I pulled the trigger and picked up a Kenwood DDX-714 and some Legacy monitors for the seat backs. Neither manufacturer is all that clear on what exactly is required cabling wise to complete this install. I "think" what I've seen is two schools of thought on this here on the board. Some have used a Y-cable to split the output from the head unit to the two monitors and some have used some sort of video boxy thingy to split it up. I understand that there is some concern with signal degradation using the Y-cable so I don't mind forking out for the box for better/more reliable video. Money is no object when it comes to keeping my sweet innocent adorable little girls from driving me freaking NUTS on a road trip.

What exactly is this box and where do I get it. A good place for cabling if needed would also be appreciated.

I want to do the back up camera while I'm at it. Any opinions (DUMB question) on what's the best model to go with on this? Other than that $300-$400 integrated camera/brake light version I saw somewhere. Preferably something with a wide viewing angle so I can get the hitch and a decent look behind me.

Any input appreciated.

 

I bought one off ebay that mounted above the license plate I used a small rubber washer that I trimmed on one side to make a wedge shape to aim it down a bit more.I can still see behing me and the hitch....Whatever you get may take a bit of tweaking to see the hitch depending on where you mount it, and its capabilities.

 

I sold that vehicle so I dont have pictures, or able to take them, but I prefered the kind that mounted on the license plate...no drilling etc....

Also as far as degredation of the video signal.....you are not going to see degredation enough to harm picture quality unless you buy cheap cables....buy some good quality heavy duty RCA's and a matching Y....if you y right out of the head unit it will be less hassle in the long run.

 

In what way?

 

Here is a place that I use to get my cables and other electronic accessories
http://www.parts-express.com/

Here are the video distribution system
http://www.parts-express.com/wizards...AT&srchCat=712

I also just picked up a backup camera from Sams club for $50. Every Sams does not carry them, I had to drive 34 miles to get one.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/nav...961&pCatg=8964



I hope this helps

Anthony

 

There is a million or so of us that have that back-up camera. Works very good for the price.

 

aero: Thanks for the links. I would imagine I can find what I need there somewhere.

Dave: Actually I have two of those cameras now but since they are wireless I don't see how they are going to integrate with my head unit. I've got one in my Wagoneer and I think I'll save the other one either for my Superduty, or possibly in my Mog. I want to use something a little higher quality in the X.

 

The box thing you are looking for is called a video amplifier. Look on ebay there are tons of them if you decide to go that route. Mainly used for many monitors not for just two.

I have two headrest monitors. I jsut used the "Y" cable and split them. The monitors were purchased from ebay. I have had no comlaints from my two girls when they are watching thier favorite DVDs.

Check out all the links for good deals though.

AL.

 

tgreening,

here is a link to one for under $18
Parts-Express.com:Pyle PLV2 Video Amplifier | amp amplifier mobile video distribution

 

I purchased one of the inexpensive video amplifiers with 4 outputs and ended up using just a "Y" cable splitter. The amp actually introduced a faint rolling horizontal line and I honestly couldn't tell a difference. The gain control appeared to have no affect other than making the image a bit brighter which I didn't need. Maybe I just got a bad unit - wasn't worth trying to deal with a return or exchange for $15. I used good cables from the head unit which is the best rule of thumb as well as a good video splitter cable and the video looks great. Try to route the video/audio cables away from power cables if you can to avoid picking up any noise.

 

The reason I had considered adding the video amp was for future expandability. I thought that in the future I would add something for the rear most seat and assumed the amp with it's additional input/outputs would allow some flexibility in who was watching what and where.

On a positive note, I had my monitors 2 days after I paid, even though the seller claimed 3-8 days. On a negative note, I just got an email from the seller of the head unit which said "sorry, out of stock tried to email you" (ad said more than 10 available), how about this new improved model instead.

I had ordered a Kenwood DDX-714 and they tried to sell me a DDX-616 which they claim is the replacement for the 714. I didn't find anything on the Kenwood site about it. So. On the positive side again, withing 5 minutes of me sending them an email asking for a refund I got a msg from paypal that it was already done. So thumbs down for misleading ads and wasting my time but thumbs up for the quick refund.

NOW, I'm rethinking the Kenwood because I found that the pioneers have a wheel mounted remote control and as far as I can tell my only option for that with a Kenwood is if the controls are already in my wheel (they aren't).

Sigh....decisions, decisions....

 

I have the Kenwood KVT-512 head unit. I had to purchase the remote seperately. The only down thing is that the remote doesn't have a power button to turn the radio on. You have to turn on the head unit manually and then the remote is ready to go.

I dont know if the other remotes for Kenwood have the power button or not.

 

I'm not too concerned about the remote. Usually my co-pilot handles that end of things.

As an update, I ended up buying a DDX-814 instead of the 714. I don't know that I really needed that but the price was right so what the heck. Now if it would just hurry up and GET here already! It's been like 18 hours for cryin out loud.

 

I ordered a kenwood dnx5140. What sold me on the kenwood was the dual zone capibilities for a good price. UPS has is on their truck and it should be here today!!