RDP71 | RDP711 | RDP931: How To Install

Introduction:
This article provides a step-by-step guide to installing a Rockville headrest monitor entertainment system in your vehicle. The process is straightforward and designed to be accessible, even for those with no technical experience. Before starting, ensure you have the following: 

• A Rockville headrest monitor system (includes monitors, wiring, and plastic inserts).
• Basic tools (screwdriver, wrench for seat bolts, electrical tape).
• Access to a 12V power source (e.g., cigarette lighter in the vehicle).
• Optional: IR headphones or FM transmitter for audio output.
  Note that vehicle designs vary, so some steps may require slight adjustments.

Step-by-Step Instructions 

1. Remove the Existing Headrest 

• Locate the headrest on the seat where you plan to install the monitor.
• Gently pull the headrest upward to remove it from the seat. Refer to your vehicle’s manual if it’s secured differently.

2. Remove the Seat (Optional) 

• Identify the bolts securing the seat to the vehicle’s floor.
• Use a wrench of the appropriate size to loosen and remove the bolts.
• Carefully lift the seat to access the back panel for wiring.

3. Access the Seat’s Back Panel 

• Locate the seat cover lock or latch at the top of the seat’s backrest.
• Use a screwdriver to pry the lock loose, exposing the back panel and internal wiring space.
• Ensure you can access the grooves where wires will be routed.

4. Install the New Headrest Monitor 

• Insert the new headrest monitor into the seat’s headrest slots.
• If the slots are too wide, use the provided plastic inserts to ensure a snug fit.
• Check that the headrest is securely in place.

5. Route the Wiring Through the Seat 

• Feed the headrest monitor’s power and connection cables through the top of the seat, down the back panel.
• Ensure wires avoid grooves or tight spaces where they could get caught.
• Leave enough slack in the cables to accommodate seat adjustments (forward/backward movement).
• Route the wires toward the side of the seat closest to the vehicle’s center console.

6. Connect Power to the System 

• Identify a 12V power source, such as a cigarette lighter, to power the monitors.
• Run the power and ground wires from the headrest monitors through the center console to the cigarette lighter.
• Connect the positive and negative wires from the monitors to the corresponding power and ground lines from the cigarette lighter.

7. Connect Audio and Video Between Monitors 

• Link the master monitor to the secondary monitor using the provided cables:
  • Red and white cables for left/right audio.
  • Yellow cable for video connection.
• If using additional devices (e.g., a gaming console), connect them to the auxiliary audio/video inputs on the monitors.

8. Secure and Conceal Wiring 

• Tuck all wires neatly into the center console to keep them out of sight.
• Strip back any rubber casing on the wires, if needed, and secure them with electrical tape.
• Reattach the center console cover by snapping it back into place.

9. Test the System 

• Turn on the vehicle’s power source (e.g., ignition or cigarette lighter).
• Verify that both headrest monitors power on and display a signal.
• Test audio output through one of the following:
  • FM transmission to play sound through the vehicle’s speakers.
  • IR headphones (sold separately) for private listening.
  • Note: Built-in monitor speakers are disabled when using FM transmission or IR headphones. Volume control will be managed via the headphones or vehicle’s radio.

10. Reassemble the Vehicle 

• Reinstall the seat by securing the bolts back into place, if removed.
• Ensure all components are properly aligned and the headrest monitors are functional.

Troubleshooting & FAQs 

• Issue: Monitors do not power on.
  • Solution: Check the cigarette lighter connection and ensure the power and ground wires are securely connected. Verify the vehicle’s power source is active.
• Issue: Wires get caught or tangled when adjusting the seat.
  • Solution: Ensure sufficient slack in the cables during installation and reroute them to avoid tight grooves.
• Issue: No audio output from monitors.
  • Solution: Confirm whether FM transmission or IR headphones are in use, as these disable built-in speakers. Adjust volume via the headphones or vehicle’s radio.
• Issue: Headrest monitor is loose in the seat.
  • Solution: Insert the provided plastic inserts into the headrest slots for a tighter fit.

Conclusion
By following these steps, you should have successfully installed your Rockville headrest monitor entertainment system. The process involves removing the old headrest, routing wires through the seat and center console, connecting power, and testing the system.