In-Dash DVD Opinions

[Traxxas Dude 92]

I will get my license in July, and recently bought a 1994 S-10 pickup, regular cab. The head gasket was leaking when we bought it and the crank bearings had locked up because of the anti-freeze in the oil, but after about $1000 in parts, she is almost ready to go again. Anyway, I am looking to buy a new head unit for it and would like a in-dash dvd player, but i can't decide which one to get. After some research on Crutchfield.com, I narrowed my choices to the Jensen 9412, the Valor ITS 703W, Valor ITS 702W, or the Clarion VRX485VD, but can't get any farther than that. The units all seem very similar, and most of the reviews seem good on the units. However; I really like the sleek looks of the Clarion, but there was no review, so I have no idea how it performes. I would just like some advice or hear about some experiences that you have had with any of these units or similar units. Again, these are not the only choices, I would like to hear about others if you know of them. Thanks!

[Insaneatvs]

I have the Clarion VRX755VD I love it. go to Ebay you can find them BRAND NEW for not alot of Duckets

[lancec2c30]

you'll never use it as much as you think. My uncle has a alpine in dash touch screen DVD head unit. He watched 10 minutes of the movie "shooter" on it. Hasn't again since.

[Andrew32]

just wondering, i realy hope your not planning on watching DVD's while driving. I know my jeep dosent allow it. ....