DVD/Entertainment Systems

sequoiasoon

Check vizualogic website or Performance Products. Vizualogic makes replacement headrests that drop right in so you don't destroy the original headrests. Added bonus of seperate monitors, many allow a second hook up so one person can watch DVD, the other can use playstation etc.

iluv_wheels

Can I install my custom dual 9" flip LCD screen with DVD in new 2003/2004 Honda Odyssey?

Has any one done it on their 2003 Oddy?

The dealer price is so high. In addition, they only furnish single screen display with 7" screen for $1500.

I would rather buy one 9" AudiVoX LCD w/DVD and another 15" LCD TV/Montitor for $2000 and get it installed for my new 2004 EX-L.

Can I do this w/o voiding the warranty?
Any suggestions?

lsdptl

We just traded in our 2000 Windstar SEl for a 2003 Windstar SEL, the salesperson told us it came with a DVD system, turns out it was a VHS system. We really wanted a DVD system as the only reason we have kept the VHS we have is to play in our car. The dealership refuses to make good on what the salesperson told us. They say too bad you got a good deal on the car. Does anyone know of the asiest way to convert this to a DVD system. We also thought of installing our PS2 in there as it will play DVD's also. Any help would be appreciated!!!

dlandthr

We just picked up our new Sienna XLE last week. We had the dealer add a DVD for us because they assured us it would be the same thing that would have been installed at the factory. Well, we ended up with an Audiovox DVD/TV, roof-mounted. But we no longer have rear seat audio! They took it out to put in the DVD player. Has anyone been able to add a DVD aftermarket and keep the rear seat audio?

deepan

DVD systems (monitor & DVD player as two units). Anyone have any opinions on this regarding reliability, ease of operation, picture quality.

looking at a PT-702cm & PADVD-130

derekh1

does anyone know if you can turn the NAV screen on a 04 accord into a video screen using a new dvd player or the one in the trunk?

blk97aurora

I'm looking to add DVD rear seat video to my 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. Have started research but am having difficulty finding answers. Can anyone comment on factory-installed or MOPAR accessory system (DVD player in-dash with 7" fold-down screen in overhead console plus wireless headphones) in a Grand Caravan, Caravan, T&C, or Voyager (maybe Durango is similar too)? Can anyone verify whether or not wiring for the overhead already exists in these vehicles? I'm in the process of ordering the factory service manual, which may (or may not) be of help.

There are several aftermarket kits available. Hard to find concrete comparisons on features and performance. One thing I'm interested to know is side-to-side viewing angle; I have read that some monitors have very narrow viewing angles. Another is how well the screen can be seen it is bright and sunny outside.

If anyone has experience with installing (or having installed) DaimlerChrysler of aftermarket system, please let us know what you found out.

eggenberger

None of the Chrysler minivans (Voyager, Caravan, or Town and Country) comes with factory wiring for the video system. The Mopar video system comes with all parts including wiring harnesses and templates for cutting the headlining. I bought the video system after I bought my Grand Caravan and had it installed by a place here in town that does automotive electronics.
I bought the complete video system on EBay for $275.00 complete in the sealed box and paid another $220.00 to have it installed. Total of about $500.00. Came with one wireless headset so I bought another headset from the Dodge dealer.
Everyone used to fight to sit in the right front seat, now everyone fights to sit in the middle or rear seats.
Sure makes a great difference on even short trips.
A really great deal on EBay but not sure if I would go for the system if I had to pay list price for parts and labor from the Dodge dealer......

eggenberger

I purchased a Dodge Grand Caravan Sport for my wife without a video system and then found several video systems advertised on EBay over a few months period.
I purchased a complete Mopar system still in the sealed box for $275.00. Opened the box and found that it contained everything including instructions, wiring harnesses, template for cutting the headlining, etc.
A fairly competent do-it-yourselfer could easily do it, however, when my Dodge dealer referred me to the electronics shop here in town where they have them done, I found that the installation price was $225.00 (5 hours labor) and figured that was the way to go. There is only about 1/4" leeway in cutting the opening in the headliner and a new headliner costs more than $225.00!
Came with one wireless earphone and I bought one more at the Dodge dealer.
Whole family loves the system!
Used to be everyone fought to ride in the right front seat, now everyone fights to ride in the middle or rear seats. Makes a big difference even on short trips and with the earphones, I can drive and listen to the radio or my own CDs or cassettes while they watch and listen to the video system.
Only drawback I see is that it restricts vision to the rear through the inside rearview mirror a bit.
My total price (system, installation, extra headset, etc.) came to about $535.00 which was well worth it expecially as it is factory original as opposed to aftermarket.
Don't know if I would get it if I had to pay full Chrysler price though.......
To answer your other questions -- the stock van does not have any wiring included for the video system, everything needed comes with the kit.
There is nothing in the shop manual for the video system, again everything comes with the kit.
The viewing angle on the screen is very wide and the color intensity is such that it is clearly visible in bright sunlight without being too glaring at night. Overall, I would have to rate this very high in quality.
By the way, the users manual for video system is the same size as the users manual for the van.....
If you shop for the Mopar kit on the aftermarket, the system for any Mopar minivan from 2001 up will fit, however, make sure that the color matches or complements the interior color of your van.
****My apologies for the duplicate entry above. I posted the first entry and it didn't show up. I thought it got lost somewhere in "that great bitbucket in the sky" so I reposted.****
 

