Install an Entertainment System

Anybody install and entertainment system in a non-WB van? I have an '02 and I am trying to decide if it is worth tackling this myself. Is there a power harness in the headliner even if it is not a Warner Brothers Edition van?
Anyone with some hints or comments would be greatly appreciated.

First off let me say that I really haven't looked at a WB version of the Venture, so I'm not sure what the entertainment system consists of , or has to offer. I was wondering though, wouldn't it be less expensive and labor intensive to buy an after market system that uses DVDs and the screen(s) mount on the back of the front seats? I have seen these systems come down in price in the last 3 or 4 years, making them more affordable and attractive to buyers.Almost every week I see them in the Target ads, and know other retailers sell a lot of them. I plan on installing one of these systems in my next van if it does not come with one already installed.

Go for the aftermarket version....the wiring would not be there if you didn't have it in from the factory, and the aftermarket units are slicker and cheaper....

I do them all the time for dealerships. Just remember you get what you pay for. I have one in my truck for my children and they love it. A few weeks ago we took a trip in my brother in law's SUV. He had those Target ones with the 2 screens. My kids kept complaining because they couldn't see anything. The reason is the resolution is very poor. It's simular to when big screen tv's came out. People flocked to buy them because they looked neat in the store only to find out that unless you are dead in the middle of the viewing angle, you can see it. This holds true for those cheap, strape on the back of the seats systems.

No, there are no wires or connectors already in your van. What I like to sell are the self contained units where the DVD and screen are together. It makes install easier and nicer unless you have a good spot to install the DVD player. You can also save money if you have an Xbox or PS2 since they'll play DVD's. All you'll need is the screen but using those to run DVD's can be tricky. Things that affect pricing is name, size, resolution, warranty, and extras like infarred wires headphones.

I had a Panasonic DVD player with a 9" screen installed in my Montana. It came with 2 IR headphones, and reads SD cards as well. Cost me $1100 installed, and the only thing that needs improving is the reception when not using the headphones. I will fix that with an FM modulator when I get around to it. Other than that, the screen rotates about 30 degrees in either direction, has a good picture (even with burned DVD's), and keeps the kiddo entertained. It also has 2 sets of input jacks, reads MP3 disks, and has one output jack for an additional screen.

If anyone wants pics of the install, let me know.

I replaced the factory radio with a DVD/MP3/CD receiver/amplifier unit. Installed an overhead 12 inch LCD screen. Total cost is about 250.00 much cheaper than the 7 inch LCD screen came with WB and easier to service too.

I replaced the factory radio with a DVD/MP3/CD receiver/amplifier unit. Installed an overhead 12 inch LCD screen. Total cost is about 250.00 much cheaper than the 7 inch LCD screen came with WB and easier to service too.

Can you give me some info on what components you used?

Can you give me some info on what components you used?
It's gotta be all bargan basement or used items. I bet the resolution is so low that no one can see the images on the screen during the day time. I'm an electronics dealer and even I couldn't match that price with the cheapest of componets I can get.

Here's a nice, upper level quality install I did a little while ago for a customer.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/ponchonutty/Project4-2.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/ponchonutty/Project5-2.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/ponchonutty/Project3-2.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/ponchonutty/Project2-2.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b86/ponchonutty/Project1-2.jpg

You can buy a roof mounted LCD AT http://cardiscountstereos.com/catalog%20page.asp?Product+%23=MV1040RM for 160.00 add a DVD/receiver/amplifier from Ebay for about 100.00. I bought an Innovatek 12 inch for 160.00 on Ebay. a Pyle recevier for about 100.00. They works fine. for a van with 100,000 miles that's all I want to spend anyway.

Great photos.

I can understand the monitor on the roof for the rear passengers but why would anyone need the monitor on their dashboard? Not only do we now have to worry about those drivers who are eating breakfast, drinking coffee, shaving, puttin on make-up, talking on cell phones, looking at their passengers, playing with a blackberry etc but now we have to worry about the ones watching movies too.

I believe it is illegal in many states....