall as the stock ones, but most headrest DVD players are like that.

I ended up changing the initial wiring and used a fuse tap to power up the units directly to the fuse box. Extremely easy..I need to hide the power wire a little better under the seats, but aside from that it looks great.

I have a photo of the install, hopefully I did not screw up the attachment. If you care for any other photos let me know.
150234

[CX9 SportOwner]

Did you find an empty switched fuse location behind the glove box?

[Trey169]

Yes I did. Your advice on wiring it that way was very helpful and couldn't be any easier.

[mixmasterlove]

Yes I did. Your advice on wiring it that way was very helpful and couldn't be any easier.

Can you PM me the wiring advice. Thanks

[alinoro]

What I did and it only took me about 15 minutes, is to remove the back panel of the center console(the part where the air controls are for the rear seats). When you do this you have access to the wiring for the cigarette lighter and auxillary hook up.

Thanks for this. I just bought the same units. Should get them in a couple of days.

Question: How do you go about removing the back panel? Is it just a matter of pulling on it until it comes out or is there a trick to it?

[Trey169]

There is no trick to get the back part of the center console off, just go slow! I started at the top on the sides and was able to pull it back slowly. You will here it pop where the plastic tabs hold it in. Very easy, but I know nervous one can feel when doing this. The big thing is when putting it back, make sure everything is lined up correctly or you will see a difference in seems where it meshes up with the rest of the console.

Hopefully you have the black leather and you will love the headrest dvd's. The video games that come with the unit are not that great, but the you cant go wrong with the dvd part. Hard to believe people pay $1600+ for the Audiovox or Rosden ones.

[alinoro]

Yes, I do have the black leather ones; just got them yesterday. The color fit is pretty good, actually better than I expected. I'll install them over the weekeend.

[alinoro]

OK, so I did manage to get the Headrest DVDs installed over the weekend. Took me about 2-3 hours to get it all done. I ended up attaching the ground cables to a screw of the metal bracket at the bottom of the center console. I originally thought I could plug the fuse tap into an empty slot in the fuse box, but the empty ones do not appear to be wired, so I used the one for the side mirrors (the tap allows for the mirrors to still work and provides power to the DVDs), and it works like a charm. (cool)

A big thanks to trey169 and CX9 SportsOwner for the insights and instructions on how to do this!! (rei)

Some pics to show you the end result.

[vikefan7]

God I have to get me some of these. I like how you can zip them up and hide them. Do most of these that are built-in to the headrest have some way to cover them up?

[hamproof]

alinoro - did you also buy it from www.onfair.com?? I glanced at the site but didn't see any specs on screen resolution, and what type of screen it is. Did they include the specs in the packaging? If so, can you post it?

[alinoro]

alinoro - did you also buy it from www.onfair.com?? I glanced at the site but didn't see any specs on screen resolution, and what type of screen it is. Did they include the specs in the packaging? If so, can you post it?

I did buy it there. Screen is TFT; but the manual does not mention anything I could see about resolution. I thought the resolution was fine when I played the DVDs, although I did not specifically focus on it. I guess it's as good as the other "7" player I have.

[hamproof]

Saw this on Costco:

http://www.costco.com/Common/Category.aspx?cat=71350&eCat=BC|79|4842|71350&whse=BC&topnav=&hierPath=79*4842*71350*&lang=en-US

Headrest units cost $700 w/ installation. Resolution also not listed. Even if you pay some local guy $150 for installation, this is still at least $350 more than the onfair.com unit.

But that 12.1" mounted unit sure looks nice. Not sure if it is $800 nice. For that price and resolution, you could easily buy a netbook ($300-$400) or a new unibody 13" Macbook Pro $1100 (after student or corp discount) and get a free iPod Touch.

[alinoro]

Now that I think about it, I wonder if it's possible that I have not appropriately connected the ground wire. I did tie it to the metal frame of the center console, but I do not know if that is sufficient.

Does anybody know what the symptons and/or potential impacts of an inadequate ground would be? How would I notice it?

Thanks in advance for any insights.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Now that I think about it, I wonder if it's possible that I have not appropriately connected the ground wire. I did tie it to the metal frame of the center console, but I do not know if that is sufficient.

Does anybody know what the symptoms and/or potential impacts of an inadequate ground would be? How would I notice it?

Thanks in advance for any insights.

You would notice it by the device not operating properly. Unfortunately you may also damage it in the process.