blk97aurora

Howard,

Thanks for your very informative reply. You got a great deal for your system; I have been looking on eBay, too, but not found anything yet. Dealer list price for the 2004 system is $1395 plus installation. What year is your GC Sport?

MOPAR parts book shows 1.5 hours labor for installation; sounds like a low figure.

I have found several internet sources that quote discounts off MSRP. Problem I am encountering now is that no dealers (both internet and brick-and-mortar) can get the system -- back-ordered for an indeterminate time.

I am encouraged by your desciption of the wide viewing angle and brightness. Thanks

highender

I was thinking about installing two monitors and a DVD player in my car, and a local electronics install shop said about $1500, all included, but not Alpine equipment. (pioneer and some other monitor)
Went to Canepa Designs, and they quoted me $5000 at least, but will include the better equipment like Alpine.

basement_trout

I'm not finding anyone (besides the two on Amazon) who have the Audiovox Overhead DVD LCD system (VOD 806). I would like to here some life experience with this model vs. say the Sony Mobile DVD Dream System. I'm interested in hearing about the smaller screens (Sony's is only 7" dia.) and where anyone has had the DVD player put on a 2003 Sienna. (I don't have a center console and I didn't want it installed under the middle row captain's chairs.) Thanks.

Kirstie_H

A magazine reporter is looking to interview automotive technophiles who have DVD players, MP3 players, satellite radio and/or surround systems in their cars and cannot wait for the next big thing to come so they can add it to their rolling entertainment centers.
Please respond no later than Wednesday, February 4 to jfallon@edmunds.com with your daytime contact info, make/model of vehicle and a sense of the entertainment technology you have and aspire to own.
Thanks!
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

tantemommy

We're considering buying a new Chevy Venture. We would prefer to buy the model without the DVD and add it ourselves. We can't quite figure out if it's possible to install it because the rear audio and air controls are where the DVD would go. When it comes factory the air, audio and DVD all come together.

Thanks - Stephanie

nwng

I saw two din size dvd/cd player made by alpine and panasonic. They're just cd/dvd players with no motorized screen. I wonder if it can work with a separate lcd screen that flips down.

The dvd/cd player costs about $500,
an individual lcd screen (10.5") costs about $800 and it comes with wireless headphones. By putting the player in the factory receiver opening, you can have access to the car audio system and play your regular cd if you're not watching a movie. I think the trick is to feed the audio signal from the screen to the dash receiver.

Anyone has any idea how this works?

thanks

lookingfordvd

Does anyone have any experience with the portable DVD system made by Karview? (see www.karview.com)

jack1619

or should we save the $1500 and install an aftermarket version? If so will it look like crap and be a safety issue (flying around in an accident). What type do people recommend.
We are looking at Minivans (Sienna, Odyssey and Town and Country)
Thanks,
Jack

jazzyroo

I have a question, I just bought a Dodge Ram, which has the same stereo system as my Chrysler T&C. I have a Factory DVD system in the Chrysler (it has a sunroof as well - someone asked about that earlier) and it works great, the Dodge dealer stated that they don't have a factory DVD for the Dodge so they installed an aftermarket type. They used some type of RF modulator and so now, if I leave town, it doesn't work, it gets fuzzy through the speakers and then completely is gone. The CD/Tape system in my Chrysler has a "mode" button on it which allows me to change from CD to DVD, this stereo in the Dodge has the same button, but since the system is not hooked up to the stereo in the same way, the button doesn't work. Does anyone know how I can get this aftermarket system that the dealership had installed to go through the stereo using this button rather than the FM stereo and toggle switch system which does NOT work past 50 miles out of the city??? My children love to watch the movies when we travel, and I like to listen to them, the headsets are very expensive and I don't want to have to buy additional sets for the kids (they only come with 2 and it is over $50 per headset after that) nor do the headsets work well, they are too big for my children and have to be on - just right - or they don't work, since they are wireless, I don't know if I could replace them with another type.... Unfortunately, this system is useless to me in it's current state.
Thank you

carguy1234

Does anybody know which aftermarket DVD players can play DVD +R (recorded) discs? Some say they can play DVD -R, but I know from experience that many home players can play DVD +R's, even though they don't mention support for that in their specs.

