Aftermarket NAV/RADIO Questions

[SigSense]

I have begun the search for a all-in-one NAV/Radio/DVD/BT/SAT in dash for my 11 'Runner. Been looking at the Pioneer's and Kenwood's, but am open to any manufacturer. Lots of choices out there but some nagging issues concern me:

>Even new aftermarket units have begun the "NO GPS inputs while moving" software installation.

>Some new units require a PC to update GPS data. I mean, some will not even work on a Mac in VM. I only have a Mac Powerbook for updates etc.

Those of you that have installed aftermarket units I have some questions.

1. Does your unit allow GPS inputs while in motion? If so, what model do you own? Are you aware of future software updates that will STOP this function?

2. How does your unit receive/install updates? PC only? DVD burned from a website?

3. Are you satisfied with your current unit, and if not, why?

 

[DannyLlama]

Check this one out. I might get it in a few years once mine is out of warranty.

Parrot - Parrot ASTEROID Smart

 

[H2O_Doc]

Check this one out. I might get it in a few years once mine is out of warranty.

Parrot - Parrot ASTEROID Smart

Wow, this is interesting. I've been looking at the Pioneer App radio for a while now, but this could be an alternative.

I hate Entune.

 

[DannyLlama]

Wow, this is interesting. I've been looking at the Pioneer App radio for a while now, but this could be an alternative.

I hate Entune.

Right... Looks promising, but would like to see some consumer hands on reviews. It was either just released or about to. Only time will tell.

It's either going to be a big hit or a flop. Depending how well written the software is.

 

[SC0TT]

Those of you that have installed aftermarket units I have some questions.

1. Does your unit allow GPS inputs while in motion? If so, what model do you own? Are you aware of future software updates that will STOP this function?

2. How does your unit receive/install updates? PC only? DVD burned from a website?

3. Are you satisfied with your current unit, and if not, why?

I have a Pioneer AVIC Z120

1. Yes, it allows GPS inputs while in motion. (But I do have the parking brake bypass, not sure if that makes a difference) I have not installed an update since I purchased it in 2010.

2. Updates are through DVD.

3. Overall I'm satisfied, loads up very quick, SD, Bluetooth, Navi, DVD. But the touch screen isnt the greatest, very touch sensitive.

 

[axxman]

I had a couple pioneer units, the avic d3, cant remember the other one, there was a hack to override the lockout. they were pretty good units but I got rid of them because it took about 1min for the thing to boot up every time you started the car. Since then I have had several alpine units, there is a modul you can purchase called the PAC t7 i believe, it connects to a couple of wires and overrides the lockout.

As far as the updates go, my experience has been that it is few and far between. I think the way things are headed is the app radio kind of setup, in europe alpine offers an app radio that displays the app on the alpine unit, there is a standard called Mirror Link that everyone but apple belongs to, for creating these apps, that way you will always have the most up to date maps because they are coming off your cell phone. hope this makes sense, I am basicly waiting for alpine to offer that system here.

 

[SigSense]

The AVIC series appears to be quite popular and easy to bypass.

 

[weeeee]

Wait for SEMA/CES to see what new models are coming out

 

[fraggy]

Why do you hate entune. I am about to purchase a limited with it and would like to unders**** and determine if I should go with JBL.

 

[H2O_Doc]

Why do you hate entune. I am about to purchase a limited with it and would like to unders**** and determine if I should go with JBL.

Oh, I'm no fan of the jbl. The Entune just doesn't do much well. It is ok at some things, but just not good execution. I mostly use the BT streaming from my iPhone apps rather than the Entune apps. The navigation is marginal and the resolution makes things seem comic bookish. I had an SR5, and the stock (non-Entune) unit connected to BT much quicker and sounded at least as good. I think if you don't use your smart phone apps for nav and media streaming, you might be quite happy with Entune, so let me clarify that.

As for the JBL, it is better in a number of ways (including significantly better sounding), but for the price difference, you can get a lower grade unit and make it sound WAY better. The sub is unambitious to say the least.

I have a wife and a 7 year old who refuse to let me listen to more than three seconds of music in the house before needing to interrupt me. As such, my 4Runner is my mobile refuge of acoustic salvation and that is where I listen to most of my music. If you are more concerned about nav, phone calls, talk radio, and a little music then I'd suggest you go with Entune and not put too much weight on my criticism.

