DVD/Entertainment Systems

boesman1

Anyone have any info on where to obtain another headset for my T&C. 3 kids and only 2 headsets leads to problems. I think I recall reading that these were standard 900mhz wireless units, can someone confirm that

Thanks in advance

kayode_65

As a follow up to my earlier post #198, we picked up the T&C today and inserted the video into the VCR to power it up (I did not get a remote or headphones with it).

When I pressed the speaker button on the VCR, it cut out the sound from the radio and I was expecting sound from the movie through the speakers, but this did not happen. I powered the radio on/off and the speaker button on the VCR stopped cutting out the radio sound.

Can anyone shed some light if the sound should be coming out of the speakers. I don't want the kids to have headphones on all the time especially as I have a 4 and 2 year old + the older boys.

Regarding my earlier post, how easy is it to swap the mopar VCR for an aftermarket DVD player? Does anyone have ideas.

Thanks

furyfan

Mra1 - - send me an email at markz@fuse.net

boesman1 - - The factory installed 05 T&C should be a IR system not a RF system (900 mhz). I would play it safe and get one from the dealer. If memory serves me right they were not excessively expensive.

Earlier units (believe 2003 and older) used 900 mhz wireless. If yours was not factory installed and the transmitter is in the DVD or radio (both possible) then the system would be 900 mhz. The IR units have the transmitter in the overhead console.

Hope this helps.

philberto

http://philbert.lh.net/SEDONA_DVD_BACK_5088.JPG
http://philbert.lh.net/SEDONA_DVD_NIGHT_5108.JPG

And it can do a little more...

http://philbert.lh.net/SEDONA_NAV_FRONT_5080.JPG
http://philbert.lh.net/SEDONA_NAV_FRONT_NIGHT_5103.JPG

Since I had the laptop for work it only cost me $99 bucks for the GPS NAV. Works for me!

Phil ~

ateixeira

Does it fit on top of those two arm rests? For the DVD viewing I'd try to put it closer to the back seat.

I can wedge one in there on my Forester, or I put a box or some luggage between the kids and strap the laptop on to that.

-juice

philberto

Hello again, ateixeira. It does fit on top of the arm rests. I'm not crazy about it being there, but it does work. I only have one child, so she is fine with it being on that Sedona table. I am searching for a D400. If I can get one at a good price, I will dedicate it to the van. Thanks for the tip!

Phil ~

ateixeira

So it does fit on the armrest.

I guess you can't use the NAV if it's there, you'd have to get 2 laptops!

-juice

mike89

Hi-

How long did it take you for the install? How happy are you with the performance of the system? Also does it play DVD-R's

Thanks-

Mike

mike89

Hi-

Have you bought the shuttle unit? I have also been looking at it but have not decided?

wood4

I have 2003 Ford Windstar with the VCP player and I too want to convert it to a DVD player. Any suggestions on how this can be done? -- I apologize for jumping in here on the T&C post but can not find anyone discussing this with regards to my van. --
Thanks

charles218

I need to replace the wireless headphones and DVD remote control for my 04 Sienna. The original items were stolen, possibly when the car was in for new tires. :mad: I would like to find out if I can use non-Toyota brand items as I suspect that the cost will be much less. Does anyone know if different brands will work and what specs I need to look for?

Thanks!

cfujoe

I have the DVD system in my 2002 Chevy Venture (just got it used) and am having problems playing some movies. Some movies play just fine, but some are stuck on 'Reading...' (for example: Toy Story 2)

Has anyone had any experience with this?

momof3

I am not familiar with the Venture system, but my home DVD unit had to be "upgraded". Disney movies were the only movies not working. I took it back to Best Buy two years after I had purchased it, they cleaned it. Since that did not work, I contacted Disney, they recommended calling the manufacture of the DVD player.
The manufacture said that there was an update that could be done, but it was cheaper to replace the unit than to fix it. Since I had purchased the extended warranty I thought Best Buy would give me a replacement, but to my surprise they did update the DVD player.
Perhaps you have a factory unit and purchased an extended warranty? I would fight for them to fix it. If the DVD player is aftermarket, you may be out of luck, unless you are able to contact the manufacturer.

amunson

I just went throught the same thing, I purchased headphones for my short wheel base ( Town and Country) van. from Amazon and couldn't get them to work. I agree alittle misleading. Thanks for helping us solve our problem. If you find a solution let us know.. thanks.

furyfan

"If you find a solution let us know."

