My 2 Cents; 1800 $ is very expensive for 10.2 inch system. If i have to spend 1800$, here is how i will do it;
1) 15.2 inch Clarion OHM 152 (1200 x 786) resolution screen = 900$ 2) Sony or Panasonic Single Din DVD player = 300 $ 3) TV tuner, PIE adapters = 200 Installation = 150 $ Total = 1650$.
Clarion is much better quality than other brands. Sony and Pany does not offer high resolution and bigger screens. I dont know about Advent Quality. What is the resolution of system you are talking about? For 10.2 inch i will go with either flip down combo or seprate screen and DVD player. At most it will cost you 1000 $ with installation. Buy a nice GPS for you vehicle in rest of 700 $.
I do have same question about installing In-dash CD/MP3 added to main audio by using Auxillary input adapter. I was told from Crutchfield that it is not possible to be installed by AUX adapter. Only Ipod or Satelite radio can do. But, I don't know the exact reason.
On the other hand, Honda sells their OEM in-dash MP3 player at a quite expensive price (about $350), but they are very very basic player (no additional function/display at all). That is the main reason I am looking for aftermarket in-dash CD/MP3 player.
Interestingly, according to the installation guide (http://www.handa-accessories.com/odyssey/05odyplayeratt.pdf), they do not use Aux adapter, but just 14 pin connector (Correct me if I am wrong). I want to know why Honda OEM in-dash MP3 can be installed, but not other aftermarket in-dash MP3 players. It doesn't clear in the installation manual that, in order to play mp3, we have to use Aux button or not.
I don't want to spend $250 more for Honda OEM MP3 until I confirmed that it is the only model I can use it with my 06 Oddy.
After talking with my wife, she has stated that she would prefer an overhead unit for the car. I was leaning towards monitors in the seat backs, simply because I think this would be a much cleaner look. However, it is significanlty more expensive to go that route, about $1000 more.
The next choice we have is whether or not to go with a combo overhead unit (Sony for example), or a system like the Alpine package from Tweeter with a seperate DVD player up front.
My kids are not old enough yet to be able to use the system, so my wife and I would be controlling the activity for them. This brings up a couple of questions with both:
1) For both installs, can the steering wheel mounting controls be used for an aftermarket install? 2) If the steering wheel mounted controls can't be used, how would the parent up front control the all in one unit in the rear? I'm presuming via remote control, but that seems like a pain. 3) The factory standard is to place the DVD Player in the front console near the bottom. However, the Tweeter technician has also 'hidden' the dvd player in flip down storage unit. I thought this would be nice, since you wouldn't have to look at the unit.
when you use Aux input adapter, you can control the volume from steering wheel mounted controls. It just uses your XM port and you can also change from CD to AUX to FM from Steering wheel. If you want to control other functions of overhead DVD, do it with remote supplied with overhead combo unit. My remote can do every thing including eject and once the system is installed in your van, it will not be that difficult. I can change the DVD on my overhead unit, as it is side load, without much distraction. The only reason i avoided the front mound DVD was to avoid drilling any holes in the dashconsole or glove compartment. The combo unit now adays are very compact and gives very good quality sound and picture.
When i was getting my OVerhead DVD installed, i found that a wire was already connected to the back of radio XM connection. I guess that wire is routed to some other place where honda can just hook it up to their XM/MP3 player.
The 14 pin connector is all the reason you need Aux input adapter. It converts the honda 14 pin connector to either an aftermarket CD/DVD/XM/MP3 player or simply and RCA style audio input. There are Honda Ody compatible Aux Adapter available for different aftermarket MP3/XM players. They all are made by PIE and just have 14 pin connector at one end to connect to stock radio and have another port to connect to your after market XM/MP3 player + extra audio inputs.
I am thinking to upgrade speakers in my future 06 Odyssey (EX-L). I searched many threads and most of people seems to like their upgraded speakers. But, I found that, since ANC equipment is attached to rear speaker, after the rear speaker replacement, there is some noisy from the rear speakers. Some suggests to cut pink wire to kill the ANC.
My concern is that, if we cut pink wire, then we will hear a lot of noise from the engine? What the cutting pink wire mean (and its effect)? I test drove 06 Ody LX (with no ANC) and found it is a lot louder than EX-L (with ANC). I don't want to make another noise to get better sound.
