Features:
- 1-piece combination TV/VCR for SUV or minivan
- 9-inch color TV
- Recessed/covered videocassette player
- Front-panel AV jacks for video games
- Remote control
Description:
Long family road trips just got a lot more fun, thanks to Memorex's TravelView 43055, a one-piece mobile TV/VCR console that's designed to fit between the seats of most SUVs or minivans. Contained in a sleek black-and-gray housing, the TravelView includes a 9-inch color TV that angles up toward backseat passengers, a built in 3-inch speaker, two headphone jacks (handy when you want only the viewers to hear the sound), and front-panel audio-video inputs for connecting a video game (input audio is monaural only). The video cassette player lies tucked away beneath an armrest to save space (and to protect from spilled drinks), and Memorex even provides a full-function remote control. Memorex's installation instructions are pretty straightforward. Still, we recommend having a qualified installer to do the job for you. Also note that in addition to the TravelView, you'll need to have a mobile TV antenna installed in order to receive television signals. Although the videocassette player folds neatly away beneath a padded armrest, for extended use you'll want to leave the armrest open, as the player is prone to shut off when overheated. Another trick is that while the remote control works easily with the TV, which faces viewers in the backseat, it's difficult to use with the video player, which, even with the armrest open, does not face back but straight up. This is our major complaint with this design--the remote is essentially useless with the VCR. That said, there's a lot to like in the TravelView. Its 9-inch color screen is large enough and bright enough for most viewers in the back of a van or SUV to see without straining, and it offers an onscreen display in your choice of English, Spanish, or French. In addition, video games can be easily hooked up, the built-in speaker can be turned on or off, and the sound can be routed to your auto sound system or the two headphone jacks. Imperfections aside, having this kind of mobile entertainment system on the next family outing will probably make the kids'--and parents'--journey that much more enjoyable. --Wayne Garcia Pros:
- 9-inch color screen
- Easy to install and use
- Good features and functions
Cons:
- VCR placement makes remote use difficult
- VCR can overheat and shut down
- Mono sound only
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