Read my earlier posts (past couple months) for solutions..............

mikegiller

I'm very interested in purchasing an Avalon, however wondering wether or not a DVD monitor can be placed in the headliner even if the car is optioned with a sunroof. I want the best of both worlds :P I don't want TVs in the headrests, only a big fat screen in the headliner. What are my possibilities for an aftermarket screen and DVD system in the Avalon without removing the stock JBL Synthesis system because it's a great stereo... would adding a pre-amp to it make 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS a possibility. Experts, if you can answer this question! Please.

I'm good with home audio/theatre systems, but not very good with the car audio.

mikegiller

Also, instead of the JBL system, for the Touring model, which is the one I'm wanting, how would that work?! Anyone? :confuse:

rbess

Did you ever resolve this issue. I just got a 2005 Grand Caravan with the same issue. I have the in dash 6 DVD player but no display. I can install an after market display but Dodge is telling us that only their units will work on their machine and I don't believe them. Any thoughts?

rbess

I just got a 2005 Grand Caravan that has the 6 disc DVD player but they didn't install the over head video display. I can install an aftermarket display for under 150 but the dealer is telling me that only the Dodge display will work on their player. I'm going to test that out myself this weekend but does anyone know if their telling me the truth. Can an aftermarket display work on the factory installed player?

Thanks.

cfyus

I have a Toyota Sienna 2004 LE and want to install an overhead monitor with DVD. There is a console installed on the roof , of course, nothing inside and there is no in-dash DVD player in my car. Is it just simply to buy a All-in-one video system to replace the console ? Is it pre-wired for installing video system?

Can anyone tell me which products you've installed it operates well in your Sienna? What should I need to know when looking for the products?

I read several messages says that 'After installed DVD pkg, it will lose the rear audio option' So, how to play the movie's audio through the factory audio system? Do I need to buy the DVD system with some options to tackle this problem? Hope you can give me an advice. Many thanks.

sjfranke

No I never got an answer, so I installed Audiovox custom headrest with DVD. There are 2 separate units a master with its own DVD and a slave without. I planned to hook up the slave to the in dash dvd. However, when I took it to the installer, they said they could not hook it up this way because the connections on the back of the Chrysler dvd player are proprietary to their wiring. I have to believe there is a way to do it, but have not had a chance to check with a Chrysler technician. I do really like the custom headrest. They matched the leather interior perfectly.

deepan

you can buy a all in one unit (DVD monitor & player to gether lime a MYron davie unit) or two separate unit. This is what i have. Prices have come down sharply
DVD

qcp400

Just browsed your post and thought to add my two cents: The back of your factory changer should have two connectors (12 pin & 16 pin) the 12 pin connector is the one which supplies the video signal and can be modified to send the signal to your headrest monitor. You will use pins 5 (video common) 6 (video signal) and 12 (video shield). I have modified a similar unit for my own T&C with excellent results.

To modify the 12 pin connector I first stopped by a local Chrysler dealer, spoke to one of the guys in the service department who was willing to allow me to get one of their trashed electrical connectors in a used parts bin. I matched up the size of the female pins in the old connector to the male pins of the DVD player and once at home cut the pins out of the old connector for the mod.

Leaving about 4" of wire on the end of each female connector, I then shrink wrapped the bare end of the connector as a precaution and then slid each wire down onto the proper pins (5,6 & 12). The remaining (pins) are 1, 2, 7 &9 and are not used for this mod as they are for the overhead factory screen. These should be shrink wrapped using the same method as described above and then capped off.

Once you have the connections in place you can use clear silicone to fill the connector cavity. This helps lock the pins in place and provides additional insulating protection.

Now you have a video signal, video common and video shield that you can solder onto a standard female RCA connector for use with your headrest monitor. I used additional shrink wrap on the three wires to beef them up a bit.

