I just purchased a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer....
I did not get an XM satilite radio but would like to have an aftermarket one
I did not get a DVD player in it, but would like to have one as well.
Several Questions.. I am just now learning the terminology - FM modulators, Y-splitters, etc.. this is all foreign to me.
Here is what I would like to do: I would like to have the Sirius system (although I am open to XM as well) and would like to keep my brand new head-unit (with CD player only - no tape player)
I like the looks of the XM commander for XM, and the Audiovox S.R.S. for Sirius
I would like to still be able to use my CD player, FM and AM radio.
In addition, I would like to install headrest mounted screens (two of them) without tearing up my headrests (I like the looks of the ones from epikproducts.com, but don't know their quality level)
I would like the sound from the DVD to be able to be played over the speakers, but also, when not played over the speakers, to be able to be heard from some wireless headphones. Can I do this w/ Satilite radio?
I would like the ability to hook up a playstation into the player to use on the system (and I learned a new term called power inverter.. what is this all about?)
Basically, if you were me, and you didn't want to install any of this yourself, and cost is not really a limiting factor (although I would like to stay sane) what would you buy, where would you buy it, what would you look for in an installer, what is your thought process in making the decisions? Is this system I have described even possible within reason??
Also, I would like to avoid junking up my car with tons of wires running around.. am I asking too much here?
Advice Please!
you want too much gest find a good installer and ask him all that .
You have a lot of really good questions that as a business owner I am obligated to answer for you when you come in my store, however the sheer scope of your questions are a little more than can be just answered here on the forums, there are alot of different avenues that are open to you, your best suggestion is to head into a specialty retailer (not a big box store) in your area, find a good installer and ask the installer these questions. You will find the answers that you seek from this installer. If I have the time I'll see if I can pm you some more info on your questions.
-------------
Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.
The system in your vehicle is pretty complex to interface with although not impossible. Some of what you want is going to be difficult. As far as the Satellite radio, SoundGate (www.soundgate.com) has a Kenwood Sirius interface (KNGM1V3) and a Pioneer XM interface (PIOGM1V3) which will allow you to control the units directly from the factory radio just like a factory XM. They also have an auxiliary input interface (AUXGM) which will allow you to input the audio from other sources to the factory system. With the auxiliary input interface, you can use a switcher to select between the various sources but the control for the sources will have to be external (can't control from the radio).
-------------
Best Regards,
Rich
I'm assuming your brand new head-unit is your factory one so you will have to use and FM modulator to listen to anything besides cd throuh your factory radio. An FM modulator is a box that basically connects between your cd player's antenna input and the vehicles antenna output. It then broadcasts the signal being input into it (satelite radio, dvd playstation etc.) onto an unused FM radio frequency. An FM modulator usually only has one input so you will probobly wanting to use an externall source switcher if you want to listen to dvd or satelite radio. I know Pioneer makes one. its the CD-VS33 that has a small control panel that is seperate from the main source box and controlls the source selection and has a third input for your playstation. You would proboly hide it behind the dash or under a seat, same with the Satelite radio tuner and an FM modulator. You can connect some in car wireless headphones to this main box or some regular wired ones to the external control panel(it has a level control on front). I only know of one brand of headrests that have a monitor built into them. Vizualogic makes a custom headrest for your 2004 trail blazer that has a built in 7" widescreen monitor. They cost $599.99 each and come with a remote and two A/V inputs and 2 A/V outputs. If you do decide to bring along your playstation you will need a power inverter. A power inverter takes your cars 12 volt power and turns it into a 110 volt outlet/outlets. There is a wide variety of them with different wattage ratings and number of plug-ins. If you are planning to plug more then 150 watts into it you cant use your cigarrete lighter. You have to get power directly from the battery. Finally if you want to watch dvds in your trailblazer look in car dvd players that can be mounted under a seat or in the dash. Some of these require direct power and other require a power inverter. You can look at all of these products and get knowledgable information on what to buy at www.crutchfield.com
Well I hope this helps you. Sorry for such a long post
-------------
I forgot to mention that you should still go to a local car audio dealer that has experience with mobile video if you are just getting started. They have the most knowlege about this stuff( I wouldnt reccomend best buy or circuit city for car audio or home audio anyway).
-------------