Navi/DVD System

Joined
10 October 2004
Messages
42
Location
Cupertino,CA
I'm planning to get a navi/DVD system ... please share your knowledge of the pros and cons of these brands/products.

1. Eclipse avn 5495 (should be out by july maybe?)
2. Pioneer AVIC-N2
3. Alpine
4. Kenwood

Thank You
 
I am getting ready to install a Eclipse AVN5435 along with their cd changer. I was looking at this or the Pioneer AVIC-D1. I think the 5435 is built better, it is more money but not much more. I researched them both and talked to some install shops about which model they like better. I like having the navigation, I got spoiled with my TL. I wasn't to crazy about putting a single DIN and having the screen up blocking the AC vents.
 
Stay away from the Pioneer AVIC D1. It can't play DVDs without an external player and you cannot play DVDs while you're moving because it's GPS controlled.

Mounting a flip out unit down low can keep you from blocking the AC vents but it's not as clean as a double DIN install IMO. You also have the option of getting the NAV pod and putting a screen in there while playing DVDs on a different source unit. This will eliminate most of the glare issues double DIN users experience with their installs. The NAV pod will shrink your vent sizes down.

Kenwood has released their new double DIN unit, the DDX8017. The new features for Kenwood are MPEG 1 &2 file decoding, JPEG display, 5v preouts, 5.1 sound, and improved GUI. Not a compelling list of features for those with DDX7015s to upgrade. They need to add MPEG4/divx decoding and bluetooth to get my business.

Not much info available on the new Eclipse. Alpine has their pulse touch units that are basically the same as the other offerings. I'd go for a double DIN and would choose either the Kenwood or the Eclipse. The thing I like about the Kenwood is the NAV unit is separate so you can always upgrade it and it keeps you from having to swap out your NAV DVD to play movies. The nice thing about the Eclipse is that it's all in one and the screen is better.
 
Any double din units that support ipods. I have a 60g ipod photo, i will never use a changer again! I would like to control the ipod thru headunit. Suggestions
 
Cloud said:
I'm planning to get a navi/DVD system ... please share your knowledge of the pros and cons of these brands/products.

1. Eclipse avn 5495 (should be out by july maybe?)
2. Pioneer AVIC-N2
3. Alpine
4. Kenwood

Thank You

I've had the Eclipse 5435, nice unit if you want a double-din screen in dash. I currently have the Pioneer Avic n-1 which is almost the same as the N2 newer version. The N1 is pretty easy to use, the only con I have is Pioneer current doesn't have a 6 or 12 disc changer with MP3 capabilty, so you need to switch back and fourth between MP3, and Navi DVD. :frown: The Eclipse unit has a DVD and CD so you can listen to music and have the Navi DVD in at the same time. I still liked the Pioneer N-1 over the other you can hide the screen etc. I'd say go to a store that displays one and then the other, it will probably come down to personal tastes. :smile:
 
I have the Pioneer AVIC-D1 in two cars and love it. I have no need to watch DVD's in the car ( it's illegal anyway). It's XM Realtime Traffic and iPod control ready (with the optional boxes), with dual disc drives- one for the Navi and one for music. The IP bus connections make it easy to add what ever level of accessories you want (XM, XM Traffic, CD changer(s), iPod, DVD, back up camera). The controls are great and the sound quality is great.
The housing is just the right size to mount in the NSX console, and it's possible to read the LCD screen even with the sun shining directly on it.
 
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Is that my install or your's? If it's your's it looks just like mine :cool:


FYI - re: Eclipse - I looked at that unit - there is no current support for directly controlling the iPod - major drawback. With the current Eclipse, you have to buy their CD changer, which is no match for a iPod. I think Eclipse is behind the times on product development. No need to watch a DVD while driving, that's plain unsafe. The Pioneer has many more functional features such as live traffic updates that will re-route you around accidents or construction, or simply give you a warning of upcoming slowdowns, much more handy than watching a DVD IMO.
 