I hope you find this helpful.

phylos

I checked the sources you suggested but didn't see anything that'd help. I suppose that what I'd really like to know is the make and model number for the DVD player in the 2002 Pontiac Montana factory entertainment system. I've searched google up and down but can't seem to find this information. Is this information available or is it top secret? Thanks!

stever

Well, from a bit of nosing around, it's probably a Delphi brand system (can you say bankruptcy and pending GM bailout?).

The '99 Silhouette's RES was unbranded (but used a Sharp display).

The go.delphi.com site lists a remote if you drill down in Product Family to Consumer Electronics to Entertainment to Mobile Video (note the mobile -- not good):

Delphi

Then if you go search for DELPHI MV10007-11B1 MOBILE VIDEO REMOTE CONTROL, which seems to be a possibility (although no application was listed at the above site), you can find old links that sold them for $17 to $25 US. Even Amazon is sold out, but I only glanced at a couple of hits. There's a couple on eBay but who knows if it'll actually work with your unit if you buy one, since yours is OEM/factory installed and this is for a portable unit.

Unless a GM tech stumbles in here, about the only idea I have is to email SEMA at www.enjoythedrive.com or some online radio store like Crutchfield.

Steve, Host

gaynix

I just purchased a 2004 Chey Trailblazer. The pre-owners must not have left the wireless earphones with the car. 1) where can I purchase replacement earphones and 2)how do I get DVD audio through my car speakers?

Hope you can help or redirect my questions.

Thanks,

Gay

amx69

Great info - one question, RCA connector only has 2 connections, center pin and outside connector, would think the outside was shield. Not sure where the 3 connections would go.

And would anyone have any idea on what the other connections are for. I know audio right and left, but what do these do:
DVD play
IR enable
VSM +/-/common

And a tip for those not able to find individual connectors, you can order just the cable from dealer that has 12 pin connector on one end and and run up to aftermarket sceen and cut the connector off the other end that would go to the factory screen.

Thanks

qcp400

The video signal will solder to the center pin while video common & video shield can both be soldered to the outside connector. The other connectors are for the factory screen and won't be needed for adding the aftermarket piece.

clitch

I got the 6 disc DVD player, was wondering if anyone knows if there is a hack to make the player region free. My kids speak English and German, Germany is Region 2. Like to have the option of Region 1 or 2 to play.

mdv

I am using my work laptop for not only GPS with Microsoft Streets and Trips-works great btw--but also using my MP3 files through the radio via FM transmitter-Belkin brand. Absolutely no problems whatsoever--and especially when playing a DVD, the soundtrack of the movie is exceptional. ("I" am not the one watching the video while driving mind you-back seat passengers only as my laptop is mounted on a homemade pedestal between the two front seats.) Mount was fabricated from old camera tripod by utilizing center leg and removing three folding legs. Even tilts and pans for viewing GPS and Outlook while driving.
Anyway....point of this post was to inquire if anyone has done something similar to this, and what other ways is the laptop being used? As stated--currently using mine for music and video system/GPS Nav/communications...e-mail, etc. Two ideas I am hoping to find available if anyone knows if such are: Real-time engine monitoring software using OBD software, and radar detecting software. I know of the OBD stuff out there, but have yet to ever hear of radar detection programs. Seems to me that if a GPS antenna can be used for Navigation, surely there is an antenna similar which would detect radar, and then connect through USB port and operate through software on computer. Any ideas?

stever

Paisan has been doing some PC stuff in his car(s) and I think some OBD stuff too, but I'm not sure if it's real time - you can find him most often in the Subaru Crew - Modifications II discussion. There's also the Hackaday site, with links like this.

I saw a bunch of other hack sites while nosing around for DVD region fixes for Clitch's issue, but didn't see any radar detection stuff (nor did I run across any region fixes for car DVDs).

