Factory DVD For Rear Seats Debuts

DETROIT--General Motors Corp. is debuting the first line of vehicles to feature factory-installed Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) Rear Seat Entertainment systems.

The Visteon system is integrated into an overhead console with a fold-down screen, featuring a parental control button near the front seat and wireless headsets with automatic shut-off to extend battery life for the back. A wireless infrared remote control allows rear seat passengers to control the system without moving around the interior of the vehicle. The system boasts a full seven-inch screen with a 16:9 ratio, and has the ability to horizontally stretch a 4:3 image to fill the screen.

“Our new family of midsize SUVs coming to the market in early 2001 will incorporate state-of-the art technology throughout--including the industry’s first factory-installed DVD system,” explained Tom Wallace, vehicle-line executive for GM’s midsize trucks division. “Through a collaborative effort with Visteon, we’re taking in-vehicle entertainment to the next level. And the customer wins with a system that has great visual quality, versatility and convenience.”

Children in the back seat will be fully occupied, said Wallace. “Just pop in the kids’ favorite movie or video game into Visteon Corp.’s DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System, then revel in the sudden quiet. While the kids are entertained in the back seat, you can enjoy your own music or have a pleasant front seat conversation. This technology quiets the crowd, helps make the driving experience more relaxing, and helps to reduce driver distraction.”

Consumer and customer research indicates that “a tremendous demand exists for this type of multimedia product,” said Visteon President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Johnston.

“Want to take a look at the movies that you just recorded of the family camping trip, birthday, or youth sporting event?” asked Johnston. “Just plug your camcorder into the auxiliary video inputs and enjoy your home movies on the spot,” he added.

“Video games that are normally played at home can be played in the vehicle,” said Johnston.