| sushix |
| I want to install a dvd player and headrest monitors on my car. Anyone know a good installer in southern California? BTW how much does it cost for 2 7" headrest monitors and a dvd player installed? |
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| Mando |
Automotive Entertainment in Pasadena.
626-577-1200. Speak to Zack or Mike.
Awesome work. |
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| vlam |
I recently installed two 7" LCD and a DVD player for $850. I installed them myself and it's not very hard since you are just replacing headrests. I did have to drill holes in my seats since I didn't go with the vizualogic ones. I suspect that you should be able to get nice LCD and a DVD player for less than $1200 installed.
Here is my Myron & Davis LCD. |
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| phins2rt |
| vlam, looking good!!:29: |
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| sushix |
I just got back from Fry's. They have a sale on 2 7" headrest monitors a and dvd player for $499 installed. The monitor is pretty bright but the color is a little off. The dvd player itself has video input in the front but it does not have TV tuner. I don't like the 10.4" monitor because it is very dark.
DVD Player
Monitor
Note: the monitor is a little different from the one on the picture. The Mounting is different. It can be mounted as sun visor monitor or headrest monitor. |
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| HARDROCK |
quote:
Originally posted by Mando
Automotive Entertainment in Pasadena.
626-577-1200. Speak to Zack or Mike.
Awesome work.
I went to see "Zack" yesterday after seeing this post. I've already purchased Sam's unit and a backup camera - just need to buy a DVD player, a 300 watt power inverter (for my camera and laptop) and get everything installed. Zack wanted to sell me the DVD player, inverter, and an antenna for the T.V. tuner (a low profile Sony passive model for $150 - said was better than the amp antenna I purchased from Sam) and install everything for $975.00. As this seemed like a reasonable price for what I was assured would be high quality work, I agreed and set an appointment for the week after next, the first available date they had.
After Zack spent about 10 minutes on the computer writing up the order, he then informs me everything was all set to go and that he just needed $500.00 from me now to "hold the appointment". At that point my wife and I looked at each other and communicated our agreement non-verbally that Zack was out of his MF mind if he thought we were going to pay over 50% of the cost in-advance to "hold the appointment". :wtf:
Is this SOP these days - for audio system installers to require payment in-advance for make an appointment? Not only have they lost my business on the video install but also for the $2500 I was planning to spend on upgrading the BOSE speaker system at the same time. :crazy: |
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| 04mdx4sq |
| As someone who is in mobile audio/video sales, I can tell you that on larger jobs it is s.o.p. to take a deposit to hold an appointment and equipment for a couple of reasons, 1. You are committing equipment and essentially taking it out of sell-able inventory 2. If the customer is a "no show" and you have several hours booked out, you are still paying an installer to be there and now there is no car to work on. This is more something that I handle on a case by case basis, and I will always get a deposit if I am ordering something in that is not a normal stock item. in conclusion, I would have to say don't take it as an insult, look at it from the business' perspective. No show =no money. |
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| HARDROCK |
quote:
Originally posted by 04mdx4sq
As someone who is in mobile audio/video sales, I can tell you that on larger jobs it is s.o.p. to take a deposit to hold an appointment and equipment for a couple of reasons, 1. You are committing equipment and essentially taking it out of sell-able inventory 2. If the customer is a "no show" and you have several hours booked out, you are still paying an installer to be there and now there is no car to work on. This is more something that I handle on a case by case basis, and I will always get a deposit if I am ordering something in that is not a normal stock item. in conclusion, I would have to say don't take it as an insult, look at it from the business' perspective. No show =no money.
Valid points. The problem I had is that my job was not "large" - the parts required he had in-stock (except for the power inverter) and most of the cost was labor. I also offered to leave the car for a couple of days, as I have a second car to drive, but Zack insisted he would have the job done in less than one day and that wouldn't be necessary. The real problem was he didn't state that it was "policy" to ask for a 50% deposit BEFORE he writes the order up and while we are still discussing the costs.
Perhaps the tip-off should have been when just before we started to talk about the specific cost of what I wanted, he asked where I lived. When I told him "Inglewood", he had this look on his face like John Travolta when trying to score some coke in Pulp Fiction and he questioned the quality of the package.