Do you still have your Quest? I hacked my window switch and got it working. :-)

Steve, Host

mdv

Yep...still have 2000 SE with over 200K now. No major probs other than having to replace timing belt, water pump, etc--basic stuff. And of course the driver side window switch has been replaced--piece of cake actually. In regards to the hack a day site you mentioned, I just saw that the other day myself. I prefer what I have because of versatility of moving it out of the van into my hotel room-being a sales rep keeps one hopping in and out of hotels on a regular basis. I did stumble across a "kinda-sorta" OBD thingy a few minutes ago-Scan Gauge, or something like that. Doesn't hook into PC as best I can tell, but gives the type of info I would be looking for-and real time at that. I will go check out Paisan for whatever ideas he may have. And thanks for bringing that to my attention.

kmcdonald

When I first started shopping for an 05 Town and Country or Grand Caravan, finding one with the 6 disc DVD was easier than finding one with both the 6disc DVD and the 7" screen.

THe Dodge salesman I spoke with told me he could easily have a 10" aftermarket screen installed that would work just fine with DVD player in the Van. I have no idea what brand it would be because I didn't end up buying an '05.

Now I'm shopping for an '06, and I can easily find one with the factory screen, but the idea of a screen that's 3" larger is really attractive. It's the fit and Finish of the install, and features that concern me.

Has anyone put an aftermarket screen in a GC or T&C? Did it go right into the sliding ceiling rail system like the factory one? What if you had the Sunroof, and there are no rails? what kind of controls are available in the back? remote? IR for headphones?

Do any of the aftermarket screens for the GC or T&C include a DVD player? Part of me wants to keep movies in the changer, but another part of me wants to listen to CD's and MP3's while the kids watch a movie with the headphones. I think I'd need 2 players to do this, no?

Actually if I get the GPS Nav system, I'll have 2 players, but I've heard the GPS doesn't work unless you leave the Data DVD in the drive, so that one may not count.

Thanks for any info you can provide! (Web links appreciated.)

-Kyle

fish8

I thought I have read that some, if not all, aftermarket DVD players may not fit or be compatable with the Chrysler vans. I hope I'm wrong. We do enjoy the DVD in our '05 T&C.

steinbichler

Hi I have the same issue. Did you get any feedback?

robby2

phylos - Were you able to resolve this problem? I have 2002 Montana and need a remote also. Thanks

lashleroux15

Regarding after-market DVD systems for '05/'06 T&C's:

We have an '05 T&C LX (doesn't have the rail system) and installed a Jensen 8.5" DVD player/screen. Hardwired it into the radio antenna and it comes with a remote plus 2 sets of headphones. Works great and installed it behind the rear a/c controls in the ceiling so there was minimal modifications needed.

It works great, the kids love it and we can listen to the radio while they use the headphones (or just flip a switch to listen to it through the stock system). The 8.5" screen isn't as big as others out there but considering it's location, you have no problem seeing it (even the 3rd row since I tested it out back there).

Best part about it was the cost is only $450 (not including installation, etc which puts it at $620) from Circuit City. In our case, the local shop there is known for doing good work and did a solid job on the install.

I do know there is an Audiovox 10" unit which is specially made to replace the rear A/C controls on the Town and Country. It's cost was outrageous from what I've seen ($1500) so we passed.

esd

I have a DVD system in my T&C 2003 installed from factory, it is region 4 but I want to change it to region 1. Somebody knows how to do that or the brand of the manufacturer of the dvd system?

andrzejw

hi , i own 2005 town &country touring .

i have problem with 6 disc DVD ,somehow it's stock and
the disc dosn't go in .anybody can help me ? thak you .

ateixeira

Does removing the ignition key really kill the power completely? If not, try disconnecting the battery, maybe. That would at least reset it.

If you have an alarm, read the manual before you do that.

