Honda Odyssey Audio, iPod, Bluetooth, Video Questions

dd25dd · July 2005

Hi
Do anybody knows where and if i could add XM to my new EXL ?
the dealer wants way to much about $600

dulnev · July 2005

What exactly are you asking? You already know that you can add the XM radio and you know how much it would cost. Are you looking for an alternative to the Honda factory XM radio? If so, you'd just have to go with the standard kind of external units sold for any vehicle. Or you can order the Honda Unit and try to install it yourself. You may be able to save $200, but it is a VERY hard install, as far as I know.

applauz · July 2005

What Kind of wireless modulator did you use with your laptop, I had not thought of this option before. I have a 2005 Odyssey with a aux switch on my stereo, but they want upwards of 200 bucks to get an adapter to make it work. I want to hear the audio from my laptop for my gps, mp3s etc. through my Vans Speakers. Any Help you could give me would be greatly appreciated!! THANKS!!

toddnoel · July 2005

maulana,

I have the same problem with my EX-L with RES on the 05 Odyssey. However, my problem started after I had Honda replace the radio/CD player after my cd's (with paper labels) got stuck in the 6 disk changer. Now with the new RES radio, the kids cannot use the wireless headsets with the DVD player! However, the wireless headset does work with the CD player and FM/AM radio. I have not taken the radio back to Honda to have them figure out what is wrong. However, I thought I would ask if you have resolved this problem and if so what did you do to fix it.

Thanks

ddonn · July 2005

I just picked up an EX without RES and tried to get a high-end audio/video shop to install a ceiling mounted RES. Due to the side airbags that are everywhere in the 2005, and their fear of setting them off, they won't touch the ceiling! Now looking at headrest units, which are smaller and cost a fortune. They also only have the headrest units in leather and I have an EX with cloth.

Honda screwed this up in the 2005 Odyssey! No way to add a roof-mounted RES! Must buy factory! If you want RES, buy it on the vehicle!

plutter · July 2005

I also just purchased on '05 Touring model. I am not using XM currently, so don't know the answer to your question. Where is the AUX port to plug in a ipod? There are no inputs/ports on the front of the radio/CD player.

crystaltod · July 2005

That is very good advice to purchase factory installed RES.

I learned my lesson back in 2001 when I purchased my Sienna and had a highly recommended local shop install my RES. They installed that ugly wireless headphone transmitter right in the center of my dash!! If I moved it, there would be holes left visible.

Plus the cost savings was negligible after I paid for the unit and then the install.

My best friend purchased the 2005 ODY Touring and had the dealer install her RES. It's her only complaint about the vehicle (taken back several times for adjustments) and she wishes she would have gotten the OEM.

mich_chow · August 2005

Thank you both, ddonn and crystaltod.

I have decided to get a factory installed RES for my 2005 Odyssey. In fact, I am getting an EX-L RES & NAV. I know I am paying about 2K more for the NAV system, but figured that I may get $800-$1200 back (for the NAV) when I sell my van (maybe). So, I am basically using the NAV system for about 1K, which I think is a small amount to pay for the NAV compared to the total price of the vehicle (about $31.5K).

Another question about audio video that I have is -- does anyone know what type of DVDs will or will not play in the 2005 RES system? For example, you can buy different types of DVD writes, for example, stand alone ones or those in the computers. Also, there are many types of DVDs (DVD R+-, RW+- etc, etc.). If anyone has any experience with burning DVDs themselves and playing them in the 2005 Odyssey, and would share with this forum, that would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

proaxe · August 2005

I am looking at putting in a headrest DVD monitor system. Couple of questions.
Does anyone know if a control unit can be installed in the vehicle, like in the accessory compartment under the ac controls? Or do you have to mount it under a seat or somewhere? I appears that accessory compartment is just about the right size for a dvd control unit but appears you would have to have special trim kit to look right. For headrest systems, has anyone had a screen mounted unit into the headrest? If so, what is the largest size screen that will fit?

