If you own an auto detailing shop and you are looking for additional revenues perhaps you should add mobile video installation, as that is the new hot thing in the market. By adding mobile video installations and XM Radio you will meet new clientele who spend a lot of money on their cars and care about them.

If you can allow one bay of your detail shop to do mobile electronics installations such as mobile video installations you will find that these customers will also be great detailing customers and the kind of people who will refer you by word-of-mouth advertising to increase your referral rate.

Mobile video installations are getting to be very easy because many of the mobile video systems are mounted inside the back of the headrest and it is only a matter of matching the headrest and putting it into place and then wiring the system. It is not difficult to find people who were able to put in video systems in cars because the systems are much like stereo systems and audio systems.

Mobile video installations are good because you can charge a lot of money to do them and the type of clientele, which usually installs the systems has money to spend for other services. It is a good complementary business to add and it therefore makes sense to consider mobile video installations as another service to your auto detailing shop. Please consider this in 2006.

The first thing that many of us do after getting in our automobile is to switch on the radio. It is a simple way in which many people seek a few moments of relaxation while on move. People at times like to play loud music and feel the energy, play soothing music to soothe frayed nerves, or listen to news, updates or interesting programs to stay connected. Whatever the reason, a car audio system is the most popular car accessory nowadays. Automobiles come with an audio system from manufacturers, or get custom ones later to suit individual preferences.

The history of car audio dates back to the 1930s, when the Galvin brothers introduced the first car radio, named Motorola (‘motor’ meaning motion and ‘ola’ meaning sound). Innovations kept happening in many parts of the world. It took another forty years to develop audio amplifiers, in a quest to develop something just more than a radio. Since then, there have been more and more sophisticated devices which can stand the temperatures and vibration of automobiles. Modern speakers are not even visible, but produce good acoustics and sound quality.

Car audio systems come in a wide range of brands, setups and prices. After deciding on a budget, you can look at the possible options. Car audio systems are available in at both regular and discounted prices. Basic things which are difficult to change later should be selected with thought and care. For instance, whether a unit is able to play CDs, cassettes, radio or all of these should be looked at first. Some parts, like speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, crossovers, equalizers, and mobile video (VCRs, television, DVD and navigation) can be upgraded later. Component compatibility between different brands and options for add-ons should also be looked at.

High-end installations have more functions and are relatively expensive. However, even with a lower budget you can get a decent system. In short, the decision should be based on a system’s ability to play tapes, CDs and the radio. Some people feel satisfied with a radio, plus a tape player and are not tempted by CD players. It should have a decent sound quality. We can imagine the irritation felt when a favorite track or program does not sound clear and sharp.

Car speakers were used in cars for the purpose of avoiding the stress of driving and to have leisure and avoid being bored while traveling. It’s of course a part of the stress management while driving. But remember don’t make desperate others by increasing the volume of your speaker.

Installing car speakers is most pocket-friendly. You can find car speakers in a wide range of prices, depending on the size, power, number of speakers, brand name, and a few other factors. And not only are the speakers available in the local market relatively inexpensive, they are typically not difficult to install at all. You can either install them yourself, or you can hire the services of an expert. Oftentimes, the company that sold you the speakers will be able to install them for you as well. Otherwise, if you feel like doing it yourself, make sure you follow all instructions.

You can install the speakers by means of a few tools that you probably have around your house. Each car presents its own specific type of installation issues, varying on factory speaker locations, mounting depth and height, and the vehicle's factory wiring. Many installations are straightforward. A screwdriver might be all that you require to complete the job. Other installations can be more involved, particularly if you're installing component speakers. Every car is different, so you may have to ensure its installation as prescribed in its brochure and it may differ from one to other. Lets know something about its installation.

Remember those brutally long road trips? You remember them, it felt like time was standing still, and you and your family had been driving for an eternity. More or less all of us had those experiences when we were children with our family, and if you're lucky enough you're getting ready to experience those same things with your own family such as I am. Thankfully thanks to technology a lot of things are easier today then they were when I was a kid. Including entertaining the kids when we head out on summer vacation to visit friends and relatives. No more “are we there yet” or “how much longer” all thanks to the car DVD system. To those of you who are skeptical on the idea, it's understandable, why have a DVD system in your automobile. Of course it's not for everyday use, but trust me when you need it, it's a life saver.

Is your car or van equipped with a auto DVD system? This feature is becoming more of a standard option then a luxury these days. People all over are picking up this feature whether they are big travelers or not. Whether it's an hour out of town or a few days to another state a car DVD system makes the drive easier. Children and teens alike love the option.