Or was it the terrified look of the protagonist in the movie Grand Canyon who realizes he is lost in Inglewood after leaving a Laker Game at the Forum (visible from my bedroom window).
When things are handled on a "case-by-case" basis, it is too easy to treat some people unfairly. Better to have a consistent policy and apply it equally to everyone. Or lose the business, mine and future referrals. |
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| 04mdx4sq |
| What I meant by "case by case" is that if I am ordering a big ticket item or something vehicle specific, or holding a large amount of inventory or bay time I will ask for a deposit. I would have to say in your instance, I don't think I would have asked for a deposit, but all stores are different. |
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| Mando |
quote:
Originally posted by HARDROCK
I went to see "Zack" yesterday after seeing this post. I've already purchased Sam's unit and a backup camera - just need to buy a DVD player, a 300 watt power inverter (for my camera and laptop) and get everything installed. Zack wanted to sell me the DVD player, inverter, and an antenna for the T.V. tuner (a low profile Sony passive model for $150 - said was better than the amp antenna I purchased from Sam) and install everything for $975.00. As this seemed like a reasonable price for what I was assured would be high quality work, I agreed and set an appointment for the week after next, the first available date they had.
After Zack spent about 10 minutes on the computer writing up the order, he then informs me everything was all set to go and that he just needed $500.00 from me now to "hold the appointment". At that point my wife and I looked at each other and communicated our agreement non-verbally that Zack was out of his MF mind if he thought we were going to pay over 50% of the cost in-advance to "hold the appointment". :wtf:
Is this SOP these days - for audio system installers to require payment in-advance for make an appointment? Not only have they lost my business on the video install but also for the $2500 I was planning to spend on upgrading the BOSE speaker system at the same time. :crazy:
Hey Hardrock,
I'm sorry to hear about your story. These guys have been working on my cars for over 10 years and several AcuraMDX.org members have used them as well.
They really are straight-up guys and I would trust them with any of my vehicles.
Suggestion - You might want to talk it over again with them and see what you can work out. The reason why I suggest this is they have great knowledge about the MDX and are trusted by various members of the board, including myself. Why take a chance with shop that might not have the same level of experience?
Your call, but I would suggest you try them again. |
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| HARDROCK |
Mando,
Were you (or any other board member who has used this shop) required to pay a 50% deposit to make an appointment for them to work on your car? |
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| Mando |
quote:
Originally posted by HARDROCK
Mando,
Were you (or any other board member who has used this shop) required to pay a 50% deposit to make an appointment for them to work on your car?
Yes...I was asked and paid for it when we got our Clifford "super-duper" :) alarm installed. Again, I have had a long standing relationship with them, so I didn't have any problems with it.
However, I totally would understand someone elses viewpoint on this and can appreciate their feelings about a "deposit."
Again, it's up to you. But, it is very difficult to find a reputable, detail oriented shop in today's age of run-of-the-mill "Best Buys" and "Circuit Cities."
Good luck! |
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| cycler15 |
quote:
Originally posted by HARDROCK
Mando,
Were you (or any other board member who has used this shop) required to pay a 50% deposit to make an appointment for them to work on your car?
I also went to Automotive Entertainment to have my alarm/amp/and subs installed. Here is the link:
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...&threadid=14740
I also went there later to have the blitzsafe adapter with XM Commander installed along with a switch so I can also hookup my iPod. I never took any pictures of this setup.
They do high quality work and are recommended.
Zack mentioned to me on the phone when I first called him that a deposit would be required. I didn't question this because the shop was highly recommended by Mando. Like Mando said, I would rather use a shop that came highly recommended and pay a 50% deposit than use a random shop and pay no deposit. |
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| aemikeg |
Hi all, My name is Mike. I am the owner of Automotive Entertainment. It seems the subject of this thread has become whether or not it is fair to charge a deposit to book an appointment.
The first thing I'd like to make clear is that we are a very customer-oriented shop. We really strive to provide quality work along with outstanding customer service at a reasonable price. If any of our customers has an issue with any of our policies then we will do our best to make a reasonable accomodation.
