Investing in an in-car entertainment system will allow you to catch all the Rugby World Cup action on the move. We show you how.

The basics

First of all, these three items are essential for watching television in your car: a TV receiver (or aerial), a processor unit which collects the signal and a screen.

The system itself can act as a head unit in the dashboard, with the screen smoothly transforming outwards at the touch of a button. Many new models are touch-screen, with the added bonus of watching DVDs, playing tracks from an MP3 player and even changing CDs and radio stations.

It’s important to note that the head unit will need to be TV-compatible, otherwise it will be impossible to view all your favourite Rugby games live.

The law

It’s really important you setup the TV correctly so you don’t miss any of this year’s Rugby action… or break any laws.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, follow these simple steps:

• It’s illegal to watch TV while driving. If you want the screen to be in the front, remember to connect the unit to the handbrake, otherwise you could be charged with driving without due care and attention. Wire it so that the screen deactivates when the handbrake is off and you’ll never break the law.
• Use common sense. If the screen isn’t displaying navigation, images from reversing cameras or information related to the running of your car, turn it off.
• Follow The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986:

“No person shall drive, or cause or permit to be driven, a motor vehicle on a road if the driver is in such a position as to be able to see, whether directly or by reflection, television-receiving apparatus or other cinematographic apparatus used to display other than information:

1. About the state of the vehicle or equipment.
2. About the location of the vehicle and road on which it’s located.
3. To assist the driver to see the road adjacent to the vehicle.
4. To assist the driver to reach his destination.

• If you are happy to drive while passengers watch the games, then a good option would be to install a screen in the back of a front seat.

The technology

Now we know the essentials, how does an in-car TV work, and where can you get one from?

Most TVs for the car have become slimmer and sleeker over the years, with better picture quality on either TFT or LCD screens – so replaying that Johnny Wilkinson drop goal from your DVD will look better than ever. Don’t forget to make sure your selection comes with a receiver and has a built-in processor unit with the screen though. If not, these can be bought separately.

It’s easy to find yourself a system – just check your local parts and accessories shop or major chains such as Halfords.

If going out to look for one isn’t your idea of fun however, browsing the internet for a specific model is also a viable choice to make. There are various large and independent stockists online, so finding one shouldn’t be a problem.
 
You can even buy a system online from Auto Trader’s Motoring Shop.

Remember with an investment like this it’s worthwhile to take your time and look around carefully – prices vary from make to model, as does the technology. So make sure you know what you want, whether it’s a built-in TV calendar, slim model or a touch screen for example.

The finishing touches and installation

After you’ve got yourself a system and rallied yourself up in time for the World Cup, all that’s left is to fit it.

Installing a car TV is not the simplest of tasks, so if your money stretches you can always pay someone for the installation, but if not…

• Most systems will have a unit for the dashboard and a second unit for the boot or glove box. Mount this somewhere accessible and safe, so you can change DVDs and other options easily.
• Don’t place the equipment in a particular area which may be prone to becoming hot or damp.
• Never cut the aerial lead, no matter how long it may be.
• Try to position the equipment out of direct sight, to avoid theft.
• Mount the aerial correctly – failure to do so will affect the picture. Install it as per the manufacturer’s instructions and remember tinted glass or heated windscreens can block the signal.
• Finally, mount the screen in such a way so that it doesn’t distract with reflections and glare.