Widescreen 7" roof-mount monitor options?

4703 Views 22 Replies 9 Participants Last post by shinjohn, Apr 17, 2002

DAL

Discussion Starter · Dec 27, 2001

I'm interested in installing a 7" widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio)roof-mounted monitor for use with a DVD player.

Unfortunately, I haven't found too many roof-mounted widescreen (16:9)options. I've seen the Audiovox and the new Alpine screens, but I was wondering what else is available.

Has anybody ever seen one of the inexpensive Necvox RE-7269 monitors ( photo at http://216.122.201.68/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=Mobile+tv+7269 and at a lower price of $449 at http://www.cyberautosound.com/necvox.html ) or the Redant 7-inch monitor (uses a Sharp LCD for about $200 at http://www.lik-sang.com/catalog/product_info.php?category=13&products_id=1374 )

Are these inexpensive monitors total junk or might they work out OK? Do they use the recycled video poker screens that I've heard about, and if so, is that a bad idea?

Is my best option to wait for 6 months until other reputable companies bring 16:9 monitors to the market?

[This message has been edited by DAL (edited 12-27-2001).]

1 - 20 of 23 Posts

shindog

· #2 · Dec 27, 2001

I'm in the same predicament as you, still looking...

Audiovox seems to be the best one widely available RIGHT NOW. The Alpine 7" won't be widely avail. until after CES suppossedly.

FYI, Audiovox uses Sharp LCDs, from what I hear.

I'd steer clear of the other brands you mentioned, unless on a tight budget. This is somewhat subjective, but the picture quality of all these off brands have been pretty poor in my experience... I've personally seen the Rendant, was not impressed at all. If you wanna try your luck on Necvox, I've seen it even lower than $449 on ebay or someplace else, I forget.

Funny, so many manufacurers have in-dash 7", but no drop down. What's up with that?

Let me know if you find anything else, I too am extremely interested!

------------------
-Shin John
'01 DEP EX, and I'm workin' on it! (slowly)

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dbw360

· #3 · Dec 27, 2001

Count me in the "waiting for a better option" camp. According to HandA, the iVES screen is a 16:9, 7". Can that be purchased separately, along with the bracket and maybe harnesses? Does anyone know if it can be wired up to a standard VCR/DVD? It appears to have the IR transmitter incorporated, as well.

DAL

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 28, 2001

Based on some research today, I'm leaning towards the AcceleVision 7" 16:9 flipdown unit. A local installer has had great luck with them from a picture quality and reliability standpoint. Two different installers prefer the Accele picture over the Audiovox, although it is a pretty subjective measure. The Accele price is lower than the Audiovox, as well.

Although it is not a very "sexy" housing it appears to offer good performance for the price. Note that it does not have the headphone emitter integrated - just the remote control emitter. I'm doing the install myself, and I plan to mount a headphone emitter on the headliner between the 2nd and 3rd row seats.

http://www.accele.com/LowRes/index.html

viskha

· #5 · Dec 28, 2001

I got a complete system from theAutoAccessories.com - a 7" Fahrenheit monitor (make sure you get the high resolution model), a Fahrenheit DVD player, a Sony VCP, 2 wireless headphones with infrared transmitter and an FM modulator. The entire system cost me around $700. I had it installed by Circuit City for around $240.

Despite 1 or 2 people on this forum telling me that the system may not be very good (none had any experience with this supplier - they were just speculatiing), I went ahead (price couldn't be better). My feelings (and those of all who have seen the system) are that this is a very good system for the price (and otherwise also).

Tom at theAutoAccessories.com was quite helpful - the only negative is that you can only contact them by email (sometimes they take a day or two to reply). Even though I was skeptical I took a chance and I truly feel it was worth it.

Hope this helps - any questions, let me know.

dbw360

· #6 · Jan 4, 2002

I talked to Trevor at HandA, and they do sell the iVES monitor by itself. But it doesn't take the normal audio and video connections, and it is controlled by the VCP. Too bad Honda doesn't make it easier.

On a happier note, my local Alpine dealer says he can get the TMX-705, so I'm probably going to go that route. He also said he should have information next week on the new Clarion products, they are support to have a 7" and 8" wide-screen, overhead mount.

shindog

· #7 · Jan 4, 2002

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by dbw360:
I talked to Trevor at HandA, and they do sell the iVES monitor by itself. But it doesn't take the normal audio and video connections, and it is controlled by the VCP. Too bad Honda doesn't make it easier.

On a happier note, my local Alpine dealer says he can get the TMX-705, so I'm probably going to go that route. He also said he should have information next week on the new Clarion products, they are support to have a 7" and 8" wide-screen, overhead mount.</font>

CES is next week. Expect all these to be announced then, but general avail is another thing. My local dealers can't place orders yet for the 705. When is your dealer promising? May I ask what price they are asking too?

8" wide sounds intriguing. If you hear/see something more concrete, I'd be interested to hear too!

------------------
-Shin John
'01 DEP EX, and I'm workin' on it! (slowly)

dbw360

· #8 · Jan 4, 2002

My dealer says his rep says they are in stock. He's asking $1299 (list is $1500).

shindog

· #9 · Jan 5, 2002

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by dbw360:

My dealer says his rep says they are in stock. He's asking $1299 (list is $1500).</font>

Hmmm... I'm gonna have to go hammer on my dealers... :angry:
But gosh, $1300 is alot just for a screen!
Thank for the info!