Please tell me which PIE adapter you bought and where you bought it. I'd like to do almost exactly what you have done. Only, I need to interface it to an MP3 player which is built in with my aftermarket Nav unit (IWay 500c)
This website was giving cheapest price. Package arived in 3 days via usps priority mail. This adapter is for 05/06 Ody 6 CD player WITHOUT NAVIGATION. For vehicles with stock navigation, the type of converter is different
Is there a PIE adapter for the 6 disk CD player (no built in DVD or GPS) that can handle a feed from both an aftermarket DVD player AND another unit like an MP3 player with abiity to switch between then?
We purchased a dual screen DVD set-up from Walmart one year ago for $270. I believe that you can get it for under $200 now. The screens attach to the headrest mounts and the small DVD player can go in many different locations. Some of the nice features of this system: 1) It can go into any vehicle that you want. We have had it in four different vehicles. 2) The two screens can handle different inputs such that you can have a video game on one (either one) and the DVD on the other one. 3) Very easily removed and installed. 3) On a trip ther DVD player can be used to play movies in a Hotel room.
In Nov 05 I had posted a message regarding the Concept 12 inch flipdown combo [ with DVD player ] that I purchased from Costco for $ 699. I had the unit installed and while this is a good unit with good features, somehow it does not work well with the 2006 ODYSSEY. Its electronics is too sensitive to small fluctuations in input voltage and has to be repeatedly RESET [ because it shuts down often ]. SO I am returning the unit. Note that I had the original unit swapped for a new one and that too behaved the same.
The dvd player in my '03 Ody went kaput. Dealer wanted over a thousand dollars for a replacement so I bought an aftermarket in dash DVD player. My problem is I can't find a wiring diagram for the '03's RES. Does anyone have a diagram or just the pin-out on the DVD and AUX plugs. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
We have an aftermarket DVD player in our van and it always starts to play and then after a few minutes, it goes black and white and then just stops playing without notice. Any ideas what might be going wrong?
Do you know if the CD Player in 06 Odyssey EX-L can play MP3? One of my friends who has an 05 Touring says he could. The dealer is asking $674 to install the MP3 player. Thanks!
I had a similar problem in my 06 Ody EX with Clarion OHMD 102. I had a good installation in the beginning but i felt that DVD was little tilted so i asked the installer to fix it. He put a spacer b/w the liner and the cross beam and addressed that issue but then after that my DVD was unable to play, it was switching on and off. Took it back to him and he found that an unused Video Out cable was lying right on the PCB and causing some sort of short circuit. After the Video out cable was removed out of the way, never have any problem yet (1.5 months 30-40 hrs of DVD play on different road trips).
If you are getting repeated voltage fluctuation issues, 1) Check the DVD ground is been run properly 2) No loose wires are hanging inside b/w head liner and DVD. 3) Install a voltage regulator if this is the only issue.
Buy a good brand like sony, pany, clarion, Alpine etc. I am sure you will like the quality and reliability.
The in-dash 6-disc will not play MP3's. I've heard but have yet to confirm that the DVD player will. I should have tested that when I was trying-out the changer, but it never even crossed my mind. Now I can't find my MP3 cd and don't feel like buring another...
I have since returned the CONCEPT unit and installed a DIRECTED unit and it works like a charm. Also the Directed unit has Picture in Picture, removable DVD player and adapter [ so you can take it to your hotel room and play movies on hotel TV ] the BEST of all even though it is a 12.1 inch unit, I can see clearly the road behind me in the rear view mirror. I also got a great deal during christmas for the DIRECTED unit at $ 900 installed [ they had a 10% off coupon and free installation - this was in NJ [ usually retails for $ 1300 ]
Hi, I am looking for an indash MP3 player for my 2006 EXL-RES. Any suggestions please! I am not comfy on the Honda accessory - Is there a possibility to install anything outside? Thanks in advance!
"But in a week or so, the Honda Music Link adaptor (for Apple iPod) will be released. Should be a much better alternative than the in dash MP3 player."
Sorry to bring up an old comment, but nothing new was posted on the topic since...
Anyone interested should definitely shop around before going with the Honda MusicLink iPod adapter. I bought one right after it was released. The sound quality is quite good. The interface is horrible. If you're like me and use playlists most of the time, then it works fine and isn't too cumbersome. If you ever want to search for specific songs or albums or artists in a large database of songs, forget about it. The software that you have to install is lousy and interferes with iTunes. The controls and speech interface are so bad you might rather listen to FM radio than try to find the song you want.
