So, the kids were getting restless on those long road trips. You know, the endless “Are we there yet?” and the backseat bickering. I figured it was time to upgrade the minivan game, and that’s how I ended up diving into the world of the Kia Rear Entertainment System.
First, I checked if my Kia model even offered it. Turns out, not all of them do. Thankfully, mine was compatible. Phew!
The Installation Process
I’m no mechanic, but I’m pretty handy. Still, I decided to get this professionally installed. I didn’t want to mess with the car’s electrical system or accidentally break something in the headliner. I called up my local Kia dealership, and they scheduled an appointment for me.
At the dealership, they walked me through the different options. Some systems have individual screens for each seat, while others have a single, larger screen that flips down from the ceiling. I opted for the dual-screen setup. Personal screens meant fewer fights over what to watch, in my experience with two little ones.
The installation itself took a few hours. While I waited,I watched a few how-to videos from youtube in the waiting room .
Figuring Out the Features
Once it was installed, it was time to play! The system came with a remote, which, honestly, felt a little complicated at first. There were so many buttons!
The kids, of course, figured it out way faster than I did. They were quickly navigating through the menus, selecting movies, and adjusting the volume. It’s amazing how tech-savvy kids are these days.
- DVD Player: The system has a built-in DVD player, which is great for those old-school movie collections.
- USB Ports: There are also USB ports, so you can plug in a flash drive with movies or shows. We did a couple of tests.
- HDMI Input: It was HDMI input and that’s good for connecting a game console or other devices.
- Wireless Headphones: It also included wireless headphones, which are a lifesaver. No more listening to the same movie soundtrack for the hundredth time!
The Final Verdict
Honestly, it’s been a game-changer. Road trips are way more peaceful now. The kids are entertained, and I can actually focus on driving. It was an investment, for sure, but the peace of mind it’s given me is totally worth it. And, if I’m being honest, sometimes I sneak a peek at what they’re watching, too!
