In car entertainment

In Car Entertainment, sometimes referred to as ICE, is a collection of hardware devices installed into automobiles, or other forms of transportation, to provide audio and/or audio/visual entertainment, as well as automotive navigation systems (SatNav). This includes playing media such as CDs, DVDs, Freeview/TV, USB and/or other optional surround sound, or DSP systems. Also increasingly common in ICE installs are the incorporation of video game consoles into the vehicle.

In Car Entertainment systems have recently come into the limelight through TV shows such as MTV's "Pimp My Ride". In Car Entertainment has been made available to the masses due to reduced costs of devices such as LCD screen/monitors, and the reducing cost to the consumer of the converging media playable technologies. Single hardware units are capable of playing CD, MP3, WMA, DVD.

Through infrared headphones, families can now enjoy long journeys where the children can play games and/or watch DVDs in the back of the car (although front passengers can, too), whilst the driver can listen to traditional sounds—radio, CD, MP3.

Car audio

The term "car audio" is included in the term ICE, but "In Car Entertainment" can refer to video or games as well, hence the difference. Car audio refers to devices such as CD head units, speakers, subwoofers and their enclosures, and amplifiers.

Gaming consoles

Gaming consoles can be a popular source of entartainment when installed in a car. In addition to playing games, modern consoles can play other media as well, such as DVDs and audio CDs. The main problem to overcome is power, since consoles are designed to operate from mains power. This can be achieved using an inverter, or in some cases a DC-DC power supply.

Carputers

Carputers are specially adapted computers, designed to operate in a car environment. Carputers can provide many functions, such as video and audio playback, games and in some cases internet connectivity.