Double-DIN DVD units

[albert5268]

Hey guys so I've been looking around at some double-din dvd units for my VY.

I'm not going to be spending heaps and it doesn't look like there is much choice around when shopping for 2-din units. Kenwood offer 4 DD units in their new range whilst Pioneer, Sony and Alpine all offer just the one (correct me if I'm wrong). These were the only brands i researched.


Alpine unit


Sony unit



Pioneer unit


I only glanced over the multiple offerings Kenwood have and didn't like what i saw. I was liking the look of the Alpine unit until i saw the screen resolution was only 400x234 compared with the Sony unit which is a whopping 800x480. The Pioneer unit is 480x234 but offers a lot more features plus has a 6-disc stacker instead of just a single disc. The Alpine and Sony units are around the same price range and the Pioneer unit is more expensive.

At this stage I'm leaning towards the Sony unit. I think i would rather have better picture quality than a couple more features I would very rarely use. The Pioneer unit is superior in most aspects, besides the screeen res obviously, but i think the extra money could be better spent on other things.


Any thoughts on this? Has anyone had experience with any of the units i have mentioned?

Cheers

[StoneX]

Pioneer have the AVH-P6050DVD (RRP - $2,199) and AVH-P4050DVD (RRP - $1,399) but they can be bought cheaper from stores and other sources.

I haven't looked at the Sony, but the Pioneer's look pretty clear as they are, much better than previous models (except the AVH-P6850DVD as the 6050 is basically the same).

[dijm8]

yeh m8, i bought the pioneer last month very happy with it, pickd 1 up for around $1200 from jb-hi, cheapest i could get it other stores still wanted around the $1500

[1991_Vn2nV]

The double din pioneer dvd players are excellent, definitely reccomend the pioneer.

[albert5268]

Pioneer have the AVH-P6050DVD (RRP - $2,199) and AVH-P4050DVD (RRP - $1,399) but they can be bought cheaper from stores and other sources.

I haven't looked at the Sony, but the Pioneer's look pretty clear as they are, much better than previous models (except the AVH-P6850DVD as the 6050 is basically the same).

Hey cheers for the info. The only unit i could find listed on the Pioneer site is the 6850. Are the other two newer? The pioneer website is terrible.

I kinda have to rely on internet info as i live in the country and won't get an opportunity to test any of the units hands on. I'd love to see the difference the extra pixels would make with the Sony unit.

[skitzn]

pioneer FTW. you can get that vehicle dynamics thing for some of them .

[albert5268]

pioneer FTW. you can get that vehicle dynamics thing for some of them .

Yeah i saw that. They look sweet but the novelty might wear off pretty quick.

[StoneX]

Hey cheers for the info. The only unit i could find listed on the Pioneer site is the 6850. Are the other two newer? The pioneer website is terrible.

Yeah, AVH-P6850DVD was last years model and has been replaced by the AVH-P6050DVD. The AVH-P4050DVD is a new model double DIN with a smaller screen and a few less features to save you some money... BUT... It plays DivX and MP3 from DVD, the 6850 and 6050 don't play DivX and don't play MP3 from DVD, but you have a 6 stacker so you can have 6 MP3 CD's instead. It just depends what features you want.
Try this link: PIONEER CAR AUDIO RANGE 2008 - Visual Audio

dijm8... What model did you get?

[albert5268]

Yeah, AVH-P6850DVD was last years model and has been replaced by the AVH-P6050DVD. The AVH-P4050DVD is a new model double DIN with a smaller screen and a few less features to save you some money... BUT... It plays DivX and MP3 from DVD, the 6850 and 6050 don't play DivX and don't play MP3 from DVD, but you have a 6 stacker so you can have 6 MP3 CD's instead. It just depends what features you want.
Try this link: PIONEER CAR AUDIO RANGE 2008 - Visual Audio

dijm8... What model did you get?

Yeah thanks. I found a lot more info on the US website (on the similar models AVh-P6000DVD and 4000DVD).

