Ok, trying to decide what to do hear. I was thinking about installing a Farenheit LCD in the above pocket where the Navi usually goes. Then using an Alpine head unit that was capable of playing cd's and dvd's. Then I stumbled upon the Kenwood DDX-7017. Pretty cool unit. The only thing I didn't like was that I couldn't cover it up w/ the door like I could do w/ a seperate LCD.

I would also like to have my LCD playing some sort of picture on mute while my radio was on. I guess that wouldn't be possible w/ out having a seperate DVD player, right?

So, out of these 3 options what would anyone suggest to be my best. Also, at this time I don't really care to much about Navigation.

Option 1) CD/DVD player Head unit all in one w/ a seperate LCD

Option 2)Kenwood excelon Head unit

Option 3)A Nice pioneer/alpine CD player w/ a seperate DVD player and a seperate LCD

Not interested in the flip up screens.

thanks!!!!

 

Those are three excellent options and nearly match what I'm considering.

1) The new version of that DDX, the DDX8017. Not sure about this because it screams "BREAK INTO MY CAR AND STEAL ME!"
2) The Alpine IVA-D310. It's nice because the screen hides away and has detachable face security. I really like the pulse touch screen and the clarity of the it. Plus it's Alpine, which is a brand I trust.
3) Finally, a standard CD HU with an LCD in the cubby hole. I can buy the new thin PS2 for a DVD player plus be able to play video games while in the car. This is actually the cheapest method to accomplish everything I want, but it loses a little of the "cool" factor because there's no screen coming into and out of the dash.

I think they are all great choices and a testament to how versatile this car's setup is. Really, it's a matter of what YOU want and how much you want to spend. I don't think that any of those options will allow you to have some sort of screen saver, but I can't say for sure. I don't think you can go wrong.

Be sure to let us know what you choose and post pics when it's done!

 

I've been thinking about the same thing and I'm leaning towards option 3. I think it's safer because you can hide the LCD and the viewing angle would be nicer. Seems more expensive to buy 3 separate units though.

 

It is a tough call and I see im not alone in this venture. I have been doing some research on this and am still having a hard time. I think I am leaning more towards option 1 & 3. The Kenwood DDX Excelon unit is sweet but like JPMFAN states "BReak into my car and steal me" is a big factor.
Hey jpm fan & CompiledMonkey, definitely let me know what you end up doing!

 

Depends on what you buy. The Alpine unit and the new Excelon 8017 are about $1,500. On the other hand, a PS2 is $150, a really good HU w/out screen is about $400-500 and the Farenheit 7" LCD is about $150. $1,500 vs $800, plus you can play vids in the car! You actually get more for a lot less, but you lose the "wow" factor that the retractable screen gives you.

 

So JPM fan, your saying you get a lot more if you were to get a seperate and get a seperate screen, PSU and a high end HU? What about watching DVD's? Unless you plan on watching a DVD through the PSU. Or are you thinking that a highend HU ($400-500) would be one that's capable of playing DVD's?
I haven't even thought of getting a PSU in the car, where would you put it? Wouldn't the remote's wires be a pain in the as@?
As far as the "wow" factor is concerned w/ a retractable screen...im assuming your talking about a HU w/ a flip out screen, I think it would look better in the OEM cubby, personally. Otherwise, it looks too mch like cluttered..thats just my opinion.

let me know your thoughts!

 

Yes, you can watch DVDs on the PS2 or buy a HU that supports both but doesn't have a screen. The new PS2s are only about 1/2 inch thick. I was thinking I'd put it in the little cubby behind the passenger above the "glove box". You could fit the controllers in there too because the PS2 is so damn small. I mean, it's like the size of a DVD movie box.

I haven't decided what to do yet. I keep going back and forth. On one hand, I like the look of the screen in the dash cubby. On the other hand, the flip-out screen is really cool, plus I put my cigs, lighter, Sirius remote, etc, in the cubby right now. Where would I put that crap? Plus, the flip-out screen on the Alpine is just bada$$.

 

I went option #3 to some degree. I have the Alpine 7996 cd/dvd head and a 7" screen in the cubby. All that I need to do now is get my hands on an Alpine 6 disc changer (or one of their old dvd changers) and I'm set.

 

Great looking setup and just what I want to do! With the screen, if you have a touch screen, will it interact with your CD/DVD player?

 

Good point. Like I asked above; do you still get the "integrated" feel by having a separate display and CD/DVD player? Will the touch screen be able to interact with your CD/DVD player?

 

I agree.

 

I don't think so. The seperate LCDs aren't normally touch screen at all. They are simply LCD screens.

 

There are touchscreen lcd's available (mp3car.com), but mine is not one. Even if it was, it would not control this headunit. Unless you're going the in-car computer route or navigation, there's really no need for the touchscreen.

 

Hey Doug, what screen is that? Farenheit? Also, what is that hole for right under your LCD?

 

The screen is a Lilliput that I purchased from mp3car.com. For the $130 that I spent, it's a great buy. That hole that I drilled into the trim is for the screen's remote eye.

 

Does anyone think it would be possible if I were to get a seperate DVD player, an Alpine HU and an seperate LCD for me to play a DVD(on mute) and listen to my music through my AlpineCD player?

Also, any feedback on what I should look for when purchasing a DVD player???
A little expensive but how is the alpine DVA-5205 DVD player??

thanks!