DVD player question... opinions wanted

[ncx]

I am getting TVonNav and a DVD player. I heard from Parag that they are shipping the new tuner modules that have the capability to receive digital broadcasts for the upcoming US standard. Sounds good.

The question is what DVD player to get. My goal is to get DVD and MP3 capability (from CD-R). I would like on-screen MP3 tag info but I that won't be a deal breaker if I can't get it. Also, this will be a DYI job so I am looking for an installation I can handle myself. What do you think is the best solution...

a) replace the 6-disc changer with a DVD changer (or single disc) that has CDR and MP3 capability

b) leave the CD changer in place, add a DVD player somewhere (in the back, under the front passenger seat, ?)

c) go with the headrest solution like the stealer's Visualogic kit which has the DVD player either in the headrest or down by the rear cupholder.

d) some other solution?

If you have any opinions, model numbers, etc., I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks

[ekaz]

I'd like to know this as well, definitely interested.

[UCrewX5]

I went with your option "b" and have been very pleased with the way everything worked out. You can find details, including the model of the DVD unit I used, in this article - http://www.xoutpost.com/articles.php?...ticle&artid=30

Jeff

[ncx]

Thanks Jeff. I have seen that good article a few times and think I may end up going that route for simplicity and for cost reasons. I found one today for $89 that does it all.

Question for you please...

Did you just run 12v, 12V+Accessory, and Ground to the spare tire area from under the seat and make your connections there? Or up to the fuse panel or ?

I think I will still need a 2003+ radio module in order to have stereo audio since mine is a 2002 (non aux-input capable)

Thanks-
Kevin

[UCrewX5]

Originally Posted by ncx

Question for you please...

Did you just run 12v, 12V+Accessory, and Ground to the spare tire area from under the seat and make your connections there? Or up to the fuse panel or ?

I think I will still need a 2003+ radio module in order to have stereo audio since mine is a 2002 (non aux-input capable)

Thanks-
Kevin

Kevin,

For the power to the DVD player, I just simply tapped into the 12V source that feeds the cigarette lighter that is at the rear of the center console. You can easily access it by pulling out the storage bin below the armrest. The only downside to this source is that it is not switched. I'll get around to running a switched source some day, but the one I've been using has worked just fine for me.

If you want stereo sound from the DVD player through the BMW Aux input then yes, you will need to install a radio module from a 2003 or newer. For you it will be a very simple plug-n-play swap, as you already have the flat pin wiring harness.

Jeff

[ncx]

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

Kevin,

For the power to the DVD player, I just simply tapped into the 12V source that feeds the cigarette lighter that is at the rear of the center console. You can easily access it by pulling out the storage bin below the armrest. The only downside to this source is that it is not switched. I'll get around to running a switched source some day, but the one I've been using has worked just fine for me.

Just in case you decide to run a switched source... I found it very simple to run under the edge of the center console, up into the upper passenger footwell, and come in behind the glove box and into the fuse panel. I found a good ground right at the seat mounting frame. I had three empty 'hot' fuse locations, and the first one I checked was switched. So there should be no way I can leave the power on the DVD unit when away from the car. Anyway, it was a simple way to get switched 12v to the DVD.

I would like to see about mounting the DVD in the rear of the console below the cup holders if it will fit. Right now it is under the seat like yours, but I think yours fits better. Thanks again for the article and ideas.

[UCrewX5]

Originally Posted by ncx

Just in case you decide to run a switched source... I found it very simple to run under the edge of the center console, up into the upper passenger footwell, and come in behind the glove box and into the fuse panel. I found a good ground right at the seat mounting frame. I had three empty 'hot' fuse locations, and the first one I checked was switched. So there should be no way I can leave the power on the DVD unit when away from the car. Anyway, it was a simple way to get switched 12v to the DVD.

I would like to see about mounting the DVD in the rear of the console below the cup holders if it will fit. Right now it is under the seat like yours, but I think yours fits better. Thanks again for the article and ideas.

Thanks for the tip on the switched source. I'll keep that in mind

[ncx]

Excellent, thank you very much. I have some cool concert DVD's and really look forward to listening to them on the road. Thanks much

[King]

Be careful with what you order from TVonNAV. I ordered their so called 'OEM' DVD player which goes with the OEM TV module and wiring harness. To my surprise, what I got was an 'Accelevision' DVD player. After several emails back and forth and trying to get a hold of Parag, he said it was THEIR version of the OEM DVD player, and not BMW OEM!! Can you believe that??? Maybe that's why there is no pic of it on their web site!

After I sent him a link showing him what those Accelevisions were really going for, he refunded me the difference but refused to take it back!

Needless to say that was the last time I did business with him. I still have that Accelevision DVD/MP3 player if anyone's interested.

I highly recommend NAVTV. Very helpful with their products AND with after sales support!

[Curious Joel]

King and I seem to have the same experiences with the same companies... I'm not going into details but I had a bad experience with Parag.. Very, very unprofessional.