Embedded Gaming Among Hot Mobile Video Offerings

By Amy Gilroy On Jan 19 2004 - 8:00am

Mobile video took on some hot new features at CES, including built-in gaming and increased portability.

Rosen became the first company to offer embedded gaming in an overhead monitor/DVD system. It showed a 10.2-inch overhead monitor/DVD player with five games such as Pac-Man, Bosconian, Rally-X and Galaxian.

The model A10 ships with a wired controller and offers remote control screen open/close operation. Rosen said that while most monitors are compatible with leading game consoles, parents and kids don't always want to shuttle around their gaming system. "If you are taking a 20-minute ride to the store, you don't want to lug a home gaming system into the car," said a spokesman. The A10 also offers surround sound. Shipping is expected this spring at a price to be announced.

Audiovox privately showed at CES an overhead console that is a docking station for a removable 7-inch screen with built-in DVD. The screen doubles as a portable "tablet" video player when used with a snap-on battery pack. A home docking station is also available. The video system is expected to be available in approximately five months at a price in the $499 range for the tablet DVD player and approximately $149 for the overhead docking station. The home docking station is expected to sell in the neighborhood of $69.

Alpine also introduced an advanced touch screen Mobile Multimedia station. The IVA D300 in-dash DVD monitor has a 7-inch screen with tactile on-screen "buttons." The motorized screen can also control an add-on TV tuner or other devices added to the system. The target price is $1,499.