Just wondering if any of you 3rd gen guys have monitors mounted in your vehicles. I'd really like to find something to replace my factory headunit, as it seems it's going out. I have an Xbox, and found it fits nicely under the passengers seat, and since I never play it at home, thought maybe I would get me some sort of DVD/game action in the vehcile. Ideally I'd like to get a flipout screen that goes in where the head unit is. Unfortunately I'm finding they cost at least 1,500 dollars. The screen themselves I can find (7") for between 300 and 400. I think what I'm paying for is all the extra capabilities. All I really want is a CD player with a flipout screen with inputs so that I can hook the Xbox into it. Anyway, enough rambling, if any of you have suggestions (pics would be nice) on what the most efficient setup would be, for me, i'd be interested in hearing. I want to keep factory speakers, as I'm not a big audio buff by any means, just want something for trips.

 

Check out www.mp3car.com. Lots and lots of advice there, and some good deals sometimes too.

 

Ok couple quick questions then I can get a better idea of what you need.

1) Will it be only for x-box?
2) Does it need to be motorized?
3) Does it need to replace your headunit as well (play music)?

There are many, many lcd's out there. Each has a particular niche. I myself have one that is a standard vga monitor (resolution up to 1600x1200). But that is overkill for you.

 

I am looking into monitors also for my xbox, and was thinking of a flipout 7" for just above my new head unit. This one looks decent, has a panasonic screen, but not motorised:

http://www.mp3playerstore.com/stuff_...ial/IN-720.htm

I plan to use the xbox for DVDs and games, and the head unit for music. I am surprised the xbox fit under the pass. front seat... did you remove the seat to get it under there? Isnt' there a big fan under it? I eyeballed it last night but it looked impossible. (97 SR5)

 

Uh oh... just read this... might be some legal issues you may want to look into:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...highlight=xbox

 

Shhhhhh........

Yes it is illegal in most states to run a monitor in viewing distance of the driver. But with a lifted truck. No cop can see inside while your driving by, plus I've had a few see it and comment on it, but none have said anything about it being illegal. That would change quickly though if say I were to get into an accident with it on. It is legal however if it is being used as a navigation aide to the driver a la gps nav telling the driver directions and so forth.

I just see it as, don't be dumb and watch a video while driving. I have mine for an interface to use the many functions provided by my system. This interface displays information like music and other assorted things that are basically the same as a radio lcd, or a map.

 

I will use the Xbox to play DVD's and games with when on trips. During the normal routine however, I will not have the Xbox in the truck. Yes, optimally the unit will have the ability to play cd's and also have an am/fm tuner built in.

It doesn't need to be motorized, I'm gonig for lowest cost/best value if you know what I mean. Therefore, if it is cheaper to find an aftermarket cd player that can fit in 1/2 of the din area and then an LCD screen (such as was posted above) to put in the upper din area, then this would be fine as well. Just hoping to get a system for around 400 bucks or so... doesn't have to be new or anything either. Sound reasonable?

EDIT: just so I don't sound like a retard, I want to point out that if I am driving, I would never be watching a movie or playing a game. Just need something to keep the passengers quiet on the long trips, so they don't ask if "hey can I drive?" No, shut up and play your game or watch another DVD.

 

Hey man,
I have a 98 runner, and I put in a Power Acoustic DVD deck and 7.2" pull out moniter, and I love it. The power acoustic deck is awesome.... it plays just about every format MP3, DVD, VCD, and more etc. The deck plays way more files and music videos then even some of the highest priced fully moterized screens on the market for a fraction of the cost! The pull out is a manual pullout that I bought off ebay. When I first installed it, I thought I had just bought a piece of ˟˟˟˟, but once I played around with the various settings, the screen ended up being a great buy especially for the money! All in all it's a great setup, and it's great for road trips, so there's something to entertain you along the way (if the girlfriend isn't with you).

Anyways good luck with your purchace, if you have any Q's I'll answer the best I can...