Hi there- we have let our LO watch videos occasionally at about 14 mos- usually something benign that interested him- so the "All About" series- construction, helicopters, trucks, trains, etc. Plus I really like Miyazaki films- "Kiki's Delivery Service" is a nice, gentle, visually stunning film. "Totoro" too.
My child is a low sleep needs child he struggles to sleep. What helped me immensely was the 'BabyWhisperer' Series of books by Tracey Hogg. We never did CIO, but we did use 'gradual withdrawal'. I highly recommend "the Babywhisperer Solves All your Problems". There is also a related sleep forum with really nice helpful moms and dads-
www.babywhispererforums.com and you can post your questions about sleep there and get good advice in a place that doesn't support cry it out....
HTH and Hugs- It WILL get better- I do remember the utter exhaustion and horror of sleep deprivation.