Thanks

teeball2

According to JD Power customer satisfaction survey for Rear Seat DVD systems, Panasonic products ranked #1-12 in the top 20 systems in vehicles rated in production. They had products in GM trucks, Honda's Odyssey, and a few Nissans, but must have the right formula on ease of use, screen quality, etc...as they dominated the market survey. I have an Audiovox system in my Chrysler Pacifica and it is very un-reliable and cumbersome to use. So I started looking around at the market data and found that JD power info...good luck!

stever

Murder by DVD distraction? (MSNBC)

Steve, Host

stever

Not Guilty (KTUU)

Steve, Host

rockey

I would like to buy several wireless headsets for a 2003 Mercury Mountaineer with a factory DVD installation. Any ideas where to get them??

masterpaul1

Thanks for your info. We have a 2001 GC EX and the dealer wants $1800.00 for it which includes two sets of head phones. This is a lot of money and me and my wife really don't want to spend this hind of money for a video unit. I've checked around at Circuit City and Best Buy but those units are not to my liking. The two concerns that we have are: 1) The dealer installed unit DVD monitor has the second and third row temp. controls and light on it; 2) The DVD unit it's self is in the dash board below the temp. controls. How is your unit set up in your van?

jaylard

I haven't been able to find much information on the official Honda web site or by Googling, so I'm hoping a forum participant may be able to help: Does anyone know (or can they point me to where I can find) the specs for the DVD rear entertainment system used in the 2005 Odyssey? Primarily, can the player only play commercial DVDs, or can it also play DVD-R discs, CD-R or CD-RW discs containing MP3 or WMA files? And what is the resolution (not the dimensions) of the RES screen? And is the player capable of progressive scan output? Thanks.

momstruck1

the dvd was factory installed our friend got the xle with the dealer installed dvd and all kinds of problems have occurred from no voice to no picture it has to be replaced next week. I love my van and would reccommed it to everyone . i also wanted to say it plays all the videos we have ever put in it dvdr's and cd's with video on them. works great.

jaylard

momstruck1,

"it plays all the videos we have ever put in it dvdr's and cd's with video on them. works great."

Thanks for the firsthand feedback on your factory-installed DVD rear entertainment system.

Further to my original post, regarding specs for the factory-installed DVD RES on the 2005 Honda Odyssey, does anyone know who manufactures the unit?

topn

I'm considering a portable system for our '05 Odyssey primaruly because we plan to use it only for long trips. I haven't made up my mind yet but here's a site that has many interesting options:

www.mp3playerstore.com

gypsy2

Hi,
Wondering whether there exist any known hack code to turn RES system on sienna '05 and honda odyssey '05 into universal player. We have some DVDs which are from non-North American region.

Thanks

ewt

I doubt there is such a code, but you can copy the DVDs and remove/change the region code using DVD Shrink.

jesses

Can someone help me and tell me how I add my Rio MP3 player to the 2005 Honda Odyssey with the auxilary inputs by the third row. Please be specific.
jesses

stever

Try the Honda Odyssey Owners-Audio & Video Ideas discussion too.

Steve, Host

bepete

Quick question...

Can a movie played in the Sienna RES be heard throughout the entire vehicle? Or is it only audible through the wireless headphones?

Thanks.

ewt

You can listen to DVDs on the speakers and/or headphones. Some people don't realize that you can do it through the speakers (Car and Driver being one example) because there isn't a "DVD" source button on the head unit, but if you push the "DISK" button twice, you select the DVD player as the source.

lalakeroppi

I need help in this area too. I just purchased an 05 Odyssey and the salesman said it will play copied dvd. I tried a couple of my copied DVDs and VCDs, none of them works. The commercial ones work fine. Is there something I need to tweek when making the copies, or any program for me to turn on the Odyssey for this?

ewt

What kind of DVD media are you using? DVD -R is generally the most compatiable for DVD players.

lalakeroppi

Thanks for the reply. I'm using DVD -R and DVDXCopy is the software used to make these copies.
These DVD backups play fine on my home DVD players but when inserted into the Odyssey RES, it stopped at the Warning page (generated by DVDXCopy).
With the VCD copies that I made with Clone CD, it simply says invalid disk. Any idea why ? or recommended workarounds?

javner

Last week we had a Sony Dream System (MV-7101DS)installed in our 2004 Expedition XLT (Sunroof and Rear A/C). Circuit City did the installation. I am amazed how clean of a job they did. Color of the system matches the headliner perfectly.