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

Neither

Why do you hate entune. I am about to purchase a limited with it and would like to unders**** and determine if I should go with JBL.

Can you go with neither? Is that an option? If you can, get the cheapest stereo offered and then go aftermarket. I have JBL Premium. Sound was OK considering the cheap speakers. Ended up keeping head unit (don't use the nav anyway) and upgraded with DSP, amps and speakers. Very worthwhile.

 

[H2O_Doc]

Can you go with neither? Is that an option? If you can, get the cheapest stereo offered and then go aftermarket. I have JBL Premium. Sound was OK considering the cheap speakers. Ended up keeping head unit (don't use the nav anyway) and upgraded with DSP, amps and speakers. Very worthwhile.

I don't know the current options. Given the choice, I'd take the stock HU and just replace everything. There are things I like more about the stock non-Entune HU. For example, the BT connected much quicker than my Entune HU.

I find that a good smart phone does nav and music apps much better.

 

[fraggy]

For the Limited, there is no "NO Option." The minimum is entune. For a grand more, you get JBL. Both have NAV. Has anyone simply replaced the speakers for the entune to see if that substantially improves it.

Has anyone used NAV extensively with both the JBL and Entune who can comment on their real world differences. How is phone voice quality with Enture?

 

[H2O_Doc]

For the Limited, there is no "NO Option." The minimum is entune. For a grand more, you get JBL. Both have NAV. Has anyone simply replaced the speakers for the entune to see if that substantially improves it.

Has anyone used NAV extensively with both the JBL and Entune who can comment on their real world differences. How is phone voice quality with Enture?

I replaced all of the speakers on my Entune unit and added a 12 inch ported sub; amps as well. Thrilled with the sound quality; certainly better than any stock system I have heard. Way better than the two JBL systems I have owned (07 Tundra Limited and 07 4Runner Limited).

 

[axxman]

I wish I could retrofit entune on my 2011, I have the stock, the bluetooth works great, but it is tough to scroll through the ipod with just a few lines of text. I like the idea of using apps for navigation that are up to date and have a data link for traffic and weather. Also the Pandora app is a cool alternative to using sat radio at 7-15 bucks a month.

 

[Qjake]

:snacker:

 

[fraggy]

Another question for entune is will toyota offer the updates to existing customer, or will you be force to buy a new toyota to benefit from them. This is big because mobile devices change quickly so your entune could become quickly out of date. Toyota is in catchup mode with Fords Sync, so my guess is there will be considerable changes over the next few years as they try to attract mobile phone savy customers.

For those who changed the speakers, is it a simple replace just bolting in the new speaker of more complicated?

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

Speaker replacement

Another question for entune is will toyota offer the updates to existing customer, or will you be force to buy a new toyota to benefit from them. This is big because mobile devices change quickly so your entune could become quickly out of date. Toyota is in catchup mode with Fords Sync, so my guess is there will be considerable changes over the next few years as they try to attract mobile phone savy customers.

For those who changed the speakers, is it a simple replace just bolting in the new speaker of more complicated?

Dash speakers are really simple. 3 1/2" Infinity Kappas or JL Audio C2 fit. Get mending plates and variety of screws and washers from hardware store and you should be able to figure it out.

Door speakers require you to make some mounting rings. Not hard but still a PIA. 5/8 or 3/4" MDF works well. You will need either a jig saw, router or roto zip type tool.

 

[H2O_Doc]

For those who changed the speakers, is it a simple replace just bolting in the new speaker of more complicated?

You can check with Crutchfield to see what speakers will readily mount in the stock locations, but you will find a limited selection. The listings are fairly conservative and a lot of speakers will work with just a little bit of added effort. I went with Polk MM651s in the tailgate and rear doors, Rockford Fosgate 6x9s in the front doors, and Infinity Kappas in the dash. The dash speakers make a big difference and are easy to do (there is a thread you can lookup).

New speakers will make a significant difference, but you might need an amp to realize the benefits.

 

[fraggy]

Can someone confirm for the 2012 or 2013 if you buy JBL it also includes the entune feature. Does someone out there actually have JBL in a 2012 or 2013 that can confirm with bluetooth you can make a call by name with one command.