For the most part our deposit policy hasn't raised many eyebrows. On a few occasions it has been a hindrance. The goal is to keep our install bays productive while maintaining quality. Often we are booked a week or so in advance and in the past many of our customers seemed to "forget" there appointments. Since taking on this policy our customers rarely miss an appointment. Our bays stay productive and that lets us keep our labor rates low for the quality of work. Even today the "non-deposit" appointments have are 3 times more likely to be "no-shows". So for us this deposit policy allows us to plan ahead and dedicate resources to a booked job.
For those of you who think it is unreasonable to leave a large deposit I'm certain we can come to an agreement. We always want our customers to feel like we are being fair. If any of you ever feels otherwise then please don't hold back in expressing your feelings.
I also will have a meeting with Zach in the morning to ensure that he does a more thorough job of explaining our policy and making concessions when warranted.
Thanks! |
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| HARDROCK |
quote:
Originally posted by aemikeg
Hi all, My name is Mike. I am the owner of Automotive Entertainment. It seems the subject of this thread has become whether or not it is fair to charge a deposit to book an appointment.
The first thing I'd like to make clear is that we are a very customer-oriented shop. We really strive to provide quality work along with outstanding customer service at a reasonable price. If any of our customers has an issue with any of our policies then we will do our best to make a reasonable accomodation.
For the most part our deposit policy hasn't raised many eyebrows. On a few occasions it has been a hindrance. The goal is to keep our install bays productive while maintaining quality. Often we are booked a week or so in advance and in the past many of our customers seemed to "forget" there appointments. Since taking on this policy our customers rarely miss an appointment. Our bays stay productive and that lets us keep our labor rates low for the quality of work. Even today the "non-deposit" appointments have are 3 times more likely to be "no-shows". So for us this deposit policy allows us to plan ahead and dedicate resources to a booked job.
For those of you who think it is unreasonable to leave a large deposit I'm certain we can come to an agreement. We always want our customers to feel like we are being fair. If any of you ever feels otherwise then please don't hold back in expressing your feelings.
I also will have a meeting with Zach in the morning to ensure that he does a more thorough job of explaining our policy and making concessions when warranted.
Thanks!
Okay, okay, I give. Thanks to the other board members who have had work done at this shop for sharing their experiences with me. And especially thanks to the shop owner Mike for taking the time and interest to respond to my concerns shared on this board. My issue wasn't so much as having to place a deposit but rather having it sprung on me so late in making the deal.
I really want the work done and based on what others on this board (who I do respect and trust) have reported about the great quality of their work, I'm going to call Mike in the morning and arrange for an appointment. :6: |
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| R Stevens |
HARDROCK -- Good Decision!
Turning over your MDX to strangers to tear apart all or part of the interior and then install audio/video equipment is inherently a risky proposition. One of the great advantages of this board is finding other members who can recommend places where quality is valued. Looks like you found it.
A quality installer and shop is priceless in my mind. I placed 50% deposits upfront as my MDX went through its A/V change out and have never regretted it. Go to the www.carsound.com forums sometime and you will get an idea of how many people have bad experiences with the BB's and CC's.
Kudos also to Mike for coming here and presenting his case. |
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| Mando |
quote:
Originally posted by HARDROCK
Okay, okay, I give. Thanks to the other board members who have had work done at this shop for sharing their experiences with me. And especially thanks to the shop owner Mike for taking the time and interest to respond to my concerns shared on this board. My issue wasn't so much as having to place a deposit but rather having it sprung on me so late in making the deal.