Thanks in advance for your replies!

ddonn · August 2005

I did not end up installing screens IN the headrests. I'm going with stand alone player/screen units from Audiovox ("DVD Shuttle" systems) that strap to the headrests. Sony also has a new unit coming out in a couple of weeks that is similar. For a number of reasons, none of which you will care about, this worked best for me and my family. However, I spent a LOT of time digging into this whole mess..... and money really wasn't a big issue.
RE: player.... the shops I spoke to recommended removing the drawer under the front passenger seat and putting the player in there. Also need a video distribution unit (no big deal, basically just a little video amp/splitter) if you're also going with screens mounted in the back headrests and not just the two front headrests. You can get some pretty small player units, so you probably could get a shop to place it in the accessory compartment instead of under the seat.
RE: screens -- I was looking at replacement headrests (even Circuit City sells them now). One brand name is "vizualogic", but there are at least two more I saw. They're supposed to match perfectly. They look outstanding, very cool. Pull off your factory headrests and put in the new ones, the wires run through the posts and connect to power/video/audio wires fished through the seat. It is also possible to get headrest mounted units where one of the screens has an integrated player (the top of one of the screens pivots out and you slip the disc in the side). I saw replacement headrest screens up to 10 inch screen size, but at that size the headrests start getting pretty big. Of course, you can also get (or the shops can get) replacement kits (check Crutchfield.com or jcwhitney.com) where you actually cut into your factory headrests and install screens yourself. If you're not so daring or want to save some money, they also sell brackets that connect to the headrest posts and enable you to mount screens directly behind (not in) the headrests. Don't know what you do with the wires in that case.

ravichander · August 2005

DVD+R works in the factory installed DVD player. Have not tried DVD-R

svchelp · August 2005

We purchased a 2005 Odyssey along with the dealer installed XM. The service department (in error, they claim) installed the after market XM (FM modulation) in our XM ready car rather than the more expensive XM ready version. After discussions with both the service and sales departments, they agreed to de-install the FM modulation and re-install the correct XM, as well as to return the car to it's "new condition", prior to the error.

After 3 trips to the dealer, we now have XM installed (great by the way), a hole in the glove box liner (which the dealer has promised to replace), and two bumps in the center of the front windshield gasket where they fished the wires for the original external antenna which was subsequently removed. The dealer originally promised to replace the windshield gasket, but is now balking at doing that. Has anyone had a similar problem? What is the risk of our windshield gasket having a serious problem if the dealer fails to replace it?

kmd99 · August 2005

Would the rear roof XM antenna (color-coded) that's on the NAV editions work on the current splitter? Is the XM unit for NAV editions the same as the XM unit for the non-NAV's? If it's do-able, I'd like to add the XM tuner and roof antenna to my 05 Ody EX-L. You can order these parts seperately. I think the NAV XM antenna assembly costs around 85 bucks. I'm not sure how hard it is to install since I don't have the service manual. Good luck.

sjv · August 2005

Are you referring to the factory installed "bump" antenna on the center roof near the back of the car? 1st, I don't know what kind of antenna or splitter coupler comes with that factory installed antenna. 2nd, you would have to drill a hole in your roof, fish the antenna cable between the headliner and the metal roof panel and make certain the cable entry point on the roof was properly water sealed. Personally, I'd be very afraid of leaks with even a dealer install of that OEM roof-top antenna thats normally installed at the factory.

I'm working on a solution with MyRadioStore.com where they will either, A. remove the OEM plastic connector and fit it to a XMicro antenna thats painted the same color as the car so it will fit into the OEM splitter or B. they will splice the OEM Honda cable onto the XMicro antenna cable. I have requested A. if doable....if not then B.

The XMicro cable is much smaller than the OEM inside the windshield antenna cable and can be easily concealed and "fished" to the tuner's location under the driver's seat.

kmd99 · August 2005

Yes, I was referring to the "bump" antenna. It would've been nice to have a NAV look without the NAV and be able to operate the XM from the unit itself. Sounds like I need to wait until you are able to come up with a solution from MyRadioStore.com. Good luck with that and keep us posted!

