Suggestions on an aftermarket entertainment system

[ddhaaron]

Would like to get some comments about installing an aftermarket DVD/LCD system into my 2000 Silhouette Van.

I was curious what the factory system looked like and how it was installed, head rests, overhead lcd ? etc?

I am thinking of going with an overhead LCD that uses an FM modulator to transmit sound to the FM radio. Our family vacations generally consist of travelling 13-15 hours and I am concerned that I will have to switch the FM frequency every few hours as I travel in and out of the range of various FM radio stations...

In any case I am just looking for some experiences for both the FM radio question and suggestions on the type of system to get and the best installation method to use. Do not really want a bunch of wires all over the place..

Thanks for any input,
Aaron

[cdru]

Originally Posted by ddhaaron

Our family vacations generally consist of travelling 13-15 hours and I am concerned that I will have to switch the FM frequency every few hours as I travel in and out of the range of various FM radio stations...

Depending on how the signal gets inserted, it may or may not be a concern. Most modulators I've seen don't "broadcast" the signal, rather just plugs into the antenna input on the radio and then the antenna into the modulator. If a signal (either audio or a seperate switch) is detected, it could easily switch off the external antenna connection. Most factory radios have horrible reception without an antenna so a local radio station's signal wouldn't interfere. Many home RF modulators for video work like this, when a video signal is detected, it switches off the RF passthru signal.

I'd be interested in seeing the answers to your question though. Several times my wife has bugged me about getting some type of a system.

[SN95GT50]

Here is my set-up in my 2003 Silhouette...

DVD Player mounted in place of cubby just under drink holder. To do this I removed the whole lower bin and cubby (they are attached). Used a dremel, file and sandpaper to open up the hole for the DVD player. I then hot glued a thin piece of wood in the back and put velcro on the wood and the DVD player to hold it in place.

The audio output goes into a wireless FM-Modulator to the factory stereo system. I am on my second one of these, the first one looked a bit like a hockey puck and had 2 dip switches for setting it to 1 of 3 possible frequencies. This thing transmitted an extremely low level signal and required the DVD volume and stereo colume to both be set VERY high. Since the signal was so low we had a lot of problems with interference from radio stations and occasionally from other video systems on the road. I replaced it with this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...ayphotohosting This one is fantastic, signal is much higher, I have never had to change the frequency on it. I mouinted it on the door of the bin under the DVD player.

I run a 12 volt signal and video under the carpet to a panel I made and mounted undet the passenger seat. This panel has a video amplifier and 4-12V power jacks.

I have 3 monitors one on the headrest of each of the front seats (using headrest mounts for easy removal). This 3rd monitor is under the pass. seat and is not mounted. The third one is for my wife, we have young kids that cannot control the DVD player so this allows my wife to get the video going for the kids.

Hope this helps a bit...

Now, can someone tell me how to remove the headrests?

SN95GT50

[ponchonutty]

Well, with the ones I sell, you have all kinds of options. First, you can get the OEM headrest replacements that have the screens installed. They work sweet and look very OEM'ish. The problem can be were to mount the DVD player itself but on your van, it can be doable. If you need to install the DVD say, under a seat, the remote for it will still work because of IR repeaters you install elsewhere in the vehicle.

The most popular that I have has to be the overhead all in one systems. The smallest is 7" and the biggest is 17". With these, the DVD player is mounted inside the trim panel of the screen. People love the new 10.2" screen because it's a HDTV and the picture is breathless. You can pop out the dvd player and take it with you. There is also a port for camera card reading.

Here's what I sell. You should be able to find a dealer near you. http://directed.com/rse/default.asp