viking880

Hey guys... I just got my ML+, and am considering installing it myself. Has anyone done the install themselves? If so, what's the level of difficulty? Any DIYs/Tips? I'll do a detailed DIY if there aren't any yet.

Since my ML+ just came in, I am hoping VaisTech has already installed the upgraded firmware on it, and I won't have this issue.

I have a few questions:
1. Is the screen flicker still there? If so, this totally kills the experience. I saw an SL2IC and there was no flicker, and I'd rather go that route if there's noticeable flicker.
2. I have a 2007 IS 250 RWD. What's the best place to place the unit?
3. Finally, how much did you pay for it? I was charged 499 + $10 shipping, even though I mentioned the Club Lexus group buy. I am gonna call them back about this later today.

Great write-up in the initial posts BATMAT75.

rebs

1. Yes my steering wheel buttons (forward and reverse work).

Having said that, the issue where neither steering wheel button works reared it's ugly head again yesterday...but only once. The weird thing is that it happened when I left the iPod Touch plugged in and then turned off the car and ran errands; When I came back and restarted the car it didn't work at all, which makes me think there's some intermittent issue with the initialization routine (because if it was a connectivity issue it probably shouldn't have worked prior to turning off the car).

2. I'm not aware of the video controls. Are we referring to the new algorithm to reduce noise, or is this something different? Hmmmm....must investigate tonight.

3. My album art has been square thus far. If it stays this way, it tends to indicate that either this was a Vaistech issue and/or vaistech figured out a way to force the Apple ipod mode to display properly.

Although my firmware update experience was a little rough, the result has been positive thus far. Almost makes me want to take a road trip. :-)

brociouz

iTrader: (65)

I did the install together with the guy who did my custom aftermarket trunk setup. It's not as bad as I thought it would, and probably didn't need his help (although a second set of hands is good). If you put the ML+ unit on the passenger side floor under the carpet (the only place I could think to put it), and run the cables into the glovebox, there is no cutting or drilling required. You do have to take apart the dash a bit and remove the head unit, which is scary for some.

*Batman*

When you are in video out mode, if you put your videos in a playlist (I have a playlist called music videos), you can get video controls.

I fired up my music videos in the playlist using the iPod. Once I did that if you press in the lower right corner of the Lexus screen a button bar pops up which allows you to pause, play, skip forward, skip back. It is great because you can skip around a music video playlist with these functions without having to touch the iPod.

rebs

Very cool! Thanks for the info; I will definitely test this out.

Do you (or anyone else) have any experience "ripping" dvd's to an Ipod Touch (or Iphone)? I'm using handbrake (and I've consulted their forums), but I'm just getting very sketchy results. I've finally gotten the video to look half way decent, but I always seem to lose the audio quality (even if I pick Dolby Digital, 6 channel, or AC3).

I'm running out of ideas and thought someone might have some insight

NAK

http://www.dvdfab.com/

*Batman*

It's not that hard, but the first time you take apart the center console and remove the head unit takes a long time and is a little stressful. If you haven't taken these pieces apart before, I would get someone else to do it. My installer charged just $75 bucks. Worth it to get someone who has done it before.

Also I learned how to take apart the center console from the installer, so today when I needed to reset the unit, I could do it myself.

chitownduc

Wow - great review!

ML+ owners - Is the interface operable while driving or is it locked down?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

the interface you mean the ipod screen to control the song selections? it's not locked down when driving

*Batman*

The video mode and video controls are also operable, but you need to enter a 4 digit pin every time

rominl

iTrader: (4)

one question i always have in mind. one you enter the code, you can do ipod video when driving.

what if at that point, you go back to your dvd changer and try to play dvd movie when car is moving? would that work too? i am talking about just based on the 4-digit code, not using the ps unit

*Batman*

Good question. I suspect it won't work, but I will try it when I head out for lunch today.

rebs

I'm responding to my post, which is pretty tacky, but I figure this might eventually be of value to someone.

Originally my thought process was to purchase the ML+ and then rip my current music dvd's to my ipod touch therefore giving my video in motion without carrying around multiple discs.

That dream died last night when I finally realized I won't get be able to support AC3 passthru last night. Yes, I can get the dvd's to my ipod, but the quality sucks. http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/specs.html

Since this post sounds 'debbie downer', I just wanted to say this is an iPod issue, and that Apple Lossless format + iPod + ML+ sounds pretty darn good :-)

*Batman*

You could just hook a portable dvd player to the composite input on the ML+

rominl

iTrader: (4)

but he would lose the ipod out?