The 6000 plays MP3 off DVD... it seems strange the 6050 wouldnt.
MP3 Playback with ID3 Tag DVD or CD
WMA (Windows Media Audio) Playback DVD or CD
iTunes AAC Playback DVD or CD

[StoneX]

I think that may be a mistake regarding the AVH-P6000DVD playing MP3 from DVD as it has the same DVD mech and control board as the AVH-P6050DVD.

[klaw81]

You could also have a look at the JVC AVX-810, same screen resolution and similar features as the others, goes for about $1000. Plays MP3/WMA & DivX from USB, SD card, CD or DVD as well as AUX in. Also plays iPod audio/video and bluetooth with adapters.

[listen_to_slayer]

Hey mate, i bought a Pioneer AVH-P4050DVD the other day, i got the price down from $1400 to $880 although the screen is smaller(6.1"), is not tilt adjustable and it only has 2 RCA Pre outs (as opposed to 3 like many other units) it comes with the cable to plug an ipod into it. And it is one of the few units that you can play your ipod videos through, it also allows you to control all ipod functions through the deck. I haven't installed my deck yet but im sure video quality will be alright for an $880 deck


have a look here for features PIONEER CAR AUDIO RANGE 2008 - Visual Audio

[whitey66]

Hey mate, i bought a Pioneer AVH-P4050DVD the other day, i got the price down from $1400 to $880 although the screen is smaller(6.1"), is not tilt adjustable and it only has 2 RCA Pre outs (as opposed to 3 like many other units) it comes with the cable to plug an ipod into it. And it is one of the few units that you can play your ipod videos through, it also allows you to control all ipod functions through the deck. I haven't installed my deck yet but im sure video quality will be alright for an $880 deck


have a look here for features PIONEER CAR AUDIO RANGE 2008 - Visual Audio

I got the Pioneer AVH-P4000DVD from Ebay about a month ago,it only cost me $420 all up including delivery from the USA (It was here in less than a week).
It's basically the same as the Aussie version 4050,but you don't get a remote which didn't bother me considering it's touchscreen.Then there's the Region 1 DVD thing,but that doesn't worry me at all either.
The 4000 retails in the USA for $500 US,the 4050 as mentioned above retails for $1399.Are we getting ripped or what!!

I've got a Pioneer rear camera,Ipod cable (Ipod functionality is excellent) and USB cable hooked up to it.
I also got a fitting kit and fascia to suit my VY for $29,it looks and fits really good.

If you'd like some photos of it,let me know.Maybe you could check the screen resolution when playing a movie? Not sure if it would show up real good on the photos,but I could try.

The video quality is really good and the touchscreen is awesome.
The only downsides of buying one from overseas is warranty,and the region 1 locked DVD player,but this is very easy to fix.Who keeps their original DVDs in their car anyway?

I love the way you can change the colours of the unit,both the illumination and the screen background.Not only can you match it to your dash,but if you get bored with it you can make it just about any colour you want.

The only thing I don't like with this unit,which afaik is the same with all Pioneer headunits,is that the electric aerial goes up even when watching a DVD or listening to a CD.I know it's only a matter of adding a switch to manually control the aerial,but in this day and age surely Pioneer could design this function correctly.I realise that the same aerial wire can be used to power up other remote units,but why not not have a manual switch or menu setting where you can set this to "Aerial up with radio only"?

[Fletch_QLD]

I got the Pioneer AVH-P4000DVD from Ebay about a month ago,it only cost me $420 all up including delivery from the USA (It was here in less than a week).

Hey mate

I'm looking at the AVH-P4000DVD on ebay as well. You know you can get a remote for $20 - but who needs it

I was just wondering - how much can you tone the illumination down ? Say you are driving at night, just listening to tunes - can the brightness be dropped right down?

Cheers

[StoneX]

Do you realise you won't be able to play Aussie DVDs? If it goes faulty, you'll have to send it back overseas... I'd be very careful wiring it up because the slightest mistake and you'll be posting it back to America for repairs.

