Second LCD screen for the DVD system?

JeridJohnson · 12-21-2006, 02:02 AM

Anyone ever install a second LCD in the front of the cab connected to the stock DVD system? Why should the kids be the only ones to watch TV?

I got an 07 CC 4x4 LE on the way that should be here on Jan5.. Waiting SUX!!

TCW · 12-21-2006, 05:12 AM

If your truck is going to have the NAV there is a NAV to TV unit you can buy that converts your NAV screen to a TV screen. I have it it mine with a switch that flips the screen back and forth between the NAV and the stock DVD player(or whatever is hooked up to the other 2 inputs). The unit has 4 inputs and 4 outputs. I also have a video game plugged into the unit.

It's made by AVElectronic and I think it was around $500

baseballfanz · 12-21-2006, 09:04 AM

Like stated above, if you have the factory nav. you can utilized that, but www.tvandnav2go.com has a box for half the price of the AVElectronic box and is plug and play.

If you don't have factory nav. you have to locate the VTR+ and VTR- wires under the factory DVD player, tap some RCA cable into it (you will probably need a video signal booster).

JeridJohnson · 12-21-2006, 02:09 PM

The truck wont have the factory Nav.. Thanks for the info.

mhalwa · 12-21-2006, 06:13 PM

Shouldn't you be driving instead of watching TV?

**Blackbeauty** · 12-21-2006, 07:07 PM

I was thinking that same thing earlier when I read this. In addition to the obvious reasons for not operating the video screen while driving, it's also against the law in many states.

http://dwb.sacbee.com/content/news/p...-8957372c.html

This has been around at least in Cali since 2004. Other states have surely followed suit. Just be careful. The life you take may not just be your own.....

JeridJohnson · 12-22-2006, 01:01 AM

lol...yes, i should be watching the road... the statement was a joke.. however, it would be nice if the wife could watch too from the passenger seat.. :-)

BlackBeauty... your link takes me to a login screen.. cant see the contents..

**Blackbeauty** · 12-22-2006, 07:02 AM

Hmmmm..... if I have the story on a second IE session, it pulls up an additional third IE session and works. If I'm not in the story, it goes to the sign-in page. Interesting.....

Here's the text:

If you are considering installing a video screen on your dashboard to watch your favorite morning show or catch a flick to break up the monotony of your commute, think again.
Beginning Thursday, a new state law will tighten restrictions on drivers who watch video and television screens while operating their vehicles.

With the explosion of high-tech gadgets and gizmos for vehicles, California lawmakers have overhauled an existing law to attempt to limit at least some distractions for drivers.

"You can drive your car, watch a movie, use your cell phone and play on a computer all at once," said Assemblywoman Sarah Reyes, D-Fresno, the bill's author. "The more distractions, the more accidents that occur."
The new measure, AB 301, tweaks a California law to reflect the rapid technological advances available to drivers.

The new bill bars drivers from operating televisions and video screens in their line of vision while the vehicle is moving but allows the use of mapping and some other devices.

"They don't want people out there driving and watching television, and they want to provide exceptions for law-abiding citizens who want to use their technology," said California Highway Patrol Officer Steve Kino****a, who works in the agency's legislative unit.

One of the key changes in the law is to clarify that drivers can use dealer-installed and other navigational devices, such as Global Positioning Systems.

"I still wouldn't recommended driving and constantly looking at your GPS device," Kino****a said. "My suggestion for added safety would be to exit the freeway and find a safe spot and figure out where you want to go."

Also allowed under the new law are visual displays that help drivers of large vehicles maneuver, screens with a device that locks it in the "off" position when the car is moving and screens in law enforcement and safety vehicles and school buses.

The new law also "shifts the burden of compliance from vehicle dealers and accessory retailers to the driver," Kino****a said.

The penalty for violating the law will be an infraction or, in other words, a ticket, he said. Officials hope it will serve as a deterrent to "a dangerous behavior," Kino****a said.