------------------
-Shin John
'01 DEP EX, and I'm workin' on it! (slowly)

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dbw360

· #10 · Jan 5, 2002

Yeah, it is a bit pricey. But it is motorized, even the swivel. And it looks to be a bit lower-profile than some of the other screens available. I'll let the list know if it really does arrive next week.

dbw360

· #11 · Jan 8, 2002

The Clarion web page (http://www.clarion.com/mainpage.htm) has the new stuff. The 8" isn't a widescreen, but the 7" is. They looks nice, except the housing is *really* thick. No actual specs I could see, but looks to be at least 3" or more.

DAL

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jan 12, 2002

Well, I finally made my purchase decision, as I'm incredibly happy! I had originally planned to buy an Accelevision 7" widescreen monitor, DVD player and FM modulator from www.mobileexcitement.com based upon input about the picture quality. Myles at the website put together a package deal that was pretty attractive, but I was still a little unsure whether the picture truly would be good - this is the problem with a sight-unseen purchase.

Before I purchased the system, I found a review article in the December issue of "Car Sound & Performance" magazine about the ICON-TV 7" widescreen monitor that was quite favorable regarding the motorized flip-down version of the monitor. They particularly commented on the picture and audio quality (it has a built-in IR transmitter for headphones). Since the praise from the magazine raised my confidence level, I spoke with Myles to see if he could get the non-motorized version since I didn't see a need for the motorized flip. He ended up putting together a package with the Accele DVD/MP3 player model #DVD1002, FM modulator, and the F70WIR monitor for $650 including shipping. Currently, the website doesn't have the monitor listed, but I phoned him at (919) 395-8592 and he verified that it was available. I did not order any wireless headphones.

One of the most important parts of this decision was that Myles spent a ton of time answering my numerous questions and definitely offers some of the best customer service I've ever experienced for any product. He immediately returns calls, called to leave me the tracking number of my shipment, and answered many installation questions.

The shipment arrived today and although I didn't have time to install the system, I immediately spent time in the garage wiring it up temporarily in order to check the picture quality. I'm really amazed and glad that I made this decision. I have a great picture and I saved a bundle.

My only decision now is where to mount the DVD player and whether I'll mount the monitor to plywood screwed into the roof crossmember or just "hang" it from the headliner using the mounting plate that came with it.

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Odywan-kanody

· #13 · Jan 17, 2002

DAL,

Curious as to where you are going to mount the DVD player. Also, is the 7" screen big enough for third row viewing?
Have you installed it all yet? If so, how'd it go? problems? things to do different?
C'mon, let's have an update!

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DAL

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jan 19, 2002

Odywan,

I'm going to be mounting the DVD player under the passenger's front seat. I removed the storage tray under the seat and then found that the Accele DVD player was too long to fit under the seat well. It stuck out about 2-3" too far.

I got back in touch with Myles at mobileexcitement.com, and he found that the Icon-TV DVD player was much smaller, so I sent the Accele back and he's waiting to get the Icon-TV DVD player model# DVD-2E shipped to him and then he'll ship it right to me. The Icon-TV DVD player was a little more expensive, but it's worth it to me since it will fit under the passenger seat without sticking far out into the passenger's foot area. There were no restocking fees for shipping back the Accele DVD.

I did try out the monitor and held it up in the proper location in the van, but I did not permanently install it yet. I'm waiting for the new DVD player to get here.

Both my wife and I were extremely pleased with the picture quality and she said that it looked great even when sitting in the third row seats. We also found that the monitor did not obstruct the rear-view mirror's view out of the rear of the van.

I'll post more info when I do the install, or feel free to ask me any further questions.

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shareef

· #15 · Jan 19, 2002

thanks DAL, spoke to Myles, I am getting a 10inch dvd for $725.

[This message has been edited by shareef (edited 01-19-2002).]

[This message has been edited by shareef (edited 01-23-2002).]

dbw360

· #16 · Jan 22, 2002

Just thought I would give the group a quick update. My Alpine TMX-R705 arrived yesterday, so they are available. I'm scheduled for the install on Thursday, I'll post pictures after it's in.

shindog

· #17 · Jan 23, 2002

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by dbw360:

Just thought I would give the group a quick update. My Alpine TMX-R705 arrived yesterday, so they are available. I'm scheduled for the install on Thursday, I'll post pictures after it's in.</font>

Sweet, looking forward to it!

------------------
-Shin John
'01 DEP EX, and I'm workin' on it! (slowly)

wallstreet123456

· #18 · Jan 23, 2002

I have Ives system installed, think I can get a DVD unit and mount say under seat and hook it up so I will still be able to use volume control knobs on steering wheel?

shindog

· #19 · Jan 25, 2002

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by wallstreet123456:
I have Ives system installed, think I can get a DVD unit and mount say under seat and hook it up so I will still be able to use volume control knobs on steering wheel?</font>

IVES uses an FM modulator to interface with the stock head unit. I would assume that the aux inputs for the IVES pipe sound through the FM Modulator as well. So, assuming you hook your DVD player into the IVES' aux input, your steering wheel remote controls will work as usual on the factory head unit.

p.s.- FYI, want to control your DVD player via the factory SW controls? Take a look at this...

http://www.go2pac.net/products/swi_v.html

------------------
-Shin John
'01 DEP EX, and I'm workin' on it! (slowly)

[This message has been edited by shinjohn (edited 01-25-2002).]

Mr. Z

· #20 · Mar 22, 2002

Any updates?

Hey guys...I am looking at the Alpine TMX-705. Someone said their's arrived...any comments on the picture quality/performance? How about a pic of it installed?

-Kevin

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