Where to install a DVD player?

[desmo907]

I have a 2004 Sport 4x4 with a sunroof. I didn't get the DVD option but may soon consider it -- mostly to keep my 18-month old son occupied (he is seated in the middle of the back seat). I see on the Toy van they have TV in the back of the headrests.

Has anyone installed a DVD player in their 4Runner -- did you go with a roof mounted (and is it possible with a sunroof) or perhaps can I get the headrests type like in the van? I have the optional surroundsound stereo with 11(?) speakers that I assume this connects to. Should I just visit a local shop?

Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[jlb]

I have a 2004 Sport 4x4 with a sunroof. I didn't get the DVD option but may soon consider it -- mostly to keep my 18-month old son occupied (he is seated in the middle of the back seat). I see on the Toy van they have TV in the back of the headrests.

Has anyone installed a DVD player in their 4Runner -- did you go with a roof mounted (and is it possible with a sunroof) or perhaps can I get the headrests type like in the van? I have the optional surroundsound stereo with 11(?) speakers that I assume this connects to. Should I just visit a local shop?

Any suggestions appreciated.

My 2004 Limited (with a sunroof) came with a port/dealer installed overhead DVD Player & 7" screen. The unit that they installed was the Audiovox VOD705 http://tinyurl.com/5oqst .



Pro
------
My 5 year old son loves it.
No permanent modifications to the truck.
I like having the screen in the middle because I feel my son is safer sitting in the middle.
My 5 year old son loves it.

Con
--------
It's not as well integrated as the Toyota or Lexus RSES.
Overhead DVD player makes it a pain to swap disks compared to console player in the GX470 RSES.
Had to give up RSA.
Unlike the GX470 RSES it does block some of the rear view mirror.
==================================

Options I have for audio:
1) supplied IR headphones
2) play on stereo through FM tranceiver
3) tap wired headphone jack into recaro child seat's built in headrest speakers.

 

[desmo907]

Thx, I also saw someone makes a headrest replacement but for $1400. Ouch.

I agree I prefer the middle mount also. But what do you mean by not as well integrated -- i assume it integrates with the surround sound system too? My surround sound also came with a remote for those in backseat and I think can utilize headphones but didn't come with them (I assume someone in the back can use the radio on headphones while I drive and listen to a CD on the speakers?)

You gave up the RSA? ok, for some reason I cannot decifer that acronym at the moment

Curious as to the port-installed thing. My leather seats appeared to be port installed also and not sure why that was so (i had ordered the perforated leather/suede combo but actually now prefer the full leather).

thx

 

[jlb]

... what do you mean by not as well integrated -- i assume it integrates with the surround sound system too? My surround sound also came with a remote for those in backseat and I think can utilize headphones but didn't come with them (I assume someone in the back can use the radio on headphones while I drive and listen to a CD on the speakers?)

You gave up the RSA? ok, for some reason I cannot decifer that acronym at the moment

Curious as to the port-installed thing. My leather seats appeared to be port installed also and not sure why that was so (i had ordered the perforated leather/suede combo but actually now prefer the full leather).

thx

Integration...
WIthout some creative engineering you can not view the DVD output to the Navigation screen, nor view RSA controls on the DVD screen. Audio is connected to the stereo via an FM modulator (on an FM radio station) sound quality suffers from this type of connection. Again some creative engineering could fix this by bringing the sound in on the CD changer input.

RSA....
The Rear Seat Audio is what you are describing and the roof mount DVD player & screen replace the RSA module mounted on your roof.

Port Installed options....
1) increase the profit for the regional Toyota distributor.
2) Allows the distributor to offer options not offered ( or only available in limited quantity) by the factory.

 

[desmo907]

ok thx.
guess I lose the light along with the RSA (and I think thats where the stereo infrared receiver is)

I don't have the navigation so not an issue though I don't like the FM thing for audio ):

Funny thing about ordering my Sport. I asked about side air bags and they told me they were not available in the Sport. When I picked up my '04 they had the new '04 brochures out and a Sport with side bags was featured in it. Ugh! Manager then told me there was a long wait on the Sport side bags. Guess they duped me to sell the truck quickly (though i had to wait for it to come in which took about a week). They should just make them standard anyway.

 

[jlb]

guess I lose the light along with the RSA (and I think thats where the stereo infrared receiver is)

... I don't like the FM thing for audio ):

The audiovox (and I will assume most others) has a built in dome light and IR transceiver.

Since you are losing RSA anyway, you should be able to use something like a "Blitz Safe Aux In" ( http://www.blitzsafe.com/blitz_appguide/Blitzsafe_Application_Guide.pdf ) to bring the DVD audio into the factory audio system on the CD Changer/RSA plug, as an alternative to the FM modulator.

 

[bryancos]

If you're installing a two piece setup, depending on the size of the player, it could be installed in the hidden storage compartment inside the glove box. (if you look closely, there's a hidden compartment with a door -- one of the members here has pics of his install there) Mine was unfortunately too big, and I installed mine under the front passenger seat.

I looked into a roof mount, but because I have a sunroof he advised against it due to lack of support for the roof mounted dropdown unit

 

[Scout Av8er]

here info on my dvd project

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3721&highlight=sons+dvd+player



hope this helps a little more