BTW, here's the link with the NAV XM antenna assembly, which made me wonder if it was compatible with the non-NAV units.

link title

crystaltod · August 2005

I've had my EXLNAVRES for a week now, and yes the NAV is about 2K more, but you are getting other features than just a glorified map. It is voice activated and you can control your Audio (XM included) Navigation and Driver air controls by voice. The Nav screen also has the back up camera that activates when you put the van in Reverse.

I activated my 3 month free trial on XM and LOVE IT!! I will definitely keep my subscription, as you can log on at home or work and listen to XM without any additional equipment. You can control your XM right on the NAV screen.

The NAV also has other features, like List entries, calculator, calendar, Addressess, scheduling and more and it is touch screen activated. Im really glad we decided to go with the NAV.

mich_chow · August 2005

Hi crystaltod,
How did you get the 3 month free trial on XM? Did it come with the van when you purchased it? I am curious. Don't want to miss out on this if available. It was in fact my wife who convinced me to get the NAV, and I am also happy with the decision. I am going to get my van (hopefully) tomorrow - is there anything that I should look for or watch out while I am at the dealer about the NAV? Thanks!

jogoat99 · August 2005

I installed a simple cable - RCA inputs terminating in a mini-pin connector - into the inputs on the standard Honda radio for the external CD changer. It involves removing (partially) the radio to get at the inputs on the radio. The connector you can buy at Radio Shack for about $15.00. You might want a car stereo shop to do the work, if you're not comfortable with disassembling your dash.

cartergr · August 2005

I need suggestions. The DVD in our '05 EX won't work after the battery was disconnected to ship it. The code supplied worked for the radio but the DVD player now won't work. This happened before, and the dealership just replaced the DVD player (no charge). We're in Germany now, and there must be an easier fix than just replacing the DVD player. Any suggestions?

mich_chow · August 2005

I have an EX-L RES NAV. I know that this model is XM ready. I am not sure if I need to install additional equipment or not to listen to XM radio, which I am hearing from people that it is great! If I do need additional equipment, what would be a suggestion as to what to get, where to get, and where to get it installed, and the price. If I do not need additional equipment, then how do I make sure that I have the three months subscription. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Sorry, if these are elementary questions. And, thanks in advance for your help.

sebring95 · August 2005

You shouldn't need anything. You have the same model as I and it was set-up with a 90 day trial subscription when I picked up the vehicle. Your dealer should have turned this on for you. If not, call XM and they should be able to walk you through getting it set-up. I also had a XM brochure in my owners booklet. You should at least hear XM channel 1 (or zero....can't remember), which is more of an advertisment channel for XM.

mich_chow · August 2005

Thanks a lot, sebring95. I do have the XM brochure in my packet of things. I have only driven the van for about 100 miles, as I have a Honda CR-V that I drive regularly to work, so I haven't had a chance to play with the radio or etc., as I was busy playing with the navigation system, which is awesome

.

mich_chow · August 2005

I know that people were getting great promotions from XM couple of months ago - for example, getting one year subscription for about $60-$70, which is certainly less than $9.99/month. Does anyone know if there are any current promo, has anyone got a good promo from XM recently? Thanks in advance.

birdbarian · August 2005

My 3 year old figured out that you could indeed put two DVDs in our '05 Odyssey's entertainment system. The problem is that it is only designed to accommodate one DVD. The player refuses to eject either or both DVDs, but will play the bottom one. I'm hoping not to have to listen to Blue's Clues forever.

I downloaded a pdf from ives that shows how to install a DVD player. I was thinking about removing the player and trying to get the two DVDs out.

