DVD Headunits - Help
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
DVD Headunits - Help
1st off, I am an complete Audio Illiterate. Litterally am a Power On/Off, volume Up/Down and nothing else kinda guy...so I really need some help from some of y'all experts here
I need some help picking a headunit. I want one of those fancy Pioneer touchscreen setups. I'll also be installing 4 DVD monitor headrests for the kids and need a in-dash player to power them...if one exists
But I cannot tell if this headunit has a output to power the 4 monitors.
suggestions? more info?
TIA
edit: BTW, my budget is about $1,500 for the whole setup of Headunit + monitors...so cheaper is better, as long as it works.
I need some help picking a headunit. I want one of those fancy Pioneer touchscreen setups. I'll also be installing 4 DVD monitor headrests for the kids and need a in-dash player to power them...if one exists
Here is what I've found that I think will suit my needs just fine...no desire for Navigation..nor need. Got an iPhone for that stuff
Pioneer AVH-P4100DVDBut I cannot tell if this headunit has a output to power the 4 monitors.
suggestions? more info?
TIA
edit: BTW, my budget is about $1,500 for the whole setup of Headunit + monitors...so cheaper is better, as long as it works.
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
You can always split the video out RCA has many times as you like to your external monitors. You just need an RCA splitter cable from Radio-shack...few bucks. However, do you want to watch/listen to what the kids are watching? If not, look for a headunit that is dual or tri zone capable. That way you can start a dvd for the kids and listen to the radio. It will also have to have wired or infrared headphone capability.
That Pioneer should do the trick, although I'm not familiar with that specific model. I've got the AVIC-Z (has nav as well as acts like a A/V receiver/controller) series unit and love it. I just installed a rear seat overhead DVD for my 5 year old daughter and I can send video from it to my Pioneer headunit and vice versa (basically two DVD units).
If you are comfortable with ebay I suggest going that route given your budget. I purchased my unit on there two years ago as a refurb and haven't had any problems. Also, for the monitors, get a good reputable name brand. I suggest Clarion or Audiovox (RCA, Advent, Jensen, AR) as their monitors will last and won't start burning out pixels within weeks.
EDIT: Unfortunatly, that unit isn't dual zone capable. So you'll be listening to what the kids listen to.
That Pioneer should do the trick, although I'm not familiar with that specific model. I've got the AVIC-Z (has nav as well as acts like a A/V receiver/controller) series unit and love it. I just installed a rear seat overhead DVD for my 5 year old daughter and I can send video from it to my Pioneer headunit and vice versa (basically two DVD units).
If you are comfortable with ebay I suggest going that route given your budget. I purchased my unit on there two years ago as a refurb and haven't had any problems. Also, for the monitors, get a good reputable name brand. I suggest Clarion or Audiovox (RCA, Advent, Jensen, AR) as their monitors will last and won't start burning out pixels within weeks.
EDIT: Unfortunatly, that unit isn't dual zone capable. So you'll be listening to what the kids listen to.
Thread Starter
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
dang it, I knew I had forgotten about something
yeah, I have no desire to listen to Barbie or Strawberry Cupcake in the car...lots more investigating to do I see
Added Dual/Tri Zone to my list of must have. Already have a few of those splitters sitting in the TV box
btw, sorry to have put this in the F-150 area...but the Expy area is kinda dead and I know alot of guys in here are Audiophiles
yeah, I have no desire to listen to Barbie or Strawberry Cupcake in the car...lots more investigating to do I see
Added Dual/Tri Zone to my list of must have. Already have a few of those splitters sitting in the TV box
btw, sorry to have put this in the F-150 area...but the Expy area is kinda dead and I know alot of guys in here are Audiophiles
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like any of the DVD HU's on pioneer's website are dual zone capable...strange. Anyway, all their new products hit the shelves in mid July so the earlier models should drop drastically online. You might want to check out the NAV models as well even though you won't use it...seems they've got all the bells and whistles.
Thread Starter
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
yeah, I saw that
I have to get a freakin' Navi unit...which pretty much doubles the price. Crap
Wonder if I could get a decent deal on a older Avic...don't want to spent so much money
I have to get a freakin' Navi unit...which pretty much doubles the price. Crap
Wonder if I could get a decent deal on a older Avic...don't want to spent so much money
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
I watch the Avic-Z series auctions regularly because I want to get one for my Wife's expy (but I look for the broken ones...around $300-$400). A good one usually goes for around $600 -$700. However, I bet they go down quite a bit in the next month. If you do settle on a Z series don't worry if it's a Z1, 2 or 3. The hardware is all the same as the only difference is the software and maps. For an extra $80 you can buy an upgraded hard drive on ebay with the most recent updates. Check out avic411.com for all the pros and cons of the different models.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 435
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From: Pinellas Park, FL
Not sure if you are set on the Pioneer- but the Kenwood units do have dual zone (the new models that came out about a month ago). The ddx 514 and 614 (different screen sizes and bluetooth built in). The dnx 5140 and dnx 6140 would be the nav units. These are the ones I am looking at - just thought I would throw it out there. They can be had for much less on ebay.
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Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
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From: League City, TX
Indeed, Kenwood makes some great hardware as well. For any manufacture I suggest staying away from the single DIN units with the fold out screens. Those mechanisms go bad because the unit almost always needs to fold out to be controlled. The double DIN units also have folding screens but they don't need to be actuated to control the unit or fold everytime the car starts/stops.
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Thread Starter
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
okay, I can't find anything Pioneer that is new for a decent price. Not willing to spend that kind of money on a used setup
so I'm looking at the Kenwoods
found this puppy.
so I'm looking at the Kenwoods
found this puppy.
Kenwood DDx714. has all the features I want, and is Dual Zone. Is also Nav "ready" in case I ever need it.
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
Looks like you're good to go. Now just make sure the monitors you buy are IR headphone compatible. Also looks like Crutchfield is giving away a free rear-view camera if you're interested in paying retail for the unit.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 435
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From: Pinellas Park, FL
exact one I am looking at for my expy. looked at a dropdown monitor for the kid, but it blocks too much of the rearview. still debating on whether I am getting the backup camera or not. I don't know if I want to mess with running the wire all of the way back
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
I couldn't live without my back-up camera. I removed the tailgate keylock (my tonneau locks anyway) and drilled the hole a bit bigger to fit the camera. As far as running the cable, I went down the passenger side sill panel to a grommet under the passenger rear seat sill, out the grommet to the frame then to the tailgate. You can run the line inside the frame pretty easily with a hanger. Didn't take very long at all.
Thread Starter
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
already got the OEM backup camera...I love that thing. wonder if I can splice it into the head unit as well
I'm probably going to outsource the monitors to a local Audio shop. Some friends say they spent $600 for 2 new headrests with monitors & DVD headunit last year...so I just have to visit that shop and see what is up
I'm probably going to outsource the monitors to a local Audio shop. Some friends say they spent $600 for 2 new headrests with monitors & DVD headunit last year...so I just have to visit that shop and see what is up
More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
The Kenwood unit your are looking at is a great unit. I have the DNX7140 (nav unit) and absolutely love it. Easy to install and all kinds of nifty features including the dual zone that is oh so important with little ones in the vehicle.
If you have any questions when it comes to install feel free to send me a PM.
If you have any questions when it comes to install feel free to send me a PM.