Check the ground before operating the device as follows:
Test light. Put a test light across the battery and note the brightness. Then from + on the battery to your ground point. If the light is dim, weak ground.

Ohm Meter. Ohm meter from - on the battery to your ground point. Should have almost no resistance.

[Navs]

Thanks a lot to everyone on this thread, I had no knowledge of auto wiring but I feel I am almost ready to setup my headrest DVD unit with info available here.

As SportsOnwer suggested, I already got.

1. Fuse Tap(Kragen).
2. Crimp-On Snap Connectors(RadioShack)
3. 18 Gauge Wire(PepBoys)

I want to connect by Pyle(PL71PHB) DVD unit which I brought from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PLD7HB-7-Inch-Headrest-Monitors/dp/B00195JH5E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1245913415&sr=8-1

Only thing that I am not sure to install these is the power connector with these units have 3 cables Yellow-(B+ : Battery)), Red-(REM: ACC), and Black(GND: Ground).

So Could you please suggest me do I need to connect my RED(ACC) wire with Fuse Tap wire and if yes where will the Yellow B+ Battery wire will go. Also I am planning to connect Black wire to the center console as done by AllyJack.

I have also upload the image for my connection adapter.

Thanks in Advance.
Naveen

[CX9 SportOwner]

Red ACC goes to power that's only on when the key is turned to ACC.

Yellow Battery goes to constant power, typically the battery.

I don't know of a switched fuse location, so you may need to tap the main Accessory wire from the ignition switch.

The most reliable spot for constant power would be the main fuse block main terminals.

.

[locux]

Has anybody who's installed the onfair brand in a CX-7 or CX-9 noticed that they don't tilt as far forward as the stock headrests?

This results in my head sitting 1-1.5" further back, and almost instantly creates a neck-ache. Turns the seat into more of a sleeping position than a sitting position.

The ones I just tried out were the 9" ones. Here's a pic to illustrate the difference in post angle that causes the issue. Curious if anyone else is experiencing this, or if perhaps it's just the 9" ones that have the issue.

[hamproof]

Has anybody who's installed the onfair brand in a CX-7 or CX-9 noticed that they don't tilt as far forward as the stock headrests?

This results in my head sitting 1-1.5" further back, and almost instantly creates a neck-ache. Turns the seat into more of a sleeping position than a sitting position.


Boy, that's gonna be bad for whiplash, coupled with the already poor rear crash test at 20mph for the CX-9 (marginal rating).

I suggest putting a neck pillow there, but higher at your skull level.

http://www.amazon.com/Fleece-Support-Pillow-Headrest-Strap/dp/B000QZ1WL0

[alinoro]

Has anybody who's installed the onfair brand in a CX-7 or CX-9 noticed that they don't tilt as far forward as the stock headrests?

This results in my head sitting 1-1.5" further back, and almost instantly creates a neck-ache. Turns the seat into more of a sleeping position than a sitting position.

The ones I just tried out were the 9" ones. Here's a pic to illustrate the difference in post angle that causes the issue. Curious if anyone else is experiencing this, or if perhaps it's just the 9" ones that have the issue.

Agree. I used to have the factory headrest tilted all the way forward, but the onfair ones don't tilt as far.

[balefire]

what do you guys think about the 9" on fair ones? it seems they have a worse resolution (640 x 234) while the 7" ones have a 1440 x 234.

[locux]

Well I found my answer. The Onfair models do in fact lean back at a potentially hazardous level. In the event of sudden acceleration, or god forbid, a rear end collision, your neck will no doubt suffer damage. The travel is far more than stock.

Although I asked onfair about this before the purchase, they never responded. Should have been a clue. After the purchase Onfair's service turns into mush. Once they have the $$, don't plan on getting *any* useful responses from them ever again. On top of that, despite the 9" models not fitting the vehicle properly, not opening properly, and basically acting adverse to everything they advertise about them, they refuse to exchange or refund in any capacity.

My best advice, if you want to deal with a quality merchant, DO NOT DEAL WITH ONFAIR. You can buy these cheap Chinese headrests at various other places online for cheaper, and since you don't get service from onfair anyways, there's no point in the "illusion" of buying from a company who will help out locally, because Onfair does no such thing.

[balefire]

in contrast, my experience with ONFAIR, like some of the others, has been great. I paid $240 shipped after a $20 coupon (ONFAIRROCKS) for the 7" model. It shipped the next day via FEDEX and arrived 3 days later. The color match was also spot on with my black leather interior CX-9

http://www.onfair.com/Car-Audio-Video/Car-Headrest-Monitors/Pair-of-NEW-7-Headrest-p6734618.html

I got too busy to install it myself, so it only cost me $150 to have my local electronics guy install it. Less than $400 and it works perfectly was a steal in my eyes.

