1998 Caravan Mobile Video System
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Mobile Video, GPS, and Navigation
Forum Discription: Mobile Video Head Units, DVD Players, LCD and TFT Monitors, Navigation, GPS, PS2, PS3, XBox, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=25179
Printed Date: May 06, 2024 at 7:02 AM
Topic: 1998 Caravan Mobile Video System
Posted By: samgoods
Subject: 1998 Caravan Mobile Video System
Date Posted: January 24, 2004 at 6:43 AM
Hello I am in process of purchasing a mobile video system for 1998 Dodge Caravan. Have 3 kids 2 little ones, 1 is 12. I am trying to decide between an All-In-One unit and a dash unit with rear roof lcd. I am trying to make decision from the drivers perspective, and ease of changing the DVD/CD. I think the dash unit is much easier and much safer to operate while driving. However all the video "salesman" are pushing the all in one units. They say you can change dvd/cd from drivers seat in some of the all in ones. Does anyone has experience and/or advice in this matter? Thank you
Replies:
Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: January 24, 2004 at 10:18 AM
It' always easier to have the indash versions for changing DVD's, but alot more work for installing because of two separate units. If you looking at costs, the all in one is usually cheaper because of instalaltion costs. If you are installing it yourself, do the two peice package and have the ease of the DVD change at the front of the dash. This also allows you to do the "quick scan ahead " when parts of movies are a little " iffy " for the young kids  ------------- Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
Posted By: samgoods
Date Posted: January 24, 2004 at 10:23 AM
Thanks Jeff, I agree with quick scan idea. I wonder what the installation costs difference would be.. could not be double could it? but is there a "quality" difference to consider? Is not 2 seperate units better because I can choose the player? thought? thanks samgoods
Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: January 24, 2004 at 10:36 AM
When it comes to costs of installation, the 2 peice will be more expensive, but you have more choices of a better quality monitor and a less expensive DVD player or vice versa. IT's all up to you, but most places will offer you combo deals on such a purchase. The Dod ge Caravan is an easy vehicle to work on and the wiring for these vans is a snap. I would make sure you go for a mid end player with a low-mid end flip down monitor combination because the quality of the TFT is basically the same across the board ( if they are better, you will not notice it unless you have two screens side by side ). As long as the flip down screen is able to accept a video input, your good to go. On the other end, you want a mid end player because you want the quality and workmanship to transfer to the video. If you get a low end player, it will not play all region DVD's and also, you will get picture quality problems ( this is not an " IF " this is a for sure ) and going with a mid end unit will alow you to also play CD's, DVD'd and VCD as well as have a tuner on there. A mid end system would cost around $ 300 - 500 and a low-mid end flip down would be around $ 200 - $ 300. Shop around and compare on eBay and also a good place to go for opinions on tested products is epinion.com ------------- Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
Posted By: samgoods
Date Posted: January 24, 2004 at 8:11 PM
Thank Jeff, Yes I have been doing lots of research about different brands. I guess it is similar to getting a good car stereo system and speakers. At first you get a great player and it sounds OK on factory speakers.. then you upgrade those later.. Good comparison. Thanks for your help. Do you speak from experience? I mean do you know anyone with the all in one unit and kids that concludes it is a pain in the butt to pull over and change DVD? thanks again and that a great web site you shared!!
Posted By: crxtasi
Date Posted: January 24, 2004 at 10:27 PM
samgoods,
i would definitly go with the flip down, also consider a flip down with built in IR(infared) for headphones so that down the road when your 2 other kids can wear wireless headsets, then you can take control of your speakers and play your own tunes.
just my 2 cents,
crxtasi
Posted By: samgoods
Date Posted: January 25, 2004 at 3:17 PM
crxtasi, No no thanks I need your 2 cents and appreciate your input. The biggest thing I am deciding on is the all in one unit vs the dvd player under the dash. It is a matter of the driver having control of the dvd selection. thanks please keep the advice coming!
Posted By: crxtasi
Date Posted: January 26, 2004 at 1:44 AM
samgoods,
If thats the case I would go with the all in one. With my setupon my scion I had to go paycheck to paycheck with my stuff. bought the drop down and a dvd player first(dvd in the glove box). Problem with that is i can't see the menu from the dvd. So I installed a 7" screen on the passenger side so my wife can controll and watch the dvd. A week ago i purchased an Alpine CVA-1004 cause i wanted to change my stock HU and have subwoofer control(wife nagging "too much Bass". My next plan next is to ditch(sell) the glove box dvd and install an indash(iso-mount) one under my alpine. It would be alot easier for me if my wife isn't around. Also I regain my glove box back. Though its not an "all in one" but close enough for my budget. If budget isn't really much an issue...i would go for the Alpine IVA-D900 or if you can wait Alpine IVA-D300 coming out sometime this year. I'm an Alpine guy but my next choices would be either the Kenwood or the Clarion respectively.
Hope this helps.
crxtasi
Posted By: samgoods
Date Posted: January 27, 2004 at 9:59 AM
Hello I am thinking about going with an Audiovox unit... the AVD300. Even though it is a very moderate price it appears to have all the features that I am l looking for ( I think). Does anyone has any thoughts or opinions on this unit? Also, I am interesting in an 8 or 9 inches LCD Monitor (preferably swivel) moderately priced.? Thank you
Posted By: samgoods
Date Posted: January 27, 2004 at 1:14 PM
...or maybe the Clarion VS735? confused again!!
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