With the RF Modulator we had installed, we tune to a specific station and it comes through the speakers after flipping a switch. B/c the truck has rear audio we can either use the Sony headphones or wired headphones as the kids get older.

Many of the current systems put the player and screen together. With young children we wanted access to the player up front, so the Sony fit the bill. There is also a seperate box with I think 3 sets of inputs on it for anything the kids come up with later (video games, cameras etc.) Total out the door with installation, Modulator, extend warranty, taxes minus the rebate was $830. Considerably less than the Ford system ($1500 just for the unit).

So far, don't really see any downside for going with aftermarket instead of the factory system.

deepan

we installed a power acoutik on our 00 sienna an yr ago. The price was around $1100 installed. It came with a 8" screen and a dvd player mounted below the second row seat. We also installed a Toy-Aux connector from PIE electronics which basically plugs into the original head unit. the CD button on the head unit controls the DVD audio aswell. It also came with2 wireless headsets and the kids could listen to the DVD while we can tune into another station in front.

carguy1234

If you are getting the DVD-Backup page, then try hitting the Menu button (or whatever it is called on your player). Some DVD players will not automatically move past the warning screen. I have to do this on one of my DVD's.

On a related note, I had contacted both Honda and Toyota about the ability of their RES systems to play DVD+R's. Neither would say that they could, but they both weasel worded the answers to cover all bases.

ewt

"On a related note, I had contacted both Honda and Toyota about the ability of their RES systems to play DVD+R's. Neither would say that they could, but they both weasel worded the answers to cover all bases"

I haven't had any luck with DVD +Rs in my Sienna, but I've only tried two brands and I'm pretty sure some people on siennaclub have had success with them so there must be some brands that work. All 3 or 4 brands of DVD -Rs I've used have worked.

bbug1

I do my backups with dvd shrink. They have worked perfectly in both my 03 Pilot and 05 Odyssey. Do a google search for dvd shrink and the rest is easy...and free.

aml05

Does anybody know if the DVD entertainment system in the 2005 Town & Country plays DVD-R discs? Thanks for your input!

carguy1234

Thanks for the tip! DVD shrink, along with DVD Decrypter, seem to be a better way to go. Less compatibility problems and more options for burning.

lalakeroppi

Thanks for your reply. I tried disks backup by DVD shrink, and those DVDs play fine. Yeh...
I'll also try your suggestion soon regarding pressing the enter key when it gets to the backup page.

prasadtk

I read somewhere that it is harder to install aftermkt unitds in the 2005 Odyssey. is this true - has anyone actually got one installed ? any opinions on buying the factory installed vs. aftermarket ? i am having to pay $1800 for the Honda factory installed unit - is there a lower price i can negotiate for it ? thanks!

stever

Check over in the Honda Odyssey Owners-Audio & Video Ideas discussion too.

Steve, Host

deymayor

the dealer installed a visteon 10-in dockable DVD player in my EXL and it's wonderful! you can also take it out and it works as a stand-alone DVD player so you can watch movies anywhere. it also comes with standard 2 wireless headset and has a built-in FM modulator so you can use the car stereo sound if you want. paid $1300 and comes with a 3yr/36,000 miles warranty, a lot better than the factory-installed RES.

danog

We bought our 04 Sienna without the DVD option primarily b/c the price and screen size. I am currently searching for a roof mounted DVD system that will work with the JBL surround system and rear seat audio. The dealer option or whats being refered to as port install is a 6.8" Audiovox unit. For the size and price I believe I can do better but don't want to sacrifice on the audio or quality.

Since technical information isn't easily found like in home theater equipment I'm wondering if anyone here knows what systems will work as a "close to factory" install in the Sienna's. Something with an 8-9" screen would be the right size.

newhere

I have a Choo Choo Customs "General" package in a 2003 Express that was purchased used. Having no paperwork with the vehicle from the conversion company, my 12 year old has figured out all aspects of the rear flip down system except one. How do you get the speakers to play with all audio and video? He has headphones and they work fine with the radio/cd and the video/vcp/dvd. But we can't figure out how to make the surface mounted speakers come on.