S424Runner
New member
I am looking at getting a fully loaded Limited, and I have not been able to find much info on the DVD system. Please any comments would be nice. Pros and Cons etc.....
Optional DVD system
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Good Times
New member
one statement: aftermarket is always better than stock!!!
lance
lance
JungleJim
New member
Good Times said:
That is a very general statement. It all depends what you are looking for. Look at aftermarket, then look at what the OEM system offers. OEM systems can sometimes integrate better. Our local installers can not do it for a lower price than the cost of the OEM system.
Do your research!
Thai
Elite Member
I think that if you want a DVD player for the rear passenger, then OEM is the best route because it will be better integrated. In addition, you won't have some highschool dropout doing the installation (and wiring) for you (as would likely happen if you go aftermarket).
In addition, doesn't the warranty also cover the OEM DVD player, which definitely adds peace of mind to your system??
Hope this helps.
P.S.: i have also heard that aftermarket will NOT be cheaper than what you would pay for the OEM unit.
In addition, doesn't the warranty also cover the OEM DVD player, which definitely adds peace of mind to your system??
Hope this helps.
P.S.: i have also heard that aftermarket will NOT be cheaper than what you would pay for the OEM unit.
4Runner2003
New member
Actually,
It is really going to depend on what you want to do. If you have the Nav system, you are better off getting the DVD system from Toyota. The intergration is seemless. However, the stock system is not all that. I have the NAV in mine, and I really like the Nav system, the stereo basically sucks. It is not that bad, but, after market systems (Good Ones) is a better route. I personally like the Alpine units and I really like their entertainment system. If you did not get NAV, then go aftermarket. I miss my old Alpine system that I had in my 98 4Runner.
If I had to special order mine again, I would not get the NAV and get the basic stereo. Then replace the stock system with an Alpine DVD system with the Navigation. The quality will be 100% better and upgrades will be easier down the road.
And Thai is kinda correct about the installers. Go to a Car Audio shop. Not Best Buys or some place like that. Not to say they are bad, but in my experience, the local shops do a better job and spend more time getting the job done right. I use Hi Fi Buys in Atlanta. The installer will work with you to help you make the right decisions. But look around where you are at and make sure you talk to the installers and see how experienced they are.
That is my 2 cents worth.
Scott
It is really going to depend on what you want to do. If you have the Nav system, you are better off getting the DVD system from Toyota. The intergration is seemless. However, the stock system is not all that. I have the NAV in mine, and I really like the Nav system, the stereo basically sucks. It is not that bad, but, after market systems (Good Ones) is a better route. I personally like the Alpine units and I really like their entertainment system. If you did not get NAV, then go aftermarket. I miss my old Alpine system that I had in my 98 4Runner.
If I had to special order mine again, I would not get the NAV and get the basic stereo. Then replace the stock system with an Alpine DVD system with the Navigation. The quality will be 100% better and upgrades will be easier down the road.
And Thai is kinda correct about the installers. Go to a Car Audio shop. Not Best Buys or some place like that. Not to say they are bad, but in my experience, the local shops do a better job and spend more time getting the job done right. I use Hi Fi Buys in Atlanta. The installer will work with you to help you make the right decisions. But look around where you are at and make sure you talk to the installers and see how experienced they are.
That is my 2 cents worth.
Scott
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Sorry thai,
Aftermarket is always better than stock.
As for your high school drop out remark......sad to hear that from you. I guess to rebuttle your statement with your way of thinking.....only a high school drop out would not do their homework and find a right installer/shop to have the work done. None the less......aftermarket WILL ALWAYS be better than stock.
Aftermarket is always better than stock.
As for your high school drop out remark......sad to hear that from you. I guess to rebuttle your statement with your way of thinking.....only a high school drop out would not do their homework and find a right installer/shop to have the work done. None the less......aftermarket WILL ALWAYS be better than stock.
Thai
Elite Member
vaccarjm,
You know, if i didn't know you better (which i don't i guess), that last comment was an indirect personal attack on me. Are you one of those "high school dropout" that i am referring to?? If so, then i am sorry, but it's true. If not, then WTF?!! Where the hell did that come from?!
