Comparison Gate SQ-1701 vs Clayton SL-1740

Diagonal screen size of the car monitor in inches. The larger the screen, the larger the image on it and the easier it is to view it from a distance. At the same time, large displays require an appropriate amount of space for installation, which can be critical in cramped car interior conditions. And looking at a large screen up close is not always convenient.

For most types of auto monitors (see "Installation"), the diagonal from 7" to 10" is considered optimal. At the same time, ceiling models can significantly exceed this figure, reaching 15 "and even more. Devices for installation in a mirror, on the contrary, have small displays of 3-4" (more are not required for them). If the characteristics of the mirror monitor indicate a large screen of 7-10", most often this means a display elongated in width, the image on which is divided into 2-3 parts (for example, for simultaneous broadcasting from different parking cameras).

The screen resolution of a self-monitor indicates the number of luminous dots (pixels) that make up the visible image. It is usually written in two numbers, indicating the size in pixels horizontally and vertically. In this case, we can say that the higher this indicator, the clearer and more detailed image the monitor is able to provide. This is especially important for large screens (see "Diagonal"), on which graininess from a low resolution would be especially noticeable. In addition, appropriate displays are also recommended for watching movies in high quality, detailed photos and other similar content — otherwise, all the initial advantages of the “picture” may be negated.

— AV input(composite). Combined input for connecting an external source of audio and/or video signal in analogue format to the car monitor. The full-size composite interface assumes the presence of 3 RCA connectors — one for video and two for the left and right audio channels. However, “stripped down” versions can also be found in auto monitors — for example, with 2 RCA connectors (video + monophonic sound) or even with one “tulip”, only for video transmission. In addition, in compact models (in particular, mounted instead of a mirror, see "Installation"), this input can use a 3.5 mm mini-Jack connector. Anyway, the composite interface is one of the most common, it is supported even by outdated video equipment, but it has rather modest characteristics and is unsuitable for working with HD video. However, the latter is critical only for the most large-format auto monitors — it is in them that high resolutions are found, the performance of smaller models is noticeably more modest.

— Linear. Analogue input for connecting an external audio source, such as a portable player or DVD player, to the car monitor. This allows you to broadcast sound either through the monitor's own speaker (if available, see "Features"), or through an audio system or headphones connected to it (see "Outputs").

— For reversing camera. Separate input for connection to the reverse...camera car monitor. Note that the name of these cameras is rather conditional, because. they can be installed not only at the rear, but also at the front or on the sides. Anyway, such devices help the driver to see dead zones that cannot be seen from the passenger compartment either directly or through the mirror. In this case, the “rear” camera usually turns on automatically when reverse gear is engaged, and the image from it is transmitted to the screen, regardless of what was shown there before (movie, splash screen, etc.). The camera input is only available on models designed for viewing from the driver's seat; most often it is found in car monitors with installation in a mirror, less often — in models for dashboards, and in isolated cases — in devices with a different type of installation (see "Installation"). To use the reversing camera effectively, you may need to use the “mirror image flip” function (see above for details).

— HDMI port. HDMI is actually the most popular modern audio and video interface. It provides the transmission of a signal in digital format and allows you to work with high-definition video (in the latest versions — ultra-high) resolution, as well as multi-channel audio. The presence of such an input in the car monitor makes it possible to connect various external signal sources to it — for example, laptops, for which an HDMI output is practically mandatory, or smartphones, in which this interface is also found.

— AV output(composite). An output for transmitting analogue audio and video from a car monitor, usually via cables with RCA connectors, but there are other options (for more details, see "Inputs — AV Input"). With this connection, the monitor itself plays the role of a signal source, and another device connected to the AV input plays it. For example, a model with a USB port (see "Multimedia") can be connected to a stationary TV with a larger screen, and the car monitor in this case will act as a media centre that provides playback from USB. The composite interface used in the AV outputs does not support multi-channel audio (maximum stereo) and cannot handle HD video; at the same time, it is extremely popular in video technology and is compatible with many outdated stationary TVs, including even kinescope ones.

— Linear. Output for transmitting analogue audio signal from the monitor to an external audio system — for example, portable acoustics. And if there is a linear input in the car radio, the sound can be broadcast through it to the car speakers. This connector is found even in models equipped with their own speakers (see "Features"): external equipment often provides better sound quality than the built-in one.

— Headphones. Output for connecting wired headphones to a car monitor; usually this is a standard 3.5 mm mini-jack, used in most modern "...ears" of all price categories. Headphones can be useful in situations where broadcasting sound to the entire cabin is undesirable — for example, if a small child sleeps in the car, or if the sound can distract the driver. In addition, they allow you to hear the sound from the monitor even if the main acoustics of the car are working in parallel. Thanks to this, you can simultaneously watch videos and listen to the radio — for example, if a child wants to watch cartoons on the road, and parents prefer music.