I really want the work done and based on what others on this board (who I do respect and trust) have reported about the great quality of their work, I'm going to call Mike in the morning and arrange for an appointment. :6:
Hey Hardrock - Just curious - how did it work out? Did you call them? |
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| HARDROCK |
Mando,
Everything is cool. I went back and met Mike and made an appointment for this coming Tuesday. Of course I had to leave an even larger deposit this time - because I'm also doing the audio system at the same time :) . I need to leave it overnight to get everything done and I'll post how it all works out next week. |
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| vlam |
| Glad to hear that you are letting a reputable installer work on your car. Based on feedback from others, you won't have to worry that it may end up looking like THIS INSTALL |
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| Mando |
quote:
Originally posted by HARDROCK
Mando,
Everything is cool. I went back and met Mike and made an appointment for this coming Tuesday. Of course I had to leave an even larger deposit this time - because I'm also doing the audio system at the same time :) . I need to leave it overnight to get everything done and I'll post how it all works out next week.
Glad to see that things worked out.
Plz post pix when the job is done! We also like to see great work! |
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| wlimca |
I recently had Automotive Entertainment install my Pioneer AVIC-N1 Navigation system and an Icon TV 7" flip-down monitor. Despite one glitch which they corrected quickly, their work was very good and I found the people accommodating, knowledgeable and friendly. Although I was taken a little by surprise by the upfront fee, I understood that they make their money from these installs and want to prevent anyone from cancelling without notice.
I would recommend them to anyone who needs to do audio or video installs in Southern California. Certainly quite a step up from other installers I spoke with locally who didn't think MDXs could accommodate a flip-down screen!
Bill |
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| HARDROCK |
quote:
Originally posted by wlimca
I recently had Automotive Entertainment install my Pioneer AVIC-N1 Navigation system and an Icon TV 7" flip-down monitor. Despite one glitch which they corrected quickly, their work was very good and I found the people accommodating, knowledgeable and friendly. Although I was taken a little by surprise by the upfront fee, I understood that they make their money from these installs and want to prevent anyone from cancelling without notice.
I would recommend them to anyone who needs to do audio or video installs in Southern California. Certainly quite a step up from other installers I spoke with locally who didn't think MDXs could accommodate a flip-down screen!
Bill
Wilmca,
Saw them working on your X when I dropped mine off on Tuesday morning (I joked that I was glad to see them "practicing" on someone else first :) ). That Pioneer looks like a great system. Mine is suppose to ready tomorrow - will post the results. |
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| flinchme |
| im gonna call them today, just saw the pioneer nav and it looks sweet, but on the past posts, people were saying the best nav was the alpine. please help, which one should i go with? |
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| Mando |
quote:
Originally posted by flinchme
im gonna call them today, just saw the pioneer nav and it looks sweet, but on the past posts, people were saying the best nav was the alpine. please help, which one should i go with?
AE sells both the Alpine and the Pioneer. I would prefer the Alpine, but that is my own personal preference (OLD Alpine customer :)).
Good luck!! |
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| flinchme |
| does the alpine have all the features of the avic? such as voice, dvd, nav, mp3 etc. btw, which model of the alpine did u install? possibly post some pics? |
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| Mando |
quote:
Originally posted by flinchme
does the alpine have all the features of the avic? such as voice, dvd, nav, mp3 etc. btw, which model of the alpine did u install? possibly post some pics?
Sorry - I think you may have misunderstood me. :)
I have the stock Acura NAV unit in my X. I don't any experience with the pioneer or alpine nav units.
However, I have had plenty of Alpine audio equipment in my prior autos and all of them are great pieces.
So, I'm stating that I would prefer Alpine if I had to pick a starting point for an aftermarket Nav unit.
Good luck!! |
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| flinchme |
| hey mando, just called them for quote, 2400. i thought the unit itself costed only 1400. doing a little more shopping in the meantime. |
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| Mando |
quote:
Originally posted by flinchme
hey mando, just called them for quote, 2400. i thought the unit itself costed only 1400. doing a little more shopping in the meantime.
Does that include installation?? Which unit?? wlimca how much was your unit with and without installation costs?? I'm sure flicnhme would be interested. |
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| flinchme |
| 2400 without tax, in my opinon, is quite a lot considering the unit costs 1400 (new). is it normal for installs to be up to 1000 dollars? |
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| wlimca |
quote:
Originally posted by Mando
Does that include installation?? Which unit?? wlimca how much was your unit with and without installation costs?? I'm sure flicnhme would be interested.
Bought the unit for $1500 online. Install was $300 for the Pioneer unit.