The only reason to pay the premium is to have it covered under your warranty if a dealer installs it. Otherwise, I'd opt for a cheaper AUX input adapter that lets the iPod retain control.
We used to live in NJ and just moved to IL. I am in process of buying Van. I am buying basic Odessey. I would like to know where did you get DIRECTED unit installed?
I am looking to buy a Honda Odyssey but am not willing to shell out an extra 2 grand for the factory entertainment system. I was wondering if anybody had any problems with aftermarket entertainment systems. Any help on this matter would be appreciated.
I've seen a lot of folks putting in aftermarket RES. Sony seems to make one people like. We've had two aftermarket systems and two OEM systems and I'll never buy another aftermarket system again. The aftermarkets were high-end systems, installed by professionals and they were plagued with problems over time. There are several issues to think about:
1. Make sure when the screen is down, it doesn't interfere with your visability out the back using your rear-view mirror. The factory system is very slim and doesn't interfere.
2. Make sure you can live with the non-intergrated systems add-on look and operation. A remote will have to be used to operate the DVD or you'll need to replace the in-dash stereo. And don't get an FM modulated system, they sound like garbage. Make sure they hook up directly through your sound system or only work off of headsets.
3. Make sure you get an extended warranty, something with a replacement policy. The standard warranty on these systems is marginal at best, time consuming, and for the most part more hassle than anything else. The Pioneer system I currently have in my Dodge 3500 pickup went dead after 18 months and I'm not putting any more money into it. The OEM system is covered by the 3/36 month bumper-to-bumper warranty. If you buy the extended warranty, it will also be covered for that period as well.
We currently have OEM DVD in our Odyssey and Lexus. I've also had GM/Dodge rentals with these system, and IMHO the Honda system is very good. Absolutely worth the money IMHO, and no comparable to the aftermarkets. Plus, if resale value is important, the OEM system will be worth far more than an aftermarket.
If this was something I knew we wouldn't be using often and was looking to save a buck, I'd just get one of the portable systems. They look like garbage, but if it's just occassional it wouldn't really matter.
I have exactly the same aftermarket GPS (Lowrance IWay 500c) and I have tried a couple of different FM transmitters with 3.5mm audio input (V3 and IRiver). Both resulted in a lot of engine noise with the FM.
Did the PIE solution work for you with no buzzing engine noises ?
Have you installed a ground isolator on the 3.5mm outlet? I've found most audio out/RCA type connectors have engine noise without one. Radioshack sells one for $15 that works nice. Make sure you're using shielded cables as well.
You can get the DIRECTED 12 inch flip down with DVD player at BEST BUY or AutoImage. I had mine installed at AutoImage and they are a local Auto accessory store with multiple branches in NJ. They are very professional compared to BEST BUY where a 20 year old with limited exprerience might install the unit. DIRECTED has a good reputation and the 12 inch is a GREAT size instead of the factory installed 9 inch and the unit also has a detachable DVD player in the unit that comes with a power cord to plug it into a AC outlet so you can actually use the DVD player in your hotel room !!. The mounting is also very slim, reulting in your ability to see the rear using the center rear view mirror even when the screen is in the down position.
We bought a 2-screen, 7" DVD player from Walmart for under $200. We have a $100 single screen 7" model, also. All have straps to mount to a head rest. For under $300, we can keep 3 kids occupied with two separate programs. All have video in/out for playing on a TV or hooking up a game unit or iPod. Plus, they have A/C adapters for indoor use so you can use them in a hotel room. The single screen model has a battery pack as well. They worked great on a recent 2300 mile round trip to Disney World and don't block visibility any more than the headrests do normally.
The flexibility and cost was far more attractive than a factory or built-in aftermarket unit, at least to us. Heck, we could replace them each a number of times before spending as much as the factory system. The only disadvantages are that it takes 15 minutes to install them in the van before a trip and you can't control them from the front. On the other hand, our two older kids can operate them just fine and both have remote controls, too. We don't want the DVD in the vehicle other than for long trips, so the extra setup time isn't an issue for us.