-juice

melby05

I was reading your responses and I think you can help me with my question. I am looking to buy an in dash DVD player for my 1999 Nissan Maxima. I want the front seat passenger to be able to watch while I'm driving. So, my question is how exactly would I accomplish this in my car? I also know that different models have different safety features, so which DVD players would you suggest for me to get so I can use the DPST? I really liked that idea. What I am looking for in my DVD player is DVD-/+, MP3, and CD-/+ compatible, navigation system (if this helps look like I'm not watching a DVD and also if it isn't too expensive), 7 inch screen, and swivel. I also, would like to know if I could hard-wire an IPOD to it cause my ITrip does not work? I'm looking at a price range of $500-1000. I also need to know how to find someone to install this for me. Thank you!

skennedy0911

I had to have the factory installed DVD player in my T&C replaced. I ordered a factory DVD player. After installation, the rear audio portion of the DVD player no longer works. If someone wants to watch a movie the whole car has to listen to it. The rear audio still works for the radio & the CD player. I have been told that Chrysler's DVD players that they are selling now are not compatible with the radio and that the only way to get it to work is to buy a new factory radio ($600) :mad: . Does anyone know a workaround?

captainp

Was wondering if anyone has experienced this; when the DVD player is on there is no AM radio, FM works just no AM. I have an 06 Sienna and would be curious to hear from other vehicle owners. I searched through a good portion of this board and could not find anything similar.

Thanks in advance and this another great resource board.

stever

Check out the Toyota Sienna Owners Club here too.

Steve, Host

lashleroux15

You can use almost any in-dash dvd to accomplish that. Your price range is a problem though.

My suggestion would be a jvc kd5100 dvd/mp3 player. It has a/v inputs for the ipod and then you can buy a separate screen to mount on the passenger side somewhere. This way you can expand things if you want later and stay out of trouble with the cops. You can get 7" screens for $130 and the head unit for $240 (if you install yourself). If you wanted a screen on the driver's side for using the mp3 menus, etc. get a 4" to mount on the rear-view mirror.

It can all be tied into the JVC since it has video outputs.

xc90volvo

I just bought a 2006 Volvo XC90 and had them install the aftermarket Volvo overhead DVD entertainment system. However, they failed to tell me that the sound from this DVD unit would not play through the car speakers. You have to listen to it via headphones or thru the lousy speaker that's attached to the unit. Does anyone know if there’s an after market FM transmitter that can be plugged into the unit so I can get it to play through the radio?

deafanddumb

I'm having the same problem with my newly-purchased 2005 Volvo XC70. We paid for the aftermarket DVD system (very expensive!) and were disappointed after installation to find an Advent(?) DVD player which will only transmit to 2 included Audiovox headphones. (I'm not even sure if our player has a built-in speaker: I'll have to check in the morning.) -- Anyway, headphones are super-dangerous to hearing (ask any audiologist) and it's compounded by the fact that my 4-year-old daughter would be the prime user....I reluctantly gave the system a try today, starting a DVD and adjusting the headphone volume to a low level before putting them on my daughter. Sure enough, within minutes my daughter somehow turned up the volume control (placed on one of the headphone ear-cups) and had the volume to a potentially damaging level. Luckily I caught it almost immediately and pulled the damned headphones off her.
This stupid system in my opinion renders the DVD system dangerous and basically worthless.
To answer your question, I called the after-market installers and they said there is an FM transmitter available ($150). Downside: it is apparently prone to interference and/or static.
I'm going to look at other aftermarket systems and, if available, ask my dealer to take this dangerous rig out and try something else. Failing that, I'll try the FM transmitter because I'm not going to risk using these headphones.
Volvo really blew this one: I'm baffled why a safety-conscious outfit like Volvo would have (apparently)only one option in DVD units, and that option utilizes headphones which will likely be used by kids who can't be expected to safeguard their hearing! Bad, bad design flaw!
Other than that, like the car.
Good luck on your quest, too.......

cdwiseman

Help please. Does anyone know how to remove the dvd player from the overhead rail system on a 2005 Montana or SV6?

srodick

My 2005 T&C Limited with DVD and video was totaled. I bought 2006 Limited with DVD player but without video. I took the video and mounting plate off the 2005 and want to put it in the 2006. Before I cut up my headliner, I have the following questions:

1. Will the video screen work in the 2006 since it was bought without the video option?

2. Will the 2006 have the connector above the headliner to plug the screen into (as was the case with the 2005)? If not, then what?

3. What is the best way to cut the headliner without butchering it up or cutting into wires above?

dudleyr

I don't get the question. DVD is video. Do you mean VHS, or something else?