Dude, it is just my opinion. For YOUR information, i DID do my research. I stayed away from Circuit City and Best Buy. In Florida, there is a well-known chain of high-end audio store, called "Sound Advice." I think it's in other states too. Guess what?! Yeah, the guy in charge in the installation bay knows what he's doing, but the others below him are no older than their early 20's. Let's just say that their quality control is not very impressive.
Now, for the little audio shops around the corner, i have had experience with them too. Again, the head installer is usually very good. But the rest of the crew is not.
In both of these experiences, the head installer would just poke his head into my car once every full moon to check quickly on things. His attention is usually diverted to the more "expensive/elaborate" job.
So, vaccarjm, please be careful of what you say because other people may take it the wrong way. Much appreciated.
Thanks.
You know, if i didn't know you better (which i don't i guess), that last comment was an indirect personal attack on me. Are you one of those "high school dropout" that i am referring to?? If so, then i am sorry, but it's true. If not, then WTF?!! Where the hell did that come from?!
Dude, it is just my opinion. For YOUR information, i DID do my research. I stayed away from Circuit City and Best Buy. In Florida, there is a well-known chain of high-end audio store, called "Sound Advice." I think it's in other states too. Guess what?! Yeah, the guy in charge in the installation bay knows what he's doing, but the others below him are no older than their early 20's. Let's just say that their quality control is not very impressive.
Now, for the little audio shops around the corner, i have had experience with them too. Again, the head installer is usually very good. But the rest of the crew is not.
In both of these experiences, the head installer would just poke his head into my car once every full moon to check quickly on things. His attention is usually diverted to the more "expensive/elaborate" job.
So, vaccarjm, please be careful of what you say because other people may take it the wrong way. Much appreciated.
Thanks.
4Runner2003
New member
Thai,
You need to get your audio equipment installed here in Atlanta. I really can not speak for a lot of the other places, but in my experience, Hi Fi Buys installers are the bomb. Also, Hi Fi is now owned by Tweeter (I think). They have locations across the US so if they have the same service as Hi Fi, then you shouldn't have any worries. But you still have to talk to the installers and make sure they do know what they are doing.
Anyway, all of the installer's I have delt with have been awesome. Plus I used to work for Hi Fi Buys a long time ago and I know what they expect from their installers.
But you are so right about the general base of installers. There are some that will beat your car to death.
Ok, now I have to wash my new 4Runenr
You need to get your audio equipment installed here in Atlanta. I really can not speak for a lot of the other places, but in my experience, Hi Fi Buys installers are the bomb. Also, Hi Fi is now owned by Tweeter (I think). They have locations across the US so if they have the same service as Hi Fi, then you shouldn't have any worries. But you still have to talk to the installers and make sure they do know what they are doing.
Anyway, all of the installer's I have delt with have been awesome. Plus I used to work for Hi Fi Buys a long time ago and I know what they expect from their installers.
But you are so right about the general base of installers. There are some that will beat your car to death.
Ok, now I have to wash my new 4Runenr
Thai
Elite Member
Aftermarket ALWAYS better?! Not really...certainly not in every case. Sorry vaccarjm.
Here's an example: Navigation system. Name me ONE aftermarket navigation system that rivals Honda or Toyota's system. Here is a quick rundown on aftermarket navi systems:
1. Kenwood: in my opinion, probably the best. It is the ONLY one that has TOUCH-SCREEN controls. However, it has been rumored to break after 2-3 years, especially the screen. Ergonomic is also not as good as OEM.
2. Alpine: very famous, but POS in my opinion in terms of ergonomics. It is NOT easy to use, which requires a remote control (no touch-screen). It is also not as fast as the Honda/Toyota's units.
3. Pioneer: decent, very similar to Alpine...again, no touchscreen.
All the above aftermarket units are DVD-based. Yet, none of them can come close to the functionality (and ease of use) of the OEM stuff.
This is fact. If you don't believe me, just go to your local audio shop and try out any of the above aftermarket units. Oh yeah, if you have them install it for you, then you will risk your car's health from those installers. Double trouble.
Thanks.