I'm buying a 2004 EXL-RES. I'd like to install an ipod connection directly to the radio. Where can I find spec sheets for the radio to determine whether it has a multi cd changer port available for use by the ipod, or does the factory DVD use that port? Was it possible to get a 04 EXL-RES with multidisc changer? Has anyone had experience wiring an ipod into the radio? Thanks
We purchased a USA-SPEC PA11HON2 from Crutchfield to connect our iPOD to our new EX-L. We had it installed at a local shop and it works great! It has a couple of different settings depending on how you want to control the ipod, but the steering wheel controls work to control volume and skip through songs, it charges the ipod, and it sounds great. It connects to the back of the radio using the CD changer connection and it is accessed using the CD/AUX button onthe radio. It also has separate RCA plugs so it can be used to connect other devices as well as the ipod. The installer had it in in less than half an hour, with the connection in the glove box and no holes or damage to the dash. We did a ton of research on how to get the ipod playing in our Odyssey, and we're happy with this one.
We just picked up a 2006 EX-L w/RES last week. Just to try, I plugged my iPod into the audio inputs that are part of the rear entertainment. Everything functioned fine so I’m wondering what the downside would be of running some RCA cables under the door trim up to the dash? Seems like a less expense and lower hassle option than installing an aux input adapter.
The only downside might be some volume loss due to the length of the cable required to go that distance. Worth a try though! Buy the good cable and it probably won't be a problem.
I just called Crutchfield and talked to Pete. He's telling me that the iPOD connection may or may not work for a 2006 Odyssey. Apparently, Honda had two stereo manufactures, one works with the module and one doesn't. He also tought that this would disable the in-dash CD changer. Does it really disable the changer?
I would like to have both, the CD and iPOD. I am also planning to install a flip-down DVD/LCD. I would like to use the RCA inputs. Do you see any problems with that?
I don't know of two stereos in the '06 Odyssey. Ours is an EX-L without RES or NAV, and we haven't installed XM radio. I know that some of those options require an additional cable to work with the USA-SPEC.
The in-dash CD changer that's part of the factory radio works fine with this adapter. The USA-SPEC shows up as a CD changer when you press the AUX button on the stereo. The ipod connection is CD-5 and the RCA connection is CD-6 (I think-may be 4 and 5)Exactly how it works depends on which mode you set it on. We wanted to use the ipod controls, so we set it on direct mode. You choose the playlist using the ipod, and can switch songs and control volume using the car's controls, including the ones on the steering wheel.
The RCA inputs also work fine. We've only tried plugging the ipod into them, and the volume is lower, but they work. I don't know why it wouldn't work for a DVD player. We may try it sometime ourselves.
just got an 06 Odyssey EX-L...w/ a XM/AUX button on the radio it also has a 6-cd changer head unit ... your radio just has cd/aux button ?....can you play any cd's or just i-pod ?
My stereo has the XM/AUX button. With the ipod connected it will still play CD's. When you press the CD button on the stereo, it pauses the ipod and plays CDs (or the radio)until you press the XM/AUX button again. Then it resumes play on the ipod.
I just finished installing my DVD/TV. I used the US-SPEC to connect the audio to the stock stereo and my Nano-Ipod. It works great !!! The biggest problem was routing the audio cable from the DVD/TV to the front console. Best way is to go thru the passenger pillar, don't go thru the center pillar where the seat belt is attached. If you do, you might have problems going over the side air bag.
thnks for the help....so you can play both the ipod(w/ the xm/Aux...but control the ipod w/ the cd changer controls) and use the cd changer(I assume you can use all 6 cds)...I thought you had to decide either ipod or changer ....where did you stow the ipod connector cable ?and this is the correct model no. PA11-HON2 ?
Yes, you control the Ipod with the first 5 CD selections which translates to 5 music lists in your Ipod, the CD 6 can be set to play the RCA inputs from your PA11-HON2 or Ipod. I basically follow the same directions from Honda for installing the Honda Ipod interface. You can download it from Honda. The PA11 will sit behind the globe compartment strap to a metal tube close to the right wall. Remove the globe compartment you will see what I mean. You will drill a hole in the globe compartment to pass cable thru and place the Ipod in globe compartment. There are no power connections for PA11. You will remove the 14 pin plug from the Honda radio and plug the PA11. I don't know where the Honda 14 pin plug goes to. I was expecting an empty slot. But, everything works great.
As far as choosing between the Ipod and the CD changer, I was told the samething. I am assuming that it applies for an external CD changer and not for the build in one. There is control for CD or AUX/XM. Hit AUX/XM for Ipod and select disc 6 for RCA inputs.
thnks for the info....will look the usa-spec on the net....crutchfield doesn't have it in stock.....I just wanted feedback from owners who installed this unit....pros and cons....
