Getting '05 LX470 soon... should I get factory DVD installed or aftermarket?
01-07-05 | 11:51 AM
#1
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 36
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From: Virginia
Getting '05 LX470 soon... should I get factory DVD installed or aftermarket?
Trying to decide if I should have the factory DVD installed at port, or have an aftermarket system put in? A friend of mine runs a stereo shop so I should be able to get a decent deal through him, and would probably get the dual screens in the headrests as opposed to the flipdown unit. From what I understand the factory system isnt integrated into the dash (for controls I mean, not display) so factory or aftermarket doesnt make that much difference.
FYI I am getting a Black '05 (prob with beige interior) with the Night Vision (or whatever its called) System along with probably all the other options.
My dad has a '99 and I just sold our 2003 Porsche Cayenne Turbo to "upgrade" to the LX. I've had a "reverse midlife crisis" and just sold all my fast cars (Porsche GT3, Cayenne Turbo) to get slower cars (LX470, Nissan Titan). I'm actually quite happy with the moves.
Thanks in advance,
Scott
FYI I am getting a Black '05 (prob with beige interior) with the Night Vision (or whatever its called) System along with probably all the other options.
My dad has a '99 and I just sold our 2003 Porsche Cayenne Turbo to "upgrade" to the LX. I've had a "reverse midlife crisis" and just sold all my fast cars (Porsche GT3, Cayenne Turbo) to get slower cars (LX470, Nissan Titan). I'm actually quite happy with the moves.
Thanks in advance,
Scott
01-07-05 | 08:22 PM
#2
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 59
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From: Virginia
Semandell wrote,
"From what I understand the factory system isnt integrated into the dash (for controls I mean, not display) so factory or aftermarket doesnt make that much difference."
DVD is not integrated so go for it. I do not think that there is that much difference other than perhaps $1k in your pocket. I have an aftermarket DVD system and it seems to work just fine: cordless headphones for DVDs and able to watch TV independent from people in the front. Kids just love it.
"From what I understand the factory system isnt integrated into the dash (for controls I mean, not display) so factory or aftermarket doesnt make that much difference."
DVD is not integrated so go for it. I do not think that there is that much difference other than perhaps $1k in your pocket. I have an aftermarket DVD system and it seems to work just fine: cordless headphones for DVDs and able to watch TV independent from people in the front. Kids just love it.
01-07-05 | 08:33 PM
#3
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 36
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From: Virginia
Originally Posted by nicoff
DVD is not integrated so go for it. I do not think that there is that much difference other than perhaps $1k in your pocket.
Scott
01-07-05 | 08:33 PM
#4
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 354
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
I'm betting that the system is the same setup as what I have in my Land Cruiser. Here are my thoughts.
I hate where the actual DVD player resides with the stock system. It is installed on the passenger side panel, just behind the second row seats. Right in front of the compartment that is supposed to hold the safety reflector or toolbox, or whatever. When the third row seats are folded against the side, they block access to the DVD drive. In order to load/unload DVDs, you need to either reach back from the scond row seat or from the back after you flip down the passenger side third row seat. If you're on a trip, you actually have to pull over and stop to change discs. It's less of an issue if you are going to remove the third row seats.
As for the performance of the player. After a year we have had no problems, but the FM modulator sucks. Regardless of what station we set it too, we are always getting static. I find this odd since we have a Sirius setup with an FM modulator as well, and the sound is crystal clear. I'm guessing that the Kenwood Sirius receiver and FM modulator we have actually amplifies the signal to prevent bleeding from other stations. Whatever it may be, the sound quality when listening to movies through the stereo is disappointing. Fortunately the system is rarely used this way. The kids use the infrared wireless headphones and those work very well. The video quality is very good.
The only other place I can think of installing the DVD player where it is accessible is in the glove box since the navigation system DVD-ROM drive is under the front passenger seat. I have seen some units (i.e. Ford) that are all one piece. In other words the DVD player is located in the base that is mounted on the headliner. I guess you have to see what's available.
THe only benefit I can see in getting the factory unit is that it's covered along with the rest of the warranty as opposed to whatever warranty your installer and aftermarket system provide.
Hope that helps.
I hate where the actual DVD player resides with the stock system. It is installed on the passenger side panel, just behind the second row seats. Right in front of the compartment that is supposed to hold the safety reflector or toolbox, or whatever. When the third row seats are folded against the side, they block access to the DVD drive. In order to load/unload DVDs, you need to either reach back from the scond row seat or from the back after you flip down the passenger side third row seat. If you're on a trip, you actually have to pull over and stop to change discs. It's less of an issue if you are going to remove the third row seats.
As for the performance of the player. After a year we have had no problems, but the FM modulator sucks. Regardless of what station we set it too, we are always getting static. I find this odd since we have a Sirius setup with an FM modulator as well, and the sound is crystal clear. I'm guessing that the Kenwood Sirius receiver and FM modulator we have actually amplifies the signal to prevent bleeding from other stations. Whatever it may be, the sound quality when listening to movies through the stereo is disappointing. Fortunately the system is rarely used this way. The kids use the infrared wireless headphones and those work very well. The video quality is very good.