Well I don't have an IPOD.... man am i slow or what? I won't be watching any DVD in my car either, but I could when it is parked :wink: I liked all the hookups with Pioneer unit. I just went by which one I felt had the better navigation.
 
guys I have narrowed it down to the AVN-5495 or the DDX8017 + KV4100. The kenwood appears to have easier navigation and more receiver like options, like multi source selection of audio/video for different zones, etc. The kenwood has about 20gb of total navigation data while the AVN-5495 has 10gb of data. I have not had a chance to see the DDX8017 screen but I would hope it looks better than the DDX7015 I saw in the store. that screen just didn't look as clean as the AVN5435/avn5495 stuff.
 
Another solution would be to go with a Navpod, Xenarc touchscreen and a car pc. Should be able to get it for less than an integrated system including DVD, WiFi, GPS, MP3, etc. Just get a head unit with aux in and then you can hook it all together. If you want to use the stock head unit, then just get an FM modulator, sound quality not as good but prety easy. Will post pictures when all done.

Tim
 
Does anybody have pics of a double din reciever and a nav pod install. The eclipse seems to be cleaner but no ipod control sucks. I saw a while back a white nsx here(i believe in hawaii, had a nice pod and 2 din recievers in the dash, dvd and a signal processor or something?) had a setup im aiming for.
 
Ko-nsx said:
... I saw a while back a white nsx here(i believe in hawaii, had a nice pod and 2 din recievers in the dash, dvd and a signal processor or something?) had a setup im aiming for.
That would be ChrisK's set up - here it is
PM him for details.
Alpine has a new single DIN DVD player out now to replace the 7996 he & I both have.
 
jorligan said:
Another solution would be to go with a Navpod, Xenarc touchscreen and a car pc. Should be able to get it for less than an integrated system including DVD, WiFi, GPS, MP3, etc. Just get a head unit with aux in and then you can hook it all together. If you want to use the stock head unit, then just get an FM modulator, sound quality not as good but prety easy. Will post pictures when all done.

Tim

This sounds great! Can't wait to see it installed. :wink:
 
Hey guys I have the Eclipse AVN5435 in my navigator and I love it and you can watch dvd anytime...

I have a 94 nsx and wanting to install the same radio in my car. But where can I buy a kit to install the radio. Looks like I will need to replace the whole trim. need help buying a kit, that makes for nsx....

Hey mandrewz who installed your system. That looks awsome.
 
You don't need to replace the whole console but modify the cut-out to accept the new head unit fascia.You will also need to fabricate a bracket to support the new head inside the console.
To interface, you need to decide whether to use the OEM Bose amp/speaker assemblies or add an external amp & upgrade the speakers at the same time. The AVN 5435 does have internal amp so depending on your level of quality desired could also drive some speakers directly from the head unit if not looking for the optimum capability.
For any of those options you will need an adapter harness - Science of Speed or Malibu Rapper can provide you something or you can make it yourself - there are several "how-to's" on this forum if you search.
Bottom line, there is no "ready-made" kit to cover your custom requirements but it is readily do-able. The hardest part is finding a fabricator to do a quality job of the console rework
 
jorligan- Can you tell me more about the Navpod, Xenarc touchscreen and a car pc. I want my deck to be damn near as good as a laptop as features go. whats a car pc and what does it offer?? Any help would be great
 
Anyone know of any writeups on cutting the console and making a bracket? I usually don't like aftermarket decks but the double din decks look sweet. Blends in pretty well.
 
m3power222 said:
Anyone know of any writeups on cutting the console and making a bracket? I usually don't like aftermarket decks but the double din decks look sweet. Blends in pretty well.

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55311

Same principle for double din - just larger hole.
You may get away without actually filling the back, but the edge profile of the slot looks much better when a little thicker. Plus it will add strength.

The bracket is easy - just a piece of 2 inch "L" bracket from Home Depot (or similar); you need to fasten the horizontal limb to the "cage" for the head, using spacers if necessary; the vertical limb will fasten to the lower bracket that the OEM head originally fastened to. You may have to slot the holes to give yourself some vertical adjustment for final alignment.
 
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