Last summer my family and I headed out on the road for a four day extravaganza. Something I would normally dread as my children make a habit of playing with every toy they bring in the first thirty minutes. How ever this year I have a DVD system in our van, so I made sure to stock up on a bunch of move titles, and headed out on the road. Not once did we hear are we there yet, the movies kept them entertained for the entire part of the trip on the road, what a relief.

If you're considering purchasing a new car or van with a DVD system, or possibly adding on to your current family vehicle there are a few options. The best place to evaluate those options is on the Internet, with a few clicks you can easily compare features, pricing, and available accessories for different models both factory and after market. Don't you think it's about time you rid yourself of the dreaded “are we there yet” and exchanged it for a peaceful trip, when the little ones are entertained by a few movies.

How to install an Amplifier:

1.) Disconnect the battery terminals: Just be safe. Do this.

2.) Run the power cable from the battery to the location of the amp or distribution block. (To read more about running wires, click here)

If you run it through any sort of sheet metal, be sure to protect the power cable with a rubber grommet, or some other protective device.

Be sure you have plenty of slack at both ends of the cable. This will make your life easier, trust me!

Be sure you run the power cable away from any RCA cables. I usually run the power cable down the side of the vehicle that the battery is installed on, and run the RCA cables down the center of the vehicle.

Once the cable has been run and secured, leave it alone for the time being. Don't hook it up, cut it or do anything else with it!

Be sure the power cable is secured with wire ties or some other means, BUT! Not until you have run the cable, and determined that the cable is going to work out where it is located.

3.) Find a suitable ground point close to the amplifier

This point should attach to the vehicle's chassis, and be a solid connection.

Run your ground cable from the amp (or distro block).

Just like with the power cable, this wire should be secured and protected. It should not be installed in a location that will distress it.

Use a piece of sandpaper to remove any paint or finish from your ground point. Use it to also sand away any rust or residue on your ground point. You want a good solid connection, so you'll want to see nice shiny metal.

Prepare an appropriately sized ring terminal

If your ground cable is going to be attached with a ring terminal (the most recommended means), attach it now. Remember! Do a good job here. We're looking for a strong, solid electrical connection. If you can use solder, I would recommend it!

Use a washer when attaching your ring terminal to your vehicle's chassis.

Finally, cover the ground point with something non-conductive. Also, Find some spray paint or finish that will protect your ground point from rust.

4.) Be sure to run RCA cables and the remote turn on!

Pull your head unit out of its mounting location.

If it's not already hooked up, hook up your remote turn-on wire to the head unit's wiring harness.

Determine which RCA cables will go to each channel on your amp(s). I find it useful to have a 4-channel cable and an additional 2-channel cable for your subwoofers. This makes it easier to run all of the wires at once.

Run your RCAs and remote turn-on. Keep the RCA cables away from any sort of power cable, especially the power cable for your amp(s). It's OK to run the remote turn-on wire with the RCAs.

Make sure all cables are secured and not installed in a way that will distress them. Be sure they aren't pinched, scraped or kinked during any sort of driving activity. In any places where they'll need protection, be sure to cover them with a tough material.

5.) Run all of your speaker wires.

Now it's time to run more wires! Run speaker wires from your speakers to your amp's installation location.

Just like with all of the different wires above, be sure they are secured and protected.

6.) Hook up all of the wires at the amplifier!

Hook up the RCAs, speaker cables, remote turn on, power then ground.

7.) Hook up a fuse holder near the battery.

Be sure you have this piece of equipment (and a fuse) before you even attempt to hook your amp up to your vehicle's electrical system. Seriously!

The fuse holder MUST be within 18" of the battery.

Be sure the fuse holder is connected solidly to the power wire.

Be sure you have the right sized fuse!

Be sure the fuse holder is mounted in a safe place, and the power wires are all secured away from any moving parts.

8.) Hook up any special battery terminals

If you have any fancy-schmancy battery terminals, now is the time to be sure they're connected properly. Be sure they are secure and protected. Hook up any other of your vehicle's cables to the battery. If you can get covers for your new battery terminals, I would recommend them.

9.) Reconnect the battery.

Put your shiny new terminals on those battery posts!

10.) Test!

Before turning your system on, turn the amplifier gains all the way down. Turn on your system and listen. Does everything work? How much noise do you hear? Is there audible distortion (If so, don't listen for long!) If everything's square, move on to the next step!

