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Maintenance & Repair DVD/Entertainment Systems
397 messages, Last post on Sep 04, 2009 at 11:50 AM
You are in the Maintenance & Repair Forum. Your Host is mr_shiftright
We are looking to purchase a in-dash DVD player for our Chevy Trailblazer (2003). We are looking at Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine.....or SUGGESTIONS on a brand! Just want a simple player for the children...does not have to have numerous options. ALSO, Ultimate Electronics or Best Buy will be installing it (unless we receive a better suggestion). ***NOW, the big question....300michael says he has his where he can perform numerous functions. Can you guide us (PLEASE?? )on how to make our DVD play while traveling? We have heard of others who have done this...have not been able to locate them. our email is dmr01 earthlink.net. Would be very grateful for this info! Thanks!
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We also read where pvs1234 on 11-8-2001 had a solution. Would love for him to elaborate on instructions on how to make the DVD play while traveling for the children. Thanks!
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If the vidio screen is located anywhere other then the front dash, it is very easy. I have two screens one in the front dash and one flip down for the rear. You have to decide where you want the screen, or screens. For the rear viewing you simply place the DVD/VCR in a place there it can be accessed (like under the front seat facing forward (for parental control) or facing rearward for backseat control. supply power to the unit and run the audio/vidio cable to the screen. For the audio you have to decide to use headphones or tap into the exsisting rear speakers, or install new additional ones. If you plan on adding a front dash type monitor then most have a safety switch that prevents the screen from being viewed ( the exception is when using a Navigation Unit). So you would need to install a by-pass swithch to allow viewing while driving (for the passanger side). There are also DVD changers that allow you to control the movies by way of a remote, while the changer is in the back/trunk. If you can be a little more spacific on they locations and types of screens and format of player/s you plan to use I can be a little more detailed, instead of being so general. Many stores carry portable units that you can take from vehicle to vehicle. Another Idea is the protable DVD players that are half the side of a Notebook. If you have an armrest just velcro it to it and it will stay there. Pull it off when done or parking (so you can hide it from prying eyes) and it takes a second to reinstall. Both of the latter can be had for under $500 if only one function is planned for it. |
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We are planning on having an in dash (up front where the existing radio/cd player is now) DVD player (one that probably "ejects" the screen before playing, and when finished, retracts so the screen is hidden) installed for the passenger and children (in back) to watch. Looking at Pioneer brand or Sony OR any suggestions! We do not need an elaborate system, just one that plays DVD's (and has AM/FM, CD capability--does not have to have a touch screen, etc). How can you install a by-pass switch? We have a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer. We considered and looked at a portable DVD player and thought about the velcro attachment, but, the volume is not that great on a portable player. Your reply is greatly appreciated. If you would prefer "talking" via email, contact me at: dmr01 earthlink.net . Thanks a lot!
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They have all in one units DVD,CD,AM,FM but you are talking over two grand for them. The plan motorized screens will run in the grand range. Places like Ebay will save you money, but usually units are not covered by warranty. But you can save about 30-40%. Other places like Fry's Electronics and other major electronics stores, and auto sound shops (usually higher price buy good selection), are a good place to check out to actuall test viewability. Check out the angle of view before the picture starts dimming, very important when more then one is watching the screen. Also note the resolution. The more the sharper the image. Other brands (then you already mentioned) are Panasonic and (Alpine if you are considering a Navigation unit in the future), and Kenwood. One thing on the portables is that you can get the FM modulator to hook up to them to play the sound through the Cars stereo system. The Bypass switch is very easy, but you will need to know the wiring of the vehicle. By using a switch usually a DPST which you hook up to the motorized screen and one of the parking brake wires (depending on vidio screen unit and parking brake wiring) With the indash screens, they have a safety circuit that prevents you from viewing while driving. They allow you to view only when the parking brake is engaged. With the switch (as in my setup) I first start the car, then I depress the brake pedal. With the brake pedal depressed I hit the switch (in my case I used a momentary push button switch, but some have used momentary toggle switches). I release the button and release the brake. The screen will function until I turn the motor off with the key. If I get stopped I turn the motor off. If the officer askes about the screen I can start the car and the screen will not work (in my case Navigation will always work but not movies or vidios) so I can tell the officer it is only for Navigation. The switch can be used say if you are driving down a road and you want to use it. Simply put the brakes on lightly (just enough to have the brake lights go on) and hit the switch the screen will be avalable. So you do not have to be stopped to turn it on. I can go in to more detail on the wireing once you have the screen. Hope this helps. I have been haveing a lot of email problems (companies quiting service without notice) so this site is better for me.
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so this site is better for me Plus we all get to learn. Steve, Host |
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Thanks for taking the time to reply and for all of your info. Will begin this weekend viewing different brands and consider your advice as well. Thanks again! Steve, this site is great for us all, and I was not trying to take anything away from anyone! Sorry if it appeared that way!
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| I was in a Target Store and saw a DVD player with a 5.8" screen that goes into one of those bag units. I thought of you. If you plan on useing the screen not that often, for under 500 dollars something like this might work (although you may want a larger screen). I got one like it for my cousin and we installed it in his truck (dodge) Player under the rear seat and Velcroed the screen to the dash. One week end he gets the kids so he attaches the screen to the dash. when finished he pulls it off and stores it with the player. The only thing we did was to install another power outlet to keep the wireing neater. Not as good if you plan to use it more on a daily basis. | |
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Hi Michael! We are looking at 3 different in-dash DVD players (we live in Missouri): 1. Panasonic $2100 2. Kenwood $2300 (has a touch screen) 3. Pioneer $1999 Not sure of the model numbers...do you need those? All 3 have the screen hidden and it ejects out when ready to view. Looking to ground it so we the children and passenger may watch while traveling. They can install it as quick as Monday, Nov. 18! Thanks again for your time! |
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In post 21 you say "...hook up to the motorized screen..." Can you give more detail what you mean? Thanks |
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