The only other place I can think of installing the DVD player where it is accessible is in the glove box since the navigation system DVD-ROM drive is under the front passenger seat. I have seen some units (i.e. Ford) that are all one piece. In other words the DVD player is located in the base that is mounted on the headliner. I guess you have to see what's available.
THe only benefit I can see in getting the factory unit is that it's covered along with the rest of the warranty as opposed to whatever warranty your installer and aftermarket system provide.
Hope that helps.
01-07-05 | 08:43 PM
#5
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 59
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From: Virginia
Originally Posted by Gohawks63
I'm betting that the system is the same setup as what I have in my Land Cruiser. Here are my thoughts.
I hate where the actual DVD player resides with the stock system. It is installed on the passenger side panel, just behind the second row seats. Right in front of the compartment that is supposed to hold the safety reflector or toolbox, or whatever. When the third row seats are folded against the side, they block access to the DVD drive. In order to load/unload DVDs, you need to either reach back from the scond row seat or from the back after you flip down the passenger side third row seat. If you're on a trip, you actually have to pull over and stop to change discs. It's less of an issue if you are going to remove the third row seats.
As for the performance of the player. After a year we have had no problems, but the FM modulator sucks. Regardless of what station we set it too, we are always getting static. I find this odd since we have a Sirius setup with an FM modulator as well, and the sound is crystal clear. I'm guessing that the Kenwood Sirius receiver and FM modulator we have actually amplifies the signal to prevent bleeding from other stations. Whatever it may be, the sound quality when listening to movies through the stereo is disappointing. Fortunately the system is rarely used this way. The kids use the infrared wireless headphones and those work very well. The video quality is very good.
The only other place I can think of installing the DVD player where it is accessible is in the glove box since the navigation system DVD-ROM drive is under the front passenger seat. I have seen some units (i.e. Ford) that are all one piece. In other words the DVD player is located in the base that is mounted on the headliner. I guess you have to see what's available.
THe only benefit I can see in getting the factory unit is that it's covered along with the rest of the warranty as opposed to whatever warranty your installer and aftermarket system provide.
Hope that helps.
I hate where the actual DVD player resides with the stock system. It is installed on the passenger side panel, just behind the second row seats. Right in front of the compartment that is supposed to hold the safety reflector or toolbox, or whatever. When the third row seats are folded against the side, they block access to the DVD drive. In order to load/unload DVDs, you need to either reach back from the scond row seat or from the back after you flip down the passenger side third row seat. If you're on a trip, you actually have to pull over and stop to change discs. It's less of an issue if you are going to remove the third row seats.
As for the performance of the player. After a year we have had no problems, but the FM modulator sucks. Regardless of what station we set it too, we are always getting static. I find this odd since we have a Sirius setup with an FM modulator as well, and the sound is crystal clear. I'm guessing that the Kenwood Sirius receiver and FM modulator we have actually amplifies the signal to prevent bleeding from other stations. Whatever it may be, the sound quality when listening to movies through the stereo is disappointing. Fortunately the system is rarely used this way. The kids use the infrared wireless headphones and those work very well. The video quality is very good.
The only other place I can think of installing the DVD player where it is accessible is in the glove box since the navigation system DVD-ROM drive is under the front passenger seat. I have seen some units (i.e. Ford) that are all one piece. In other words the DVD player is located in the base that is mounted on the headliner. I guess you have to see what's available.
THe only benefit I can see in getting the factory unit is that it's covered along with the rest of the warranty as opposed to whatever warranty your installer and aftermarket system provide.
Hope that helps.
Believe it or not my kids have never listened to FM so they cannot tell me about the sound. They love the sound of DVDs and TV through the headphones.
01-07-05 | 08:51 PM
#6
Pole Position
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 354
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Originally Posted by nicoff
My aftermarket DVD system is installed in the center console next to the 6 disc Cd player. I can change movies on the go.
Believe it or not my kids have never listened to FM so they cannot tell me about the sound. They love the sound of DVDs and TV through the headphones.
Believe it or not my kids have never listened to FM so they cannot tell me about the sound. They love the sound of DVDs and TV through the headphones.
01-07-05 | 09:49 PM
#7
Aftermarket DVD all the way! I have the Nakamichi system in my LX470 and the new DVD ent. can be integrated with the stock speakers(use a known and reputable installer-w/warranty on installation). Headrest units can be had for a great price now vs. a couple of years ago.
As for slower car choices, well, I have a 2004 Titan SE CC also and love it's power/utility. It may not catch a Porsche, but will definitely beat all in it's class!
As for slower car choices, well, I have a 2004 Titan SE CC also and love it's power/utility. It may not catch a Porsche, but will definitely beat all in it's class!
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