I am interested in putting sirius satelite radio in my 2006 exl res vehicle. Anyone have any ideas. I know it is xm ready. But I have a sirius account.
just had the USA spec installed today in my wifes van. But, we don't have Navi, so I can't help there.
In my brief UAT attempt, it worked fine, and sounded way better than the FM modulation. The new front speakers probably helped too!
I have not tried to use the CD player though while the ipod was hooked up. Next time I drive it I will play around a bit with it. It uses CD 5 track 1 as the input, but I have no idea if you can use the CD changer while it is hooked up. Shouldn't be a problem, since even though it shows up as a CD changer, it is running through the aux input.
Not a big deal to unplug the cable though.
The USA spec is nice because there are 2 play modes (playlist and direct), it charges the ipod, plays through the dock connector, and works with the steering wheel stereo controls. At least you can hit the chan. button and skip songs (we usually set it on random anyway, so this is nice).
All functions and displays are available at the same time on the ipod. No display on the radio though.
Oh, and the unit also has RCA inputs, so you can plug in another device, like a sat. radio receiver.
SO, basically the USA spec works like a CD (in terms of audio system functionality), and is worlds better than an FM modulator!
Hi all, My wife has been bugging me to get a DVD entertainment system installed for our 2 year old. We didn't go with the factory system because it was too expensive. I am looking to purchase an in-dash unit with a headrest mount monitor. I found some headrest mount kits that would work fine, however I am looking for a large screen monitor 8" and up that would work with the headrest mount kit. Does anyone have any good suggestions or ideas? thanks.
Comments
1800 $ is very expensive for 10.2 inch system. If i have to spend 1800$, here is how i will do it;
1) 15.2 inch Clarion OHM 152 (1200 x 786) resolution screen = 900$
2) Sony or Panasonic Single Din DVD player = 300 $
3) TV tuner, PIE adapters = 200
Installation = 150 $
Total = 1650$.
Clarion is much better quality than other brands. Sony and Pany does not offer high resolution and bigger screens. I dont know about Advent Quality. What is the resolution of system you are talking about?
For 10.2 inch i will go with either flip down combo or seprate screen and DVD player. At most it will cost you 1000 $ with installation. Buy a nice GPS for you vehicle in rest of 700 $.
Asif
On the other hand, Honda sells their OEM in-dash MP3 player at a quite expensive price (about $350), but they are very very basic player (no additional function/display at all). That is the main reason I am looking for aftermarket in-dash CD/MP3 player.
Interestingly, according to the installation guide (http://www.handa-accessories.com/odyssey/05odyplayeratt.pdf), they do not use Aux adapter, but just 14 pin connector (Correct me if I am wrong). I want to know why Honda OEM in-dash MP3 can be installed, but not other aftermarket in-dash MP3 players. It doesn't clear in the installation manual that, in order to play mp3, we have to use Aux button or not.
I don't want to spend $250 more for Honda OEM MP3 until I confirmed that it is the only model I can use it with my 06 Oddy.
The next choice we have is whether or not to go with a combo overhead unit (Sony for example), or a system like the Alpine package from Tweeter with a seperate DVD player up front.
My kids are not old enough yet to be able to use the system, so my wife and I would be controlling the activity for them. This brings up a couple of questions with both:
1) For both installs, can the steering wheel mounting controls be used for an aftermarket install?
2) If the steering wheel mounted controls can't be used, how would the parent up front control the all in one unit in the rear? I'm presuming via remote control, but that seems like a pain.
3) The factory standard is to place the DVD Player in the front console near the bottom. However, the Tweeter technician has also 'hidden' the dvd player in flip down storage unit. I thought this would be nice, since you wouldn't have to look at the unit.
Thanks again for the advice.
Lee
If you want to control other functions of overhead DVD, do it with remote supplied with overhead combo unit. My remote can do every thing including eject and once the system is installed in your van, it will not be that difficult. I can change the DVD on my overhead unit, as it is side load, without much distraction.
The only reason i avoided the front mound DVD was to avoid drilling any holes in the dashconsole or glove compartment. The combo unit now adays are very compact and gives very good quality sound and picture.
The 14 pin connector is all the reason you need Aux input adapter. It converts the honda 14 pin connector to either an aftermarket CD/DVD/XM/MP3 player or simply and RCA style audio input. There are Honda Ody compatible Aux Adapter available for different aftermarket MP3/XM players. They all are made by PIE and just have 14 pin connector at one end to connect to stock radio and have another port to connect to your after market XM/MP3 player + extra audio inputs.