You can get the Aussie version for much less than the RRP if you know where to look

[whitey66]

Do you realise you won't be able to play Aussie DVDs? If it goes faulty, you'll have to send it back overseas... I'd be very careful wiring it up because the slightest mistake and you'll be posting it back to America for repairs.

You can get the Aussie version for much less than the RRP if you know where to look

Yes you can,you just make a back up copy of the retail DVD that you bought.
Most programs remove the region coding automatically.
Who wants to leave their original DVDs in the car anyway? They could get stolen or damaged.
The cheapest I could find for the locally supplied one was about $850,twice the price of the one I got.If it stuffs up I could just buy another one and still be in front.

[whitey66]

Hey mate

I'm looking at the AVH-P4000DVD on ebay as well. You know you can get a remote for $20 - but who needs it

I was just wondering - how much can you tone the illumination down ? Say you are driving at night, just listening to tunes - can the brightness be dropped right down?

Cheers

I'm getting the PAC SWI-PS ($60 ) for my VY so I can use the steering wheel controls, so I have no use for the remote anyway.
The illumination dims automatically at night if you connect the light input wire to the unit.You can turn this feature off or on depending on what you like.
You can also manually adjust the dimmer,contrast,colour and hue of all the sources.

Hope this helps.

[whitey66]

Just an update,I have now fitted the PAC SWI-PS to my VY and it works perfectly.It's very easy to fit (3 wires to connect) and program and comes with a plug to connect to the back of my head unit.
These units fit the newer Sony and Pioneer head units with an input for remote controls.
You just set it up as if for a Pontiac GTO,as they use the same wiring and resistor values as the VY and VZ,I checked it out in the Holden Service Manual before ordering the kit.

Best $60 I ever spent,it's great to have my steering wheel controls back again.

[=SKB=]

Just an update,I have now fitted the PAC SWI-PS to my VY and it works perfectly.It's very easy to fit (3 wires to connect) and program and comes with a plug to connect to the back of my head unit.
These units fit the newer Sony and Pioneer head units with an input for remote controls.
You just set it up as if for a Pontiac GTO,as they use the same wiring and resistor values as the VY and VZ,I checked it out in the Holden Service Manual before ordering the kit.

Best $60 I ever spent,it's great to have my steering wheel controls back again.

Nice find.

...If you'd like some photos of it,let me know...

Yes thanks. Also more info on the reverse camera you are running.

[RecklessXL]

These units fit the newer Sony and Pioneer head units with an input for remote controls

Im a Kenwood man myself, no offence.. With Alpine your paying for the name, not for quality. Pioneer should honestly just stick to home theatre. Sony... I wont even go there. But each to their own, just my opinion

I dont suppose the steering control unit is compatible with the Kenwood DDX8032BT or the Kenwood DDX5032 by any chance?

[StoneX]

You obviously have no idea

[whitey66]

Im a Kenwood man myself, no offence.. With Alpine your paying for the name, not for quality. Pioneer should honestly just stick to home theatre. Sony... I wont even go there. But each to their own, just my opinion

I dont suppose the steering control unit is compatible with the Kenwood DDX8032BT or the Kenwood DDX5032 by any chance?

And in my opinion,Kenwood should stick to making mix-masters .


The "SWI-JACK" should work with your Kenwood if it has a wired remote input.
It's wired the same as the SWI-PS,just use the instructions for the Pontiac GTO and it should be sweet.

[whitey66]

Nice find.



Yes thanks. Also more info on the reverse camera you are running.

I've been a bit busy lately at work and at home,i'll try to find some time to take some pics and post them shortly.
The camera i'm using is the Pioneer ND-BC2.

[=SKB=]

I've been a bit busy lately at work and at home,i'll try to find some time to take some pics and post them shortly.
The camera i'm using is the Pioneer ND-BC2.

Thanks.