Invision SL Active DVD system and Disneyworld trip
 

Just picked up a Invision SL Active series Rear dual DVD system for our 2009 X5 with the active headrest from a friend.
I wasn't sure how the installation was done so I called the company Invision and spoke to Lawerence, he sent me the installation instruction for the X5, but as we spoke I found out that they are located near Disney World and were planning a trip to Disney for vacation. Lawerence was nice enough to offer to install the DVD system for us since we were going to be in the area.
I packed up the DVD system when we drove to Orlando, Florida from Ontario, Canada. It was a long drive but our new X5 35d was smooth as silk and comfortable to drive. The best part was the fuel consumption, averaged 999km (~600Miles) per tank of diesel.

The X5 was so smooth that it is hard to tell that you are speeding and by the time you realize it, the state trooper police is signalling you to pull over. And that's what happened in NY State, so we got a ticket for speeding for an unspecified amount... strange ticket??!!
Anyone have experience in fighting out-of-state/country tickets? Do we have to pay it? What are the consequences?

So, when we arrived in Orlando, Florida, we stopped by Invision first to have the DVD systems installed.
The installation was done very professionally, no wires showing at all. The power of the DVD system was wired to the X5s cold power source so that was it doesn’t drain the battery when the X5 is off.
Everyone from Invision especially Lawerence was very nice and hospitable. They provided truly world-class professional customer service.
We didn't have time to do a tour of their factory because we had to check into the Disney resort and dinner reservations.
But the surrounding area is so nice and clean, green cut grass and white picket fences by a premium golf course. It was like from the movie Stepford Wives.

So the DVD system actually kept kids quiet while we drove around the resorts and to each theme parks (Epcot, Hollywood Studio, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom) and also kept the kids quiet on our long long drive home to Canada.

Here is what I liked about the Invision SL Active DVD system

• The leather trims on the DVD system match the leather of the seats
• It looks like it was BMW factory quality and installed.
• The screen is best quality I seen in any car DVD system (I been shopping around)
• The entire construction was high quality material and workmanship
• Dual independent screen with DVD player so the kids can watch their own DVDs/videos
• It can play DVDs and Mpeg4/Divx/avi formats so you can download videos from the Internet
• Two wireless headphones and remote controls

The reason we didn't get the single BMW factory DVD system at the dealer because it can only play DVD/CD formats, I wanted a system that supported MPG or AVI formats.
Also the kids may get a neck/eye cramp/strain if they are forced to watch at such an angle for long period of time.
I heard some people/kids gotten motion sickness from watching at such an angle for long period of time. (looking downward while vehicle is in motion)

Thanks again to Lawerence and the awesome staff at Invisions Industries.

Here are some pictures of the installed Invision SL Active Duel DVD system.

(some technical issues with some pictures, will fix it later)
http://img2.pict.com/41/c6/d6/fd2a4b...adrest0111.jpg
http://img2.pict.com/c9/36/2e/32dc02...adrest0113.jpg
http://img2.pict.com/0a/33/ca/dc0f27...adrest0114.jpg
http://img2.pict.com/08/c0/06/46c7f2...adrest0115.jpg
http://img2.pict.com/5f/22/11/e41825...adrest0118.jpg
http://img2.pict.com/cb/ab/2a/027782...adrest0119.jpg
http://img2.pict.com/68/57/04/48fcdc...adrest0130.jpg

I have heard good things about the Invision product, too bad it's such an ugly looking system though. I certainly wouldn't want those things hanging from the back of my headrests! Completely ruins the nice clean interior in my opinion :damn:

- I've gotten a parking ticket in Canada and didn't pay it - it should be fine, but I don't know what the US will do to you. ;)

- That is one long drive, done the NY -> FL drive before and really would not be willing to do it again, even in a nice ride like the X5.

- I am also waiting for a more integrated solution. Invision seems to have a very good, functional product, except I'm not a fan of the integration into the seat - I wish the active headrests never became an issue. Hopefully they'll work around that in the near future. As in the other thread, if they can throw the screen inside a leather-wrap console that merges almost seemlessly into the seat-back like in the 7, that would be a good sell in my opinion.

I think the Invision looks pretty good and well designed compared to the many boxy ugly system out there...

Besides the Invision system plays MPEG4 and Divx, when DVDs are phased out, you can still play those formats.

I got a speeding ticket last year in NY state (before I installed a radar detector). The state of NY and Ontario have an agreement to share info on out of province and out of state speeding tickets. I hired a lawyer to take care of it. It was pleaded down to a traffic violation (failing to yield to a stop sign or something like that). They do all the work and I ended up paying about $60.00 for the fine plus lawyer fees. Was it worth it? For me yes since I travel extensively in the U.S. Some say the is no bilateral agreement and I know people that just have not paid a U.S. speeding ticket and nothing happened.

Hsing, Thanks for the write up and kudos... I would have to say that you have become, yet another...dare I say it... Satisfied Customer!

-Law :thumbup:

Well i am sorry that my product apparently is not going to win any beauty pageants anytime soon, she definitely has got it where it counts... and that is in the technology department. However with the active headrests in the equation you pretty much have 2 choices. Either the BMW Factory System (INViSiON) or DVD in a bag with a velcro strap. Neither are the prettiest option but then again I was never the one to judge a book by it's cover.

I am going to have to get up with Ed Hardy and Juicy Couture to design the next product to please the masses. LOL! ;)

-Law :thumbup:

Yep! indeed we are, but I believe that our kids are more satisfied! :popcorn:

Thanks again!

Your children are my biggest critics. They ultimatley choose whether or not to give INViSiON the thumbs up! :thumbup: Hsing it was an absolute pleasure meeting you and your family. I look forward to your next visit. :cool:

-Law :thumbup:

I second the kudos to Law & the Invision DVD system for the X5. I have a 6 & 3yr old and its a HIT! Enjoy!!