[locux]

@balefire,

I think the difference in our two perspectives is because they sent me a defective product, and sent you a good product I had to deal with them after the sale, whereas you did not. I had no troubles pre-sale with them.

The trouble arrives after they have the money. If you had a problem with your 7" monitors I bet you would have the same gripe as I do with onfair right now. Once they have your money they are unwilling to satisfy any problems that may occur with the products they sell.

My whole thing was I wanted to trade down the 9" monitors I got for the 7" ones in hopes they would fit the car better. Even though their website *claims* they will take returns for a restocking fee, they outright refused and were extraordinarily rude IMHO.

[balefire]

that stinks, although its not completely unexpected considering they sell no-name brand kits. i knew i was gambling even with the 7" model, but the number of positive reviews with the cx9 on this forum and price told me to roll the dice.

i am surprised though regarding the 9" model. what was the problem exactly? the electronics shop told me the 7" model was a perfect knock off of the brand name version they install in all the new dealer cars. did you consider having an electronics shop try and install it / get it to work?

[Trey169]

I bought the 7" dvd headrests from onfair and one of the headrests had faulty speakers. I contacted the company via email and got an immediate response to send the defective unit back. I sent the unit back and had a new one shipped to me within a few days. Great experience, even when they had my money and had to replace one of the units. Sorry yours did not go so well, but the money I saved and the product i have makes me glad I went this route.

[locux]

The trouble with the 9" ones isn't the installation. Just like other models, the installation is very easy. They are however a brand new product for onfair. I emailed them prior to purchase confirming they would fit and function in the CX-9 and well, they referred me to their FAQ stating if the posts fit, it'll fit fine. I made the mistake of believing them and placing an order.

Upon receiving them, there was 3 major problems:
1. The arm to swivel the monitor cannot rotate completely. The *only* vehicle this unit would work well in would be a semi truck, or maybe a full size van that has 6"+ more headroom than the CX-9. And the CX-9 has a lot of headroom.

2. The FM transmitter in both units transmits static. You can hear the movie, behind the static, but it's clearly not acceptable for more than about 8 seconds.

3. The headrests leave a huge gap between the head and the headrest in comparison to the stock headrests. This seems dangerous, and of course uncomfortable if using the headrest.

There were a few other minor problems with these units that in one reply I got from them said it was a newer product for them, and they clearly weren't willing to support it. I got the cold shoulder with all contact attempts and they outright refused to exchange, refund, or return (even with a restocking fee).

It is pretty clear they had these units drop-shipped. So they stood to lose more by accepting a return than on anything they stock in house probably. Therefore I think that's why they performed so poorly in this case. Anyways, it's indicative of their overall philosophy and care only for themselves and not their customer, so I'll choose to never do biz with them again.

I am however glad not everyone has had the same experience. =)

On to happier topics! I love the CX-9!!!!!

[reldusj]

I called Audioxox, and they said they use stock headrests and modify those. Can anyone who has thes installed confirm this?

[davidleg]

They are great for the price i had a professional installation and they work great. beats spending 1200 dollars. The kids love them
http://picasaweb.google.com/legarreta/20091002#5388157640895564018"]http://http://picasaweb.google.com/legarreta/20091002#5388157640895564018[/URL]

[davidleg]

They are great for the price i had a professional installation and they work great. beats spending 1200 dollars. The kids love them.

[gtxjoe]

They are great for the price i had a professional installation and they work great. beats spending 1200 dollars. The kids love them.

What headrest model is that? It looks good. Thanks

[davidleg]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001THQU20/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

Black Color Pair of Headrest 7" LCD Car Monitors with Sony Brand Region Free DVD player USB SD Inc. Wireless Dual Channel Headhones and 32 Bit Games

[sbmrinaldi]

Could anyone find that model with the tan headrests?

[petesamprs]

They are great for the price i had a professional installation and they work great. beats spending 1200 dollars. The kids love them.

Thanks. Can you post more pics (larger and with screen on)? Some more questions:
- Does the screen tilt up/down?
- Can you have the same DVD play on both screen simultaneously?
- How would you describe the quality of the screen? what is the resolution?

[eugenile]

Some new videos on youtube regarding the onfair stuff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZltBSbZMhoc

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si22HBz65fE