According to the bill, inattention was cited as a factor in 6,807 collisions in 2001 in the state, including 48 deaths.

Measures to ban the use of certain cellular phones by drivers and to create a violation for certain types of inattentive driving have failed in California.

For one national chain, Audio Express, video screens in vehicles have risen to about 20 percent of sales in the past two years from about 1.5 percent, said Eric Stauffacher, California regional manager.

Drivers primarily install screens that are visible to back-seat passengers to entertain children on road trips, he said.

But other drivers want screens on their dashboard or even on the steering wheel. And some of the nation's rich-and-famous trendsetters are purchasing souped-up vehicles full of video screens, including in the front seat.

"Realistically, it's a cool factor to have it up front," Stauffacher said. "Especially for younger guys, it's just because it's cool and is the latest thing for their car."

The most screens Stauffacher has installed in a vehicle in the Sacramento area is six, in a Ford Excursion. The sport-utility vehicle had screens in its visor, dash and one on each of four headrests, he said.

He said the company installs screens that are visible to the driver, but the screens are installed so they do not function when the car is in drive gear.

"We still sell it; they just can't watch it while driving," he said.

Stauffacher has a video screen in the center of his own dash, near the stereo and other controls. He said he can use it to play video games, watch movies or watch television when the car is not moving.

He also said though the installers inform customers about the law, he suspects some drivers go home and tinker with the system so they can watch it while driving.

"If they have any basic knowledge of installation, they can do it themselves," he said. "And that's what they are doing."

Phytrax · 02-21-2007, 02:18 PM

Being able to use the NAV screen would be awesome. I work in the oilfield and often I wind up sitting in a parking lot for a few hours. I have a laptop that I usually watch movies on but this would be a lot easier. Also, on long drives it's fun to put on movies where you don't really have to pay attention to the video to enjoy it, like 40 yr old Virgin, which is hilarious just to listen to. I admit I'll glance at the screen when I'm on the highway and traffic is light, but now when it's busy.

TCW · 02-21-2007, 02:33 PM

I have 2 small children that can't operate the DVD player or the remote control while they ride in carseats in the back. My wife can flip the NAV screen to DVD and she is able to see the movie to control it and also watch if she wants. A lot of the kid movies these days contain adult humor too and are pretty entertaining. I just listen while driving, but I will sneak a peek at stop lights.

Phytrax · 02-22-2007, 01:52 PM

I'd really prefer having a slightly larger screen on top of the NAV screen so I didn't have to switch. Probably would cost less than the adapter also, depending on how hard the install would be. I'd want something really clean looking, though.

Trick · 03-23-2007, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCW

If your truck is going to have the NAV there is a NAV to TV unit you can buy that converts your NAV screen to a TV screen. I have it it mine with a switch that flips the screen back and forth between the NAV and the stock DVD player(or whatever is hooked up to the other 2 inputs). The unit has 4 inputs and 4 outputs. I also have a video game plugged into the unit.

It's made by AVElectronic and I think it was around $500

--

Do you have any more info on this set up? Website or pictures? I would like to do this with my '06 with navigation...

Thanks!

baseballfanz · 03-25-2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trick

--

Do you have any more info on this set up? Website or pictures? I would like to do this with my '06 with navigation...

Thanks!

Go to www.tvandnav2go.com they have the same thing for much cheaper plus you can get a plug and play harness for ease of installation, no need to splice and dice wires.

xavier · 04-10-2007, 08:37 AM

i installed one on my passenger visor it looks good wife loves it it goes where the mirror is

JeridJohnson · 04-10-2007, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xavier

i installed one on my passenger visor it looks good wife loves it it goes where the mirror is

How about some details xavier? got a website or pics? The visor is a great spot... It sucks because my daughter always wants to start from the begining of the vid or from a certain scene and its a PITA for anyone in the front seats to navigate the dvd menu system because we cant see the screen..