Anybody have any experience with this?

kohinoor · September 2005

I got an after market RES (10.2" AUDIOVOX) for my '05 ODY EXL installed at Best Buy. But it blocks the rear view completely, does anyone experienced similar problems. Best Buy is willing to replace it if I select another one and they are not recommending 9" SONY, because it won't work well with the FM radio. Does an 8" or 9" screen will fix the problem. What are my options and really I need some suggestions from the Pro's/Guru's. Thanks in advance.

helpme9 · September 2005

I would like to install an auxillary input adapter (HON03-PC-SON) in my 2005 Odyssey EXL (without Navigation & without RES). I would like to connect an external MP3 player to this adapter so that I can play my MP3 songs thru the Odyssey's stereo system (by selecting AUX button on the Honda stereo system).

Will someone please tell me how I can remove the radio(with six CD changer) to install this aux input adapter.

OR will some one provide the link for any site that will help me do this ?

Thanks in advance.

ctnv · September 2005

Try this http://www.installer.com/ipod/ and find the required part to install what you need.

Let me know how you do.

Will

johnnyc1 · September 2005

I have a 05' honda odyssey E-XL w. Nav & dvd entertainment. I tried DVD+R and DVD-R and i get an "ERROR" message. I burn my dvd at 4x speed. I use DVD Shrink and burn with NERO. Can u tell me at what speed u burn your dvds and what brand of DVD+R you use. THANK.

dulnev · September 2005

Every overhead system is going to block your rear view. Just use side mirrors!

dulnev · September 2005

"Honda screwed this up in the 2005 Odyssey! No way to add a roof-mounted RES! Must buy factory! If you want RES, buy it on the vehicle!"

This couldn't be further from the truth! It's really silly to make generalizations from talking to one shop. There are plenty of people who had overhad systems successfully installed in our 2005 Odys (inlcuding me; Panasonic system). It's no different than any other vehicle...

dulnev · September 2005

"That is very good advice to purchase factory installed RES."

No, it's not

"I learned my lesson back in 2001 when I purchased my Sienna and had a highly recommended local shop install my RES. They installed that ugly wireless headphone transmitter right in the center of my dash!! If I moved it, there would be holes left visible."

Gee, could you possibly be basing your opinion on an outdated example? Technology has evolved dramatically in the last four years! Even in 2002, when we got an Audiovox overhead all-in-one DVD RES installed in our MPV, it was a perfect install with no problems like you described. Hidden FM modulator provided great signal through the stereo; and Audiovox came with a pair of very sturdy wireless headphones.

We now have a Sony overhead system in our 2005 Ody and couldn't be happier. It's much higher quality than the factory system, has more features, three options for the sound (FM modulation, built-in speakers and great wireless headphones) and it looks great.

"Plus the cost savings was negligible after I paid for the unit and then the install."

Not for us. Compared to Touring with NAV/RES we saved over $2,000 after factoring in the installed cost of aftermarket RES and Navigation. I would hardly call this negligible.

tiedyedparrot · September 2005

The DVD player on my '03 ODY died and I was hoping to install an aftermarket in-dash dvd player. I'm sure the wiring won't match up with the OEM plug. Does anyone know of an adapter suited to this purpose or could the honda wiring be reworked to match a a/m unit?? Any tips or hints?? Thanks in advance.
Ben

achiever · September 2005

I apologize if this question has already been asked and answered (I did a search but found no real answer).

I am purchasing an 06 Ody EX-L with DVD and want to know the best way to hook up my beloved iPod. I understand that the head unit on the dash has an auxiliary input which I can hook up to. Is this true? If not, is the input easily accessible?

At worst, if the van comes with a casette player I can use my casette adapter. Does the EX-L with DVD have a casette player? I appreciate your help.

scienceman · September 2005

If anyone has replaced the rear speakers on the 05 Ody, can you tell me if the rear side panels had to be removed or can the grills be removed independently?

scienceman · October 2005

Never mind. By experiment, I found that the rear speaker grills easily come off with the aid of a flat head screw drive.

wowo · October 2005

jogoat99 -- I'd like to run an audio (RCA) cable from an XM Roady 2 into the back of my Honda's radio (06 Odyssey radio with in-dash 6-cd changer) which has an "XM/Aux" button in front. Are the inputs in the back standard RCA connectors? Was it hard to get to the back of the radio (I've installed several but there are always "tricks" to getting radios out)?

joergw · October 2005

I had the same problem: wanted to hook up an MP3 to the builtin Honda
Odyssey 05 car stereo (w/ dash 6-CD changer, no Navi, XM-prepared):

NO way! It just doesn't work. You can hook up a iPOD, but need to buy a $200
adapter! I couldn't find any general purpose AUX-in adapter for that radio.

