As automotive technology improves and we demand more entertainment in the car, in-car DVD players are becoming more common. A great choice for families as well as those who commute with passengers generally, Car DVDs are becoming much more affordable even as they improve in features.

Anyone who goes on road trips will come to appreciate the ability to watch movies in the car to make the trek a bit more enjoyable.

With the larger improvement in car entertainment systems, Car DVD players can sync with additional in-car devices such as surround sound stereos as well as GPS and other driver-information systems. Make sure that the model you are considering is compatible with any other technology you may have in your car.

When buying a new car DVD player, you also want to make sure that the in-car placement works well for both drivers and passengers. Always make sure that you put driving safety first to minimize driver distractions and keep everyone in the car safe.

Secondarily, display technologies are generally in flip-down visor or built-in dash placements. There are also several options for the size of the screen. Ideally, you want to find a balance between the viewing enjoyment of the passengers and the potential for driver distraction - if you have to choose between the two, always place driver focus first.

Once you have figured out the best placement (and installation) for a given type of model, you also want to look at the features of the models themselves including picture and audio quality as well as battery life and plug-in potential.

Not all in-car screens will produce the same quality picture, so make sure that the screen is clear at most angles and can be viewed even in direct sunlight. Video quality is highly important, especially in a moving vehicle where it becomes more important. Generally, you'll want to integrate the system into your car stereo rather than finding stand-alone speakers, so make sure the installation works with your audio system.

Even in the best models, the output will sap battery life quite quickly, so you'll want to made sure they can plug in within the car, or have enough rechargeable battery life to last on your trips. Lastly, you'll want to consider unit security as the units can attract thieves. Ideally, the units will "hide away" and have lock down systems as well.

When selecting a DVD player for your car, make sure to consider all of the factors including how long you intend to have your car. Certain car warranties may be affected by installing a 3rd party device in new cars, so make sure to check with your car deal or manufacturer to see if they have any options available. If you're buying a new car, you can also review the optional features that can be installed by the factory. Overall, adding a DVD player to your car can be enjoyable if you find the right balance of price, function and features.