11.) Permanately Mount your amplifier

I hope that before you have gone through the previous nine steps, you have thought about how your amp fits into your system, and how you plan to install it. If not, I BEG OF YOU to think about this first. Figure out where you want your amp, how you'll get power to it, and what (if any) components will be installed near it. Also, don't be a fool! Be sure you've budgeted so you can actually afford everything you need for your amp to be installed FLAWLESSLY. Taking just a small amount of time to think about this stuff will pay off for a smooth install, and great sound. If you don't plan, you will screw it up.

When you mount your amp, you'll want to be sure you are protecting it from any sort of physical damage and heat. Car amps are tough, but you need to be sure that you are installing it in a way that protects your amp from these hazards.

Soooooo, to protect your amp from physical damage (because they are usually installed in places where they are prone to damage such as in the trunk or under the seats), it is best to build some sort of enclosure for it. This enclosure should be big enough to contain the amp (and possibly some fans), as well as the appropriate wiring. You will also want to be able to easily access the controls. If you really like to tweak your system, you might want to make your amp rack easily removable, but also keep theft in mind. Be creative on how to protect it. The truth is, you can get really fancy here, or just do something quick. Both will work.

Another thing to keep in mind when building an enclosure for an amp or mounting the amp in a place that is hot or has poor airflow is that the amp will get HOT. Heat damages electronics, so you should figure out a way to keep your amp cool and happy. Use fans, or even redirect the air conditioner!

One last thing about amps: I have found that if your amp is mounted to metal, it is sometimes prone to noise. I recommend mounting your amp to a piece of wood before installing it. This will prevent any sort or weird ground loop effects that introduce noise to your music.

12.) Tweak!

Now that you've installed your amp(s), you're pretty excited to get rollin. Step 1: Be sure all of the amp's gains are down, the bass boost is off, and the crossovers are set to the correct frequency band.

Get one of your favorite CDs, preferably one that is clean sounding. I have found classical and jazz to work great, but alternative and pop work as well. Try to avoid really loud or bass heavy music. If you must, try to use a more melodic CD: Not one that's just all bass, or noise, you know? The important thing is that the CD is representative of what you normally listen to, because it's YOUR system, and it's YOUR music. Darn tootin!

Step 2: Power on!

Step 3: Turn your head units controls to neutral. EQs off, loudness off, fade and balance centered.

Step 4: Turn the volume up until you hear distortion (you know it when you hear it, and go on to step 5), or the volume control is all the way up. (go to step 6)

Step 5: If you hear distortion, back the volume up until no more distortion is heard. At this point, you know how loud your system is gonna go before it starts distorting, sounding horrible, and smoking speakers. (Move on to step 7, and lower your volume!)

Step 6: If your head unit goes all the way up, and doesn't distort, you have a good unit that your amp can handle. Go to your amp, and while the music is playing, slowly turn up the gains. Once you hear distortion, back off a little. Turn your head unit's volume down!

Step 7: Now go to your head unit. Set all of the eq, loudness, crossover controls, and dsp that you want. Repeat steps 4-6 with all of these controls set to how you want them.

Step 8: Set all of your amp's bass boost or other controls to how you want them. Repeat steps 4-6 again.

Step 9: Once everything sounds good, you're ready to put a cover on your amp enclosure, and be sure your fans are hooked up properly. Put it away and forget it!

Just when you thought you could not afford an mobile video system for your car or SUV the prices are coming down like never before and there are also many sales going on as well as cheap Chinese knockoffs hitting the market and lowering the price even more. Even for a brand name system you can pick one up for now for as low as $499. This is exciting knowing that you can outfit your car with a new Mobil video system just like you have always wanted.

Of course we also know that fuel prices are also going up and so maybe you can spend time watching videos in your car while it is parked in the driveway rather than driving around in wasting the gasoline. The mobile in car video systems industry is saying that sales are not is robust as they have thought they would be at this juncture meaning you can really get a bargain.

The industry does say that sales are O. K. and more and more people give begin to consider owning an in-car video systems due to a lower prices and then the sales will return and probably exceed expectations. Nevertheless, the cost of a gallon of gasoline does impact the industry as it takes money away from the consumer as they consider purchases for aftermarket auto accessories.

The automotive industry is getting more ideas on how to pamper the passengers. One of the ways is to have a car DVD entertainment system installed. Such a system can really be a life saver to the driver. Why? Imagine, you're headed across the country with your family to visit the in-laws in Omaha, and your kids are driving you nuts. A car DVD system allows you to pop in one of their favorite movies and have them entertained for hours while on the road.