I did some investigation: seems like even if you get to the radio's rear connectors,
and find the right cables for the audio-in signals, the radio wouldn't let you switch
to that source (by pressing the AUX/XM key), IF there is not an INTELLIGENT
source on that connector. INTELLIGENT means: it needs to communicate with
the radio via the serial digital bus, to say "Hey, I'm here, and I'm that device...".
That is what the $200 iPOD adapter does, and it works.

If anybody found out different, or has a (reasonably priced) solution on how
to get a RCA-style signal into the AUX of that Ody radio, PLEAAAAASE let
me and the forum know...

Thanks!

chend · October 2005

For those of you looking for a non-factory Flipdown with DVD, I found a 12" widescreen unit with built-in DVD player, FM Transmitter and IR transmitter + 2 head phones at COSTCO.com [ item # 895529 ] all for $ 699.99. I have scheduled installation at a well known shop for $ 150 + parts. The retail price for this unit is $ 1199 [ by Concept : http://concept-intl.net/home.asp ]. This is a NEW product from Concept and right now only Costco has it in stock [ other distributors have "Not yet available" in their listing ]

Link to Costco:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11042039&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=1210&hierPat- h=79*1210*&img=0

erpa · October 2005

Hi Steve,
Just purchased a EXL/RES and I plan to add NAVI. How did you get video onto NAVI?
ed

jnt · November 2005

Honda normally has multiple radio suppliers for their vehicles. For example, Accord radios: some are made by Alpine (good one, CD model) while other are made by Panasonic (CD Changer, not so great). The best thing to do is paying a Honda dealer a visit and ask them to see the radio you have in your vehicle. Supplier typically has their label on the outside of the radio. Dealer should have them plenty in stock by now.

When the radio has "XM Ready" label, it normally means it is compatible to Honda XM tuner. There is some handshake between radio and XM tuner via vehicle data bus. After that, the radio head will let XM audio going thru. its internal Audio amplifier and display XM related information. So make sure the compatibility is there between the radio and aftermarket XM receiver. Unless by pushing one button on the head unit, you are in with XM audio.

jt

slyk · November 2005

Sorry for the basic question but how do I make use of the built in aux inputs in the 3rd row? I tried to plug a video game to it but couldn't figure out how to make it pop up onto the res screen.

asif1 · November 2005

I am fixing to install an overhead DVD system and after much research i decided on Clarion OHMD102 which is 10.2 inch wide screen monitor with built-in DVD. I got it for 714 $ and waiting arrival. I will use HOND PC SON PIE adapter to connect to stock radio and i got it for 79$. Most flip down screen i came accross were very low resolution (400 x 234). Sony and Panasonic are same (480 x 3 RGB x 234). I looked at the picture on both units and it looks very grainier (Screen Door). The clarion unit is 800 x 3 RGB x 480 which will be like any normal LCD or TV. DVDs are native 480P so the monitor will play DVDs without up or down scaling.I could have got a cheaper monitor in bigger size and less price but most of them are of low quality (audivox, poweracoustik, pyle etc). On this forum i hav'nt found any details on resolution and quality of the unit. I am hopping that Clarion will be of better quality.