My concern is that, if we cut pink wire, then we will hear a lot of noise from the engine? What the cutting pink wire mean (and its effect)?
I test drove 06 Ody LX (with no ANC) and found it is a lot louder than EX-L (with ANC). I don't want to make another noise to get better sound.
Thanks.
Protocol Converter
(Shipped)
Subtotal 69.99
Shipping 10.00
Tax 0.00
Total 79.99
website
http://www.carstereoexpo.com/
This website was giving cheapest price. Package arived in 3 days via usps priority mail. This adapter is for 05/06 Ody 6 CD player WITHOUT NAVIGATION. For vehicles with stock navigation, the type of converter is different
It looks like the Honda Music Link (iPod adaptor) indeed will be available for the 2006 Odyssey (not sure about 05 model).
Here is the install instruction I found.
http://www.collegehillshonda.com/instructions/gen3_odyssey/musiclink.pdf
Very exciting!
Mike
1) It can go into any vehicle that you want. We have had it in four different vehicles.
2) The two screens can handle different inputs such that you can have a video game on one (either one) and the DVD on the other one.
3) Very easily removed and installed.
3) On a trip ther DVD player can be used to play movies in a Hotel room.
work well with the 2006 ODYSSEY. Its electronics is too sensitive to small fluctuations in input voltage and has to be repeatedly RESET [ because it shuts down often ]. SO I am returning the unit. Note that I had the original unit swapped for a new one and that too behaved the same.
Thanks
Ben
If you are getting repeated voltage fluctuation issues,
1) Check the DVD ground is been run properly
2) No loose wires are hanging inside b/w head liner and DVD.
3) Install a voltage regulator if this is the only issue.
Buy a good brand like sony, pany, clarion, Alpine etc. I am sure you will like the quality and reliability.
Asif
But in a week or so, the Honda Music Link adaptor (for Apple iPod) will be released. Should be a much better alternative than the in dash MP3 player.
Mike
I have since returned the CONCEPT unit and installed a
DIRECTED unit and it works like a charm. Also the Directed
unit has Picture in Picture, removable DVD player and
adapter [ so you can take it to your hotel room and play
movies on hotel TV ] the BEST of all even though it is a
12.1 inch unit, I can see clearly the road behind me in the
rear view mirror. I also got a great deal during christmas
for the DIRECTED unit at $ 900 installed [ they had a 10% off coupon and free installation - this was in NJ [ usually retails for $ 1300 ]
I am looking for an indash MP3 player for my 2006 EXL-RES. Any suggestions please! I am not comfy on the Honda accessory - Is there a possibility to install anything outside? Thanks in advance!
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Sorry to bring up an old comment, but nothing new was posted on the topic since...
Anyone interested should definitely shop around before going with the Honda MusicLink iPod adapter. I bought one right after it was released. The sound quality is quite good. The interface is horrible. If you're like me and use playlists most of the time, then it works fine and isn't too cumbersome. If you ever want to search for specific songs or albums or artists in a large database of songs, forget about it. The software that you have to install is lousy and interferes with iTunes. The controls and speech interface are so bad you might rather listen to FM radio than try to find the song you want.
The only reason to pay the premium is to have it covered under your warranty if a dealer installs it. Otherwise, I'd opt for a cheaper AUX input adapter that lets the iPod retain control.
Thanks
VIP
Thanks,
LJ
1. Make sure when the screen is down, it doesn't interfere with your visability out the back using your rear-view mirror. The factory system is very slim and doesn't interfere.
2. Make sure you can live with the non-intergrated systems add-on look and operation. A remote will have to be used to operate the DVD or you'll need to replace the in-dash stereo. And don't get an FM modulated system, they sound like garbage. Make sure they hook up directly through your sound system or only work off of headsets.
3. Make sure you get an extended warranty, something with a replacement policy. The standard warranty on these systems is marginal at best, time consuming, and for the most part more hassle than anything else. The Pioneer system I currently have in my Dodge 3500 pickup went dead after 18 months and I'm not putting any more money into it. The OEM system is covered by the 3/36 month bumper-to-bumper warranty. If you buy the extended warranty, it will also be covered for that period as well.
We currently have OEM DVD in our Odyssey and Lexus. I've also had GM/Dodge rentals with these system, and IMHO the Honda system is very good. Absolutely worth the money IMHO, and no comparable to the aftermarkets. Plus, if resale value is important, the OEM system will be worth far more than an aftermarket.
