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SUVs Honda Pilot Honda Pilot Accessories and Modifications
1052 messages, Last post on Nov 07, 2009 at 6:43 AM
You are in the Honda Pilot Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Congratulations on your new DVD system. It sounds wonderful. Why do you say that you need a 9" or larger overhead monitor in the pilot. Your dealer might be misguiding you. Honda's factory system comes with only a 7" monitor and the third row occupants can watch a movie without a problem. I sat in a third row just to see how a 7" looks like and it seemed fine. I agree the larger the screen the better, to an extent. Too large of a screen in a midsize SUV can give the kids a headache. I also purchased a Pilot with Navigation so I also debated as to which system to install - headrests or overhead unit. I finally decided on the overhead unit. I looked at the Audiovox 9" PROV 916 and the 8" VOD 808. I decided on the VOD 808 because I don't care for the 16:9 ratio. Actually the surface area on the 8" 4:3 ration is not much less than the surface area on a 9" 16:9 ratio. The total installed price was $1325.00 plus 6% sales tax. The system has an FM modulator, TV tuner and antenna, and two premium IR wireless headseats. The dealer did a fantastic job with the installation and the picture is absolutely beautiful. The installer was also able to take the auxilory video output and hook it up to my Navigation monitor via an A/B swith so that my wife can watch the movie when we go on a long trip. This last part is illegal but the A/B switch is hidden. |
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The salesman did directly say that the 7" screen was too small for 3rd row viewing. I believed him on it, not having viewed any of the screens from the actual car seats. So my posting was based on what he had advised me. And I think for us that that became the hardest thing; trying to project what would look good and what wouldnt and what would our needs be in the future. Funny, when my wife went to look at the dvd screens, she felt the 10.4" was too big. Personally, as far as the audiovox, I liked the PROV 916. I never saw the VOD 808. It sounds like the same thing, with a lot less of a price tag. The PROV 916, installed, with the aux audio adapter cable that I am using instead of the fm modulator, including tax, was $2050. So I am impressed with your $1500 price tag out the door price. How much was it to install that A/B switch? I was initially not interested, but now as I have become, "screen guy", with these multiple headrest screens, I'm thinking, hey, the more the merrier! <G> |
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just did the math on the 6% sales tax. More likely a $1400 out the door price for you. Out of curiosity, what was your final deciding factor in chosing the overhead vs the headrest monitors? Do you have more than one child? If so, did that weigh into your decision at all? Our installation will occur after xmas. I'm not sure if it is possible to change back (again) to the all in one system from the ceiling. The headrest monitors have to special ordered. But I am really enough on the fence that maybe someone has found a reason that I have missed. I am on the fence only because I really don't like the dvd player being in that cubbyhole at the bottom. The trim piece is replaceable. True. Which will bring the complete car back to factory for any resale. But it is the loss of the space that keeps nagging at me. I think my wife wont like that loss of space that the dvd player will occupy. But on the other hand, I don't like the idea of cutting the headliner. So I have been going back and forth on this. As my multiple posts on just this dvd issue probably demonstrates. There is no clear cut choice. Each has its plus and minus. Finally what price do you think your dealer would have posted for that PROV 916? Just curious. Thanks! |
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| I think as long as the DVD player will mount in that space without sticking way out and looking foolish, the space issue wont bother me. I'll still have that whole cubby between the seats, which is another reason I liked the Pilot. Having the shifter on the wheel takes some getting used to but since you hardly ever touch it, I like the extra spae gained. As long as it fits in that cubby, even if they have to cut, and doesnt look tacky or crummy, I'll be ok. I plan on keeping this for 4-5 years anyway. I am just worried the Best Buy techs don't have the required skills. They guy at the counter said they are all certified and stuff, but who knows. | |
| Well, at least at Best Buy, they have a lot of money backing them. If there is any problems, you will be compensated with little hassle. | |
| Let's hope so. Equiptment comes in the 23'rd, shoul dbe installed mid-jan. I'll post some pics once it's done. As long as the dvd fits in the stack without protruding or looking stupid, I'll give up the space there. | |
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Thanks for the info regarding the ceiling mount vs the headrest. Was wondering if you had a picture of it to post so we can all see how it cam out? thanks. |
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Sorry, I forgot to tell you what the price would have been for the 9" PROV 916. I would have only paid $100 more than the 9", however as I said I don't personally care for the 16:9 ratio so I went for the 8". According to the Audiovox sales person there is no difference between the VOD and PROV designations as far as quality. The VOD designation is used for the units they sell to dealers where the PROV is marketed directly to consumers. I do have two kids and we are thinking about having one more. I felt that a centrally located system would be better. As far as my wife goes, she can watch movies on the NAV screen. Also there is the safety factor. I just don't feel that the headrest system is as safe. After seeing how my dealer installed the overhead system I believe that in case of a roll over the only thing that would not come apart would be the DVD. I don't have my receipt in front of me but I believe the A/B switch was around $60.00. I will check and let you know if I am wrong. Have a good Holiday. |
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Buy the way, my system was installed by the owner himself. He does not have a huge shop but does some serious custom work. When installing the system he had to take apart a lot of panels. I had Honda Dealer install a rearview camera and Auto/Day/night mirror. You should see how many clips they broke from the panels and they did not wrap any of the wiring to protect against rattles. Also there were grease marks on a lot of pieces. Luckily the DVD installer fixed all that as a matter of courtesy. He also cleaned up all the grease marks. The difference is that the owner of the DVD store is concerned about his reputation of his business where that kid at the Honda dealer (so called technician) could care less. Heck, he even mounted my camera backwards. I guess my advice is that you need to find a place that you can trust with your vehicle. If you see young kids doing the work - forget it. |
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| Thanks for the intel. I am having the system installed 31 Jan. Fingers crossed. | |
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