Trying to decide between: 1. the Dual XDVD8170 which has a 7" motorized screen, plays DVD's, etc., and has a built in TV tuner. I can get it from Best Buy for $999.00. It's single Din, so I'll have an adapter kit with a storage slot in the dash. (Could be a good place for the remote).
or 2. The Kenwood DDX7015 which features the 6.5" in dash screen, plays all the same formats, but lacks the TV tuner. It does have touch screen controls though, (not sure if that's a good thing or not). It would fill the space where my factory 6-disc system is perfectly though. It goes for $1399.00 at CarToys, but I can get one on Ebay for about $1050.00.
Trying to stay around $1500.00 total, including installation. I'd like the TV tuner, but I'm not sure how intrusive tha antennae would be, and I've heard varying reports on reception quality.
Opinions? Suggestions?

 

I got my DVD/Navigation off of a link on froogle.com my whole system was $1800 and bestbuy wants $3500 for it.

 

I'm no expert, but I've tried to use a few TV tuners. I,ve never seen a TV tuner that got decent reception unless you were standing still. I think one of the major problems is moving in and out of a TV stations range. So I guess the question is are you wanting to use it while your driving, or while your parked?

Don't know if that helped, but it's a question worth asking yourself.

SgtFred

 

Kenwood makes a TV tuner that plugs into the DDX7015. The reception on some channels is pretty good and on others it's crappy. The audio always comes through nicely but the picture will cut out as you go.

I've got the complete Kenwood setup. DDX7015, Nav, Sirius, MP3 Keg and TV tuner. My TV antenna is tucked up under my headliner in the back so you don't even see it. The NAV is hidden under the plastic tray in the center dash.

The touch screen is worth it. All of the functions can be performed without using the remote...even DVD navigation.

 

Well, I should be recieving my Kenwood DDX7015 (and SWI-X) by fedex any day now. Hopefully I'll have it installed before the weekend. Got a pretty good deal, I think. $1000.00 for the Kenwood, and $48 for the SWI-X.
TWELLMAN,how hard was programming your steering wheel controls? Do they still work pretty much the same? (Left buttom scrolls through modes, right button scrolls through songs/preset stations). Was your installer kind enough to wire your Kenwood to work while moving, or did you have to "fix" that yourself. I'd like to know exactly how you did that, if you could email me some details. Thanks

 

The steering wheel controls work as you'd expect. The only thing different is that you need to hold the buttons down for about a second...since it's transmitting an IR signal it's not instant. No big deal, just takes a bit to get used to.

I reprogrammed my SWI-X after the install such that the volume works as you'd expect and the other button cycles up and down through the presets. It just didn't seem to make much sense to me to have one button switch the mode, but that's just my personal preference.

My installer "forgot" to correctly wire the unit so I've got full functionality of the NAV, DVD and TV while I'm driving. It's pretty sweet. All you need to do is connect your wires to the ground and you'll be set.

I also have the Kenwood DSP which is nice because you get more customization of your sound...and if you really want to go all out you can install the center channel speaker for true 5.1...I think that's overkill, but a buddy of mine did it and it's pretty cool.

I originally had the audiophile system so I had the sub and nice speakers...it's amazing how good movies sound on the system. You'll enjoy yours.

 

Thanks for the info. Hope I can get my installer to be as "forgetful". One more question, the SWI-X install doesn't have any effect on your temp/fan controls does it?

 

No, the temp and fan are still hooked to their factory function.

 

Just what exactly is the SWI-X and where do you buy it?

 

Also, Where did you buy your Kenwook DDX7015? Are you going to install it yourself?

 

The SWI-X is an infrared module that attaches to the stereo controls in your steering wheel (if you have them), since there is no wiring harness available for aftermarket head units. Basically, it allows your steering wheel to function as a remote control for the DDX7015. I bought my DDX7015 off Ebay (Saved about $400.00 off CarToys price). CarToys installed it for me though, along with the SWI-X. They did a great job. If you look closely at the pics in my gallery, you can see a tiny LED just below the W in "Kenwood". That's the infrared for the SWI-X.