If this was something I knew we wouldn't be using often and was looking to save a buck, I'd just get one of the portable systems. They look like garbage, but if it's just occassional it wouldn't really matter.
Did the PIE solution work for you with no buzzing engine noises ?
Please advise.
Thanks.
-Kalyan.
at BEST BUY or AutoImage. I had mine installed at AutoImage
and they are a local Auto accessory store with multiple branches in NJ. They are very professional compared to BEST BUY where a 20 year old with limited exprerience might install the unit. DIRECTED has a good reputation and the 12 inch is a GREAT size instead of the factory installed 9 inch and the unit also has a detachable DVD player in the unit that comes with a power cord to plug it into a AC outlet so you can actually use the DVD player in your hotel room !!. The mounting is also very slim, reulting in your ability to see the rear using the center rear view mirror even when the screen is in the down position.
The flexibility and cost was far more attractive than a factory or built-in aftermarket unit, at least to us. Heck, we could replace them each a number of times before spending as much as the factory system. The only disadvantages are that it takes 15 minutes to install them in the van before a trip and you can't control them from the front. On the other hand, our two older kids can operate them just fine and both have remote controls, too. We don't want the DVD in the vehicle other than for long trips, so the extra setup time isn't an issue for us.
Thoughts?
-murray
Apparently, Honda had two stereo manufactures, one works with the module and one doesn't. He also tought that this would disable the in-dash CD changer. Does it really disable the changer?
I would like to have both, the CD and iPOD. I am also planning
to install a flip-down DVD/LCD. I would like to use the RCA inputs.
Do you see any problems with that?
Thanks
The in-dash CD changer that's part of the factory radio works fine with this adapter. The USA-SPEC shows up as a CD changer when you press the AUX button on the stereo. The ipod connection is CD-5 and the RCA connection is CD-6 (I think-may be 4 and 5)Exactly how it works depends on which mode you set it on. We wanted to use the ipod controls, so we set it on direct mode. You choose the playlist using the ipod, and can switch songs and control volume using the car's controls, including the ones on the steering wheel.
The RCA inputs also work fine. We've only tried plugging the ipod into them, and the volume is lower, but they work. I don't know why it wouldn't work for a DVD player. We may try it sometime ourselves.
The biggest problem was routing the audio cable from the DVD/TV to the front console. Best way is to go thru the passenger pillar, don't go
thru the center pillar where the seat belt is attached. If you do,
you might have problems going over the side air bag.
I basically follow the same directions from Honda for installing
the Honda Ipod interface. You can download it from Honda.
The PA11 will sit behind the globe compartment strap to a metal tube close to the right wall. Remove the globe compartment you will see what I mean. You will drill a hole in the globe compartment to pass cable thru and place the Ipod in globe compartment. There are no power connections for PA11. You will remove the 14 pin plug from the Honda radio and plug the PA11. I don't know where the Honda 14 pin plug goes to. I was expecting an empty slot. But, everything works great.
Hit AUX/XM for Ipod and select disc 6 for RCA inputs.
thanks
In my brief UAT attempt, it worked fine, and sounded way better than the FM modulation. The new front speakers probably helped too!
I have not tried to use the CD player though while the ipod was hooked up. Next time I drive it I will play around a bit with it. It uses CD 5 track 1 as the input, but I have no idea if you can use the CD changer while it is hooked up. Shouldn't be a problem, since even though it shows up as a CD changer, it is running through the aux input.
Not a big deal to unplug the cable though.
The USA spec is nice because there are 2 play modes (playlist and direct), it charges the ipod, plays through the dock connector, and works with the steering wheel stereo controls. At least you can hit the chan. button and skip songs (we usually set it on random anyway, so this is nice).
All functions and displays are available at the same time on the ipod. No display on the radio though.
Oh, and the unit also has RCA inputs, so you can plug in another device, like a sat. radio receiver.
SO, basically the USA spec works like a CD (in terms of audio system functionality), and is worlds better than an FM modulator!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My wife has been bugging me to get a DVD entertainment system installed for our 2 year old. We didn't go with the factory system because it was too expensive. I am looking to purchase an in-dash unit with a headrest mount monitor. I found some headrest mount kits that would work fine, however I am looking for a large screen monitor 8" and up that would work with the headrest mount kit. Does anyone have any good suggestions or ideas? thanks.