Can some body tell me how they install wires from overhead unit to the stock radio?. Do they take the whole dash board out?.

horseyride · November 2005

Can the MP3 player and 6-disc in-dash CD changer coexist on an EX? The photos seem to show them in the same slot on the dash

horseyride · November 2005

What is resolution of the 9" built in RES screen?

rfdadie · November 2005

I bought the 05 Odysey EX and it has XM Ready on the Radio. Is there after market equipment I can have installed by Circuit City or Best Buy to have XM Radio without going to the dealer who wants a mint just for the equipment??

rfdadie · November 2005

Yes, only with interior problems though. The dealers are now putting a lot of stock in their cust. service rating since that is how Honda decided to allocate vehicles to the best dealers. I would suggest asking for the local Honda factory rep., the dealer is obligated to give his name out but they cringe when they hear that and usually fall in line.

wlf · November 2005

Do you have the particulars (name/model/supplier) on the iPod adapter that will work on the Ody radio (w/ dash 6-CD changer, no Navi, XM-prepared)?

Thanks

sri_n · November 2005

would you mind telling me where in the DC area you had your install done?

You can email me on my profile email address.

Thanks

asif1 · November 2005

Just installed a 10.2 inch DVD system through an audio shop. My system is Clarion OHMD102. 10.2 inch High Resolution (800 x 480) Flip Down DVD combo. The unit cost 700 $, PIE adapter 79$. Installation was a breeze. The audio output is through PIE adapter which recieves RCA style audio connection and interface it with stock radio XM button. First the installer took off the front control panel below the radio. Just need to pry it out from the glove/map box side. Need to disconnect 2 connection calbes to AC and other controls. It then let you take the radio out which requires taking out 4 screws. 3 of them are right infront of you while the 4rth one is at 90 Deg.
This will let you hook up you PIE adapter to Honda XM connection on the back.
The Audio input wire is then run from radio, behind the glove box through front passenger column upto first side air bag behind the front passanger. The audio cable was then routed to the mounting plate on the overhead liner. a 4x4 inch hole was made to secure the metal mounting plate to one of the cross bars. The nearest cross bar is about 10-12 inch behind the first doom light that puts the overheaad system more towards the front end. The 2nd cross bar is not very ideal as it will be right above the 2nd row seat viewer. With the screen open my overhead dvd is inline with front row seat. Not bad at all and very optimum viewing position for all.
I wanted to post this detail to take the fear out of poeple that overhead installation will harm your vehicle in any way. All the plastics, rubber trims, dash consoles came out very easy and any medium expert installer can do it. Nothing comes close to side air bags and no drilling (except for 3 metal mounting screws on cross bar) is required. A small hole recieves all the cables. My overhead DVD came with a Rubber gasket allowing you to install the overhead mounting plate above the liner, without making a big 10 x 10 inch hole. The gasket gave cushion to mounting DVD leaving no gap.

My advise to After market RES seekers;
1) Go for atleast 10.2 inch wide screen with minimum 800 x 480 resolution. The picture is much better than factory RES.
2) Buy PIE auxiallary adapter to get sound from stock speakers.
3) Most DVD systems will install without major cutting, drilling to you Ody.

I paid 80$ for installation.

lccalvert_1999 · November 2005

Hi,

I picked up one of the last 2005 Touring Odyssesys yesterday, and I am now in the position of looking for an aftermarket DVD player. It appears as if Sony has gotten a good review on this board, and I plan to check that out. Also, I am interested in the behind the headrest DVD player.

Anyway, my real question is this... the dealership has offered to install a 10.2" Advent ADV350 for $1799. Here are the specifics:

ADV350 - 10.2" Monitor with Built In DVD Player

 10.2" Flip Down LCD Monitor with Controls and Dome Light
 Built-In Integrated Overhead DVD Player
 16:9 Ratio for Wide Screen DVD Viewing
 OPTIONAL TV Tuner with Auto Program (PODTVT)
 Wireless Remote
 Two (2) IR Wireless Headphones
 Direct Sound Adapter
 Custom Cut-to-Fit Overhead Color Matched Console
 Can be Used with Custom Consoles (See List)
 Video Game Input
 3 Year Warranty

With this installation, I get a free Auto Butler program, which basically, every six months, I get free paint protection from the dealership. This is for the life of the vehicle. I do live in a winter state, DC, so this might be a nice feature. I wouldn't have to get the car detailed every six months.

If people could please post their advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

Lee

Honda Odyssey Audio, iPod, Bluetooth, Video Questions

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