Today's auto market is becoming more and more diversified, with Hummers lining up next to Smart Cars and Geo Metros in dealer lots. Perhaps one of the things many people do when they bought a new vehicle is to customize it with gadgets and accessories. Bored spouses and kids make car DVD systems one of the hottest new upgrades on the automotive consumer market.

There are two main types of in car DVD systems: portable and in-dash. Portable systems, though not as sleek or worry-free as the in-dash systems, are considerably cheaper and more versatile. They are usually powered by your car's 12-volt power adapter but can be converted to run from your home's power supply, allowing you to take the DVD player and monitor into your in-laws house when your happy family arrives.

In-dash car DVD systems are hardwired into your vehicle's entertainment system. They display movies either on a screen in the center-console, on a screen that descends from the roof of the vehicle, or on a screen which flips up from the dashboard. Though these systems aren't portable outside the vehicle, once installed they don't require any extra cords or setup: you can load in your movies and drive away. Screens located either on the center console or which flip up from the dashboard can double as displays for in-car GPS or navigation software, but they can be distracting to drivers. The flip-down screens avoid driver distraction, but they are usually only convenient for back-seat viewing, leaving a front seat passenger to count license plates or play I-Spy with the driver.

In car DVD systems are perhaps the biggest boon to the long family road trip since Car Bingo, and as the technology improves you can expect the systems to get smaller, lighter, and cheaper. Though portable systems are still the choice for families on the go since they require no expensive installation or conversion, more and more auto manufacturers have plans to include built-in systems in their vehicles, especially upscale and family autos.

Trust me; it will be tough to find a driver for your next road trip. The entire family wants to be stretched out in the back seat watching a movie.

Car stereos are stereos that are meant to be installed in cars and enjoyed while driving or riding around the city, along long country roads, or virtually anywhere else. They are seen by many people to be one of the crucial elements to a truly enjoyable ride. Car stereos are specially fitted and shaped to hug the interior of your car or other vehicle, and the sound is balanced so that the car will become the stage for a superior sound. Do not confuse car audio with a car stereo. The car audio refers to the whole sound system found in automobiles. Depending on the preference of the driver, car audios can be or an out-and-out customized delivering an excellent sound quality and listening experience.

Car stereos on the other hand, lie at the heart of the car audio system. The main components are the CD or cassette player, speakers, amplifiers, cables and equalizers.

What to Look for in Car Stereos

Look for a stereo that will give you unlimited recording and playing options while driving. For excellent sound, you can purchase brand name stereos that have little or no distortion or warped sounds. You can add component that can be self-installed like amplifier racks, subwoofer enclosures or speaker pods.

When choosing a model, you first have to consider if the stereo you intend to buy fits the make and model of your car. Most new, sporty models come with sophisticated stereos complete with video inputs, digital time recorder, etc.

What is important is that you choose the one you know and feel is the right one for you – and your car.

The next generation of mobile car audio with video will be totally incredible and it will soon be here as we are starting to see some of this now. The big boys are on the move and Intel is designing a new chip, which should make all this possible and that means UWB as you drive in your SUV.

UWB stands for Ultra Wide Band wireless technologies and you can imagine the crispness of the images and the speed of the video for future mobile video uses such as video car systems. We are talking about high speed data transfer for the consumer and that means intense images and video along with audio.

Just when you think you could skip the next SEMA show and that you thought you knew it all, look out now, as here comes UWB ready to revolutionize the way we live, work and drive.

The best thing about this is you can have a wireless car with all the video streaming from satellite and then WiFi’ing it throughout the car. Forget tearing up seats and floorboards or buying special head rests, not any more, wireless pure and simple. Can you say load em’ up and see ya!

UWB or Ultra Wide Band wireless technologies are just a stone throw away from reality in the market place and you can bet that even Best Buy will have mobile video and audio UWB system link ups available for you to take on the road, anywhere, anytime and any place.

Stuff you'll need for a head unit install:

Head Unit

Head unit wiring harness

Brackets

Install Supplies

Vehicle wiring harness

Stereo install kit (Most of the time)

Antenna adapter (Sometimes)

Optional Supplies

RCA Cables (If you're installing an amp)

What it is:

Head unit: The CD/DVD/Cassette in-dash receiver

Head unit wiring harness: Included with the head unit; Connects to the back of the head unit

Vehicle wiring harness: Purchase seperately from head unit. Connects to your vehicle's wiring harness

Stereo install kit: Purchase seperately from head unit. Adapts your new head unit to the original radio's location.