Bill |
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| flinchme |
| not bad, i can get unit installed for under 2k |
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| Mando |
| Hardrock - Any pix of the work done on your X??? |
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| HARDROCK |
Not for a couple of weeks - sorry. I didn't get it back until yesterday afternoon and I'm out the door for a 2 week road trip touring the West Coast. Just a couple of very minor problems but overall very satisfied - especially with the audio - the more I listen to it, the more I'm in love.
Pictures and details to follow.... |
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| Mando |
quote:
Originally posted by HARDROCK
Not for a couple of weeks - sorry. I didn't get it back until yesterday afternoon and I'm out the door for a 2 week road trip touring the West Coast. Just a couple of very minor problems but overall very satisfied - especially with the audio - the more I listen to it, the more I'm in love.
Pictures and details to follow....
Perfect time to test drive the new audio system. :)
When you get back, tell us what set up you ended up getting. I might be interested in upgrading our audio system as well.
Thx! |
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| Mando |
*bump*
HardRock....
:needpics:
PS: How was the trip?? :) |
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| HARDROCK |
Sorry for the delay in posting the results of my stereo/video upgrades but the day after I got everything installed, I left on a 3,000 road trip touring the national parks in California, Oregon, and Washington. Spent two weeks on the road and did lots of hiking and camping in some of the most beautiful places in the far western U.S.
As for the system upgrade, the following is a list of the equipment I had installed:
FRONT - Alpine SPX-177R 2-Way Components (6 ½ inch with tweeters mounted in OEM location)
REAR DOORS -Image Dynamics CTX5 2-Way Components. 5.25 inch
SUBWOOFER – Oz Audio VECTOR/2. 10 inch
DVD PLAYER – MicroVision MTV-DVD360
AMPS – Scosche EFX HD3001 250W mono for subwoofer
Scosche EFX HD 4004 60x4 for door speakers
AV/TUNER - SAM’s Unit with Blitzsafe audio interface
TV ANTENNA – SONY VCA-13 sticker element (passive)
POWER INVERTER – MAS DCAC300 300W
BACKUP CAMERA – http://www.avelectronic.com/Mini-Camera.htm
This is a project I have wanted to have done since I first found this site and learned what others were doing to their X’s. Overall I am extremely satisfied with the results of the upgrades and my only regret is waiting over 2 years to finally getting it done to my ’02 Tour/Nav! Now for a few comments about specific system components:
I am generally pleased with the stereo upgrades – especially the front Alpine components speakers. Both the front door and pillar tweeters were replaced and the sound is wonderful. Don’t hear much from the new passenger door speakers but I never did before, nor will I ever be sitting back there to know. Both the front and rear door speakers are driven by the Scosche 60x4 amp, mounted in the rear headrest storage area along with the separate subwoofer amp. Heat buildup does not seem to be a problem.
While the new subwoofer is a major improvement over the stock Bose, I was really expecting a lot more “thump” than I got. However, the more I listen the more acceptable it sounds. What I really need to get to hear what I think I want is to have a custom enclosure built and I’ve already asked the install shop to call me as soon as they build their first one for another MDX customer.
Sam’s unit is great! They were able to install in under the passenger seat on top of the nav/dvd system (thanks to Danny in SFO). It was such a kick watching DVD’s while on my road trip (only stuff I’ve seen before and didn’t have to pay any real attention to) and watching TV while stuck in bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic in Portland and Seattle. Don’t use it much day-to-day but it’s great to watch TV while waiting for my wife to shop! Highly recommend the Sony TV antenna – very low profile and excellent reception!
The backup camera is also great, especially for parking! I can now see behind me and I still surprised by how much room I really had behind me when I thought I was “too close” when parking. It was mounted about where the OEM camera is mounted.
The DVD player was mounted in the glove box and the remote infra-red eyes for both it and Sam’s remote were mounted high on the front windshield glass on either side of the rear view mirror support. The power inverter outlets where installed where others have done, below the rear a/c controls in the passenger area. The switch for the power inverter and subwoofer fader are below the steering wheel to the left of the interior temperature sensor.
