What price peace?

What's your price for a little peace and quiet on the motorway? Delphi Automotive Systems figures it's in the range of $1,500, which may sound outrageous until you consider that a lot of optional equipment (navigation systems and all-wheel drive, for instance) can cost as much or more.

On the Internet (www.delphiauto.com), Delphi is selling its seat-top Rear-Seat Audio Video System for $1,495, which includes a headset and 7-in. (18-cm) flip-up screen that delivers remarkably clear images from the DVD player that also accommodates CD video and audio CDs.

The unit also has standard video inputs, making it compatible with video game stations such as Sony's popular PlayStation (purchased separately).

At first glance, the hard-shell plastic console appears oversized and clunky, measuring 21-by-14-by-10 in. (53-by-36-by-25 cm). A Ward's editor tested the unit shoehorned in between two youngsters in the back seat of a Ford Mustang. If they were uncomfortable, they didn't complain about it.

They did get frustrated, however, with the mess of wires that tangled easily. With two children, there are at least four wires — one for each set of headphones, one for the video game controller and one for the AC power line running to the cigarette lighter on the dash. They cost more, but the cordless headphones are a worthy investment.

What's nice about the Rear-Seat Entertainment System is that it's portable, and you don't have to pay $30,000 or more for a minivan or SUV to get a backseat entertainment system installed as an option at the factory.