I just ordered an Alpine DVD system for my vehicle. It's an overhead model with a drop down screen and the DVD player built into it.

Anybody have any luck installing similar systems or should I just bite the bullet and pay a professional to install it?

Don't know the type of vehicle you have but this forum for Odyssey owners has a good deal of banter about installing players. You may find some useful info there. In addition, I'm sure there are a lot of other forums as well. Our vehicle already had DVD but I added a monitor to the front visor. Wasn't too bad if you're handy.
Good luck! Post successes!

Ody Club Forums

The vehicle is an Expedition. I took it to a professional installer and paid $225 to have it done right. Works like a charm.

thanks for doing your part to go green