Pictures to follow! |
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| vqdriver |
| where did they install the actual inverter? and how did they wire the outlets to the rear a/c console? |
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| HARDROCK |
quote:
Originally posted by vqdriver
where did they install the actual inverter? and how did they wire the outlets to the rear a/c console?
The inverter is installed inside the center console, along with the crossovers for the front speakers. I was told there is plenty of space available in this location. The outlets from the inverter were separated from the inverter itself and the wires extended to allow for just the outlets to be mounted inside the rear plastic housing of the console just below the rear A/C controls. Will try to post pictures later today but do a search as others have installed in the same place. |
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| vqdriver |
thanks.
btw, would the inverter cause interferance with the crossovers so closeby?? |
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| HARDROCK |
quote:
Originally posted by vqdriver
thanks.
btw, would the inverter cause interference with the crossovers so closeby??
I haven't noticed any interference. BTW, there is a switch to turn the inverter on/off located on the front dash. I was told to keep it "off" except when in use to avoid possible noise problems... |
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| wlimca |
quote:
Originally posted by HARDROCK
... watching TV while stuck in bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic in Portland and Seattle. Don’t use it much day-to-day but it’s great to watch TV while waiting for my wife to shop! Highly recommend the Sony TV antenna – very low profile and excellent reception!...
I'm thinking of adding a TV Tuner to the AVIC-N1 and I was wondering how TV reception is for you in the L.A. area? Do you get good reception while the truck is moving or do you have to be stopped? Did the installation shop recommend the Sony TV antenna? Also, how good is the TV reception coverage in different parts of the city (I live in the Pasadena area but commute to Santa Monica)?
Thanks!
Bill |
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| HARDROCK |
The T.V tuner really only works when you are NOT moving (or moving real slow). and only the stations with the strongest signals come in clear. For example, channels 7, 9, 11 are perfect, 4, 5, and 13 okay most places, and channel 2 NEVER works in the L.A. Basin.
I had purchase an amplified antenna to install with the system but the install shop said the SONY would would better and install much cleaner (I have it mounted on the inside of my right rear passenger window and it's hidden by the factory tint - you can't really see it).
I see you live in Pasadena - I did get by far my best reception (even while driving) when driving down from Altadena back to L.A. The signal from channel 4 was perfect until I got on the Pasadena Fwy. Why? The station transmitters are located above you on Mount Wilson! |
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| socalJD |
Hey Hrock,
Just to be clear, your only source for video viewing is thru the OEM Navi screen ? I didn't see headrest monitors or a flip down screen in your parts list - I guess you don't have kids that you have to share the DVD player with . . . :confused: |
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| sushix |
| I want to install a sunvisor monitor on my car(passenger side only). Is it legal in California? I heard you can get a ticket for that. |
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| HARDROCK |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
Hey Hrock,
Just to be clear, your only source for video viewing is thru the OEM Navi screen ? I didn't see headrest monitors or a flip down screen in your parts list - I guess you don't have kids that you have to share the DVD player with . . . :confused:
Yes - the kids are grown and I don't need a screen for passengers in the back so right now by only source for video viewing is the NAV screen. However, I think I have one more set of outputs open on SAM's unit and my plan was to connect a portable video screen and have it sit on top of the front center console when I have folks in the back seat.
I believe the law in California is that it is illegal to have a video screen visible from to the driver while operating the vehicle. Don't know how this would apply to the passenger sunvisor. |
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| sushix |
quote:
I think I have one more set of outputs open on SAM's unit and my plan was to connect a portable video screen and have it sit on top of the front center console when I have folks in the back seat
How about something like this |
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| HARDROCK |
quote:
Originally posted by sushix
How about something like this
YES! But perhaps just a little larger screen if available. |
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| Mando |
I'm getting some work done this week (rear camera integrated into the NAV) and bluetooth integration (Parrot 3100). When scheduling this, I remembered that you were going to post some pix of your install, but I wasn't quite sure if you did or not.
Thx! |
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| HARDROCK |
:needpics:
:whip: :whip: :whip:
I forgot but will by tomorrow night! |
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