BTW, vaccarjm, i did not drop out of high school.
Here's an example: Navigation system. Name me ONE aftermarket navigation system that rivals Honda or Toyota's system. Here is a quick rundown on aftermarket navi systems:
1. Kenwood: in my opinion, probably the best. It is the ONLY one that has TOUCH-SCREEN controls. However, it has been rumored to break after 2-3 years, especially the screen. Ergonomic is also not as good as OEM.
2. Alpine: very famous, but POS in my opinion in terms of ergonomics. It is NOT easy to use, which requires a remote control (no touch-screen). It is also not as fast as the Honda/Toyota's units.
3. Pioneer: decent, very similar to Alpine...again, no touchscreen.
All the above aftermarket units are DVD-based. Yet, none of them can come close to the functionality (and ease of use) of the OEM stuff.
This is fact. If you don't believe me, just go to your local audio shop and try out any of the above aftermarket units. Oh yeah, if you have them install it for you, then you will risk your car's health from those installers. Double trouble.
Thanks.
BTW, vaccarjm, i did not drop out of high school.
4Runner2003
New member
Hey Thai,
The Alpine NAV isn't touch screen? I thought it was but then I could be on crack But the Toyota NAV is extremely fast and for the most part easy to use. I just wish they gave you XM as an option and put in better speakers. The JBL 10 speaker system has soooo much potential and for the price, they really could have done much better. I mean for 2400 bucks, you would expect an system that rocks not ummm kinda makes you feel you are in a tunnel. But I have heard much worse, so I guess I should pipe down a little.
The Megellan unit you can buy and also is available in Hertz rentals is a total POS.
And you kinda have to be cool with installers that are high school drop outs. My friend use to install systems at a local shop and he won awards for his installs and he was a high school drop out, but he did go back to get his GED and after his parents and my parents kicking him in the A$$, he did go off to college and land a sweet job, of course with a car audio vendor. No that does not mean all of them are great, you just need to know who is good and who sucks. I would personally suck at installing systems, and my buddy would totaly agree with that as well
The Alpine NAV isn't touch screen? I thought it was but then I could be on crack
But the Toyota NAV is extremely fast and for the most part easy to use. I just wish they gave you XM as an option and put in better speakers. The JBL 10 speaker system has soooo much potential and for the price, they really could have done much better. I mean for 2400 bucks, you would expect an system that rocks not ummm kinda makes you feel you are in a tunnel. But I have heard much worse, so I guess I should pipe down a little. The Megellan unit you can buy and also is available in Hertz rentals is a total POS.
And you kinda have to be cool with installers that are high school drop outs. My friend use to install systems at a local shop and he won awards for his installs and he was a high school drop out, but he did go back to get his GED and after his parents and my parents kicking him in the A$$, he did go off to college and land a sweet job, of course with a car audio vendor. No that does not mean all of them are great, you just need to know who is good and who sucks. I would personally suck at installing systems, and my buddy would totaly agree with that as well
S424Runner,
Look up some local audio shops and do your homework. Any good shop will have pictures of past installs and awards to show for it. I believe thai meant to say was to avoid retail shop like best buy and such where audio isnt their strong point. You will you find some very nice DVD systems and set ups that no OEM could match. If your really not to much into audio and are looking for just a simple DVD setup then OEM might be your route.
Look up some local audio shops and do your homework. Any good shop will have pictures of past installs and awards to show for it. I believe thai meant to say was to avoid retail shop like best buy and such where audio isnt their strong point. You will you find some very nice DVD systems and set ups that no OEM could match. If your really not to much into audio and are looking for just a simple DVD setup then OEM might be your route.
4Runner2003
New member
Actually vaccarjm,
Thai was also talking about the DVD Navigation systems as well, not just the DVD entertainment systems. He is correct about the performance of the aftermarket NAV systems. I am not knocking them, but the Toyota, and from what I hear, the Honda NAV systems are better than what the after market world offers. I can validate that because I have the Toyota NAV and my neighbor has the Kenwood NAV systems.