Antenna adapter: Purchase seperately from head unit. Used to adapt new head unit's antenna plug to vehicle's antenna lead.

RCA Cables: Used to connect your head unit to an external amplifier.

Tools/Supplies:

Assortment of screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.
Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Wire crimping tool
Panel removal tools
Soldering iron (opt.)
Crimp caps or solder
Electrical tape

Basically, this is what you need everything for:

Head Unit Wiring harness: To connect head unit to power, ground, speakers, turn-on, etc.
Brackets: To be sure head unit is securely mounted to vehice
Vehicle car harness: To connect head unit to power, ground, speakers, etc
Stereo Install Kit: To mount head unit to vehicle's stereo location
Antenna adapter: To connect head unit's antenna plug to vehicle's antenna
RCA Cable: To connect head unit to external amplifiers

Tools:
Screwdrivers/Wrenches: To screw and unscrew panels, brackets, etc.
Wire cutters: To prepare wiring
Wire strippers: To get wires ready for soldering/crimping
Wire crimper: To splice wires together by crimping
Panel removal tools: To remove panels without damaging them
Soldering Iron: To splice wires together with solder
Crimp caps: To splice wires together with crimp caps
Solder: To splice wires together with solder
Electrical tape: You might need some at some point!

Every car interior is different. There are different shapes and materials inside and as the sound bounces off the interior walls it changes the acoustics and sound. If you are going to install the perfect sound system and truly looking for perfection you must take all this into consideration and that means doing a complete Interior Automotive Acoustic Analysis and Study. Only then can you achieve Perfection in Car Audio Sound.

There is a lot of math involved in perfection of sound waves and a good cad cam technician and PhD researcher in sound waves can help you get there. Additionally you must understand simply putting the speakers, tweeters, base and treble where ever they fit makes no sense at all if you are into perfection. You see as the sound moves thru the car it hits the walls and bounces off again. Some of that sound you will want to bounce in certain directions so each passenger in each seat gets the full impact.

While other sounds you want to then dissipate and this is where the special materials can be used in the seat fibers or headliners. Even special coatings on the glass can help cut out or cancel out the noise and unwanted vibrations, which take away from the perfection in sound quality. It is unfortunate that so many people go for the loudness rather than the perfection. And if you are into the decibel game fine, but that does not mean you should negate perfection. Why not have both? Consider all this in 2006.

Lance Winslow, a retired entrepreneur, adventurer, modern day philosopher and perpetual tourist

In general make sure that if you are supposed to be paying for new car audio system components you see the box, the price, and installation materials before the company installs the your car audio systems. Many installation places will install used parts at new part prices. When buying used parts make sure you are getting a discount. Also, examine all parts before the are installed into your car. Once you drive the car of the installation company's lot you will not be able to complain, get a refund, or adjust your order. Once you drive away, you are stuck with whatever they have installed. Only through being an aggressive consumer will you get exactly what you paid for.

Head Unit – good head units will have multiple RCA outputs on the back of it. Also, a modern head unit which is basically a receiver or what people call a radio should include a CD tray, and plugs to plug in put devices into like a mp3 player. If the car audio system is bad the head unit will not have RCA outputs and therefore a RCA converter will have to be installed at added cost.

Amplifier – a low end or bad car audio system will have low voltage 0.5 volts or lower amplifier. Another characteristic o a bad car audio system is just one amplifier. Most decent car audio systems will have at least two amplifiers. The volume on the head unit and the amplifier should be able to be turned all the way up with out there being distortion. If there is distortion the settings can be tweaked usually by lowering the volume on both.

Speakers – a good speaker system would include multiple set of speakers installed at the idea locations within the car to give an even quality sound. A speaker system will also include subwoofers, tweeters, and midrange drivers. A bad car audio system will not have all these parts and usually only has speakers. Subwoofers deal with the lower range of sound like a dog barking. Tweeters deal with high frequency sounds like a bird singing, and of course mid range devices deal with every sound in between. Without this items the sound quality of a car audio system is going to be pretty poor.

Especially in today's modern society it is important to think about the future. While you may not have any need for output devices like the ability to have satellite radio, who knows what you will like to have in the future. A characteristic of a bad car audio system is that it has 2 or less plugs of in put devices. Do not pay for car audio components which can not be easily up graded as the audio technology increases with each passing year.