I guess the question is S424Runner, what are you looking for in your system. If you give us what your expectations are, I think we can all come up with some great ideas. But I will tell you that if you get the Toyota DVD entertainment system, you give up that little spot in the glove box which is really great for hiding stuff.
Scott
Thai was also talking about the DVD Navigation systems as well, not just the DVD entertainment systems. He is correct about the performance of the aftermarket NAV systems. I am not knocking them, but the Toyota, and from what I hear, the Honda NAV systems are better than what the after market world offers. I can validate that because I have the Toyota NAV and my neighbor has the Kenwood NAV systems.
I guess the question is S424Runner, what are you looking for in your system. If you give us what your expectations are, I think we can all come up with some great ideas. But I will tell you that if you get the Toyota DVD entertainment system, you give up that little spot in the glove box which is really great for hiding stuff.
Scott
4Runner2003 said:Actually vaccarjm,
Thai was also talking about the DVD Navigation systems as well, not just the DVD entertainment systems. He is correct about the performance of the aftermarket NAV systems. I am not knocking them, but the Toyota, and from what I hear, the Honda NAV systems are better than what the after market world offers. I can validate that because I have the Toyota NAV and my neighbor has the Kenwood NAV systems.
I guess the question is S424Runner, what are you looking for in your system. If you give us what your expectations are, I think we can all come up with some great ideas. But I will tell you that if you get the Toyota DVD entertainment system, you give up that little spot in the glove box which is really great for hiding stuff.
Scott
DVD Navigation systems is still somewhat new to the market and Audio companies are starting to preview their new stuff. Look for the sony model to really shine. Its just a matter of time before youll see a great selection of NAV systems to hit aftermarkert. However the argument i have with Thai is aside from this and more on his general assumption on the whole topic.
Thai said:
ok thai...whatever you say. Just be glad i didnt write a summary tearing you a new one. Just make sure you keep your comments to the internet and not out in public. If i would have overheard you comment high school drop outs and installers it would have been interesting.
As for me...UCLA grad. My younger brother, high school drop out with a GED and one of the top audio installers in southern california who happens to make more money than most IT professionals i know.
Thai
Elite Member
vaccarjm said:
Hmm, this sounds like a challenge! And a threat! :rolleye2: Feel free to PM me anytime...i would be more than happy to call you out!
Hopefully, you got your little brother to install that painted cladding on your 4runner! Oh wait, there's that Appearance Package you missed out on! What was it that you said to me?? Only high school dropout will not do their research...or something like that.
Thanks.
P.S.: at least now we know that you're biased in your answer in this thread because of your compassion for your little brother, which is very sweet!
Thai said:Hmm, this sounds like a challenge! And a threat! :rolleye2: Feel free to PM me anytime...i would be more than happy to call you out!
Hopefully, you got your little brother to install that painted cladding on your 4runner! Oh wait, there's that Appearance Package you missed out on! What was it that you said to me?? Only high school dropout will not do their research...or something like that.
Thanks.
P.S.: at least now we know that you're biased in your answer in this thread because of your compassion for your little brother.
Not only funny but an asshole as well. I can why this board has taken off so well.
Thai
Elite Member
vaccarjm,
Where's that "tearing you a new one"? I am still waiting.
Now, you're calling me names with profanity??!! How old are you?!
I think this forum has done quite well. But, thanks for caring about it. If you think this forum sucks, then read my next comment.
BTW, feel free to leave the forum at any time if you wish. This forum is totally voluntary. I will not ban anyone nor force anyone to join. If i can help you with anything, just ask. If you prefer not to ever see this forum again, i can easily ban your IP address so that you won't be able to access this site again. Just tell me...i am listening.
Thanks.
Where's that "tearing you a new one"? I am still waiting.
Now, you're calling me names with profanity??!! How old are you?!
I think this forum has done quite well. But, thanks for caring about it.
If you think this forum sucks, then read my next comment.BTW, feel free to leave the forum at any time if you wish. This forum is totally voluntary. I will not ban anyone nor force anyone to join. If i can help you with anything, just ask. If you prefer not to ever see this forum again, i can easily ban your IP address so that you won't be able to access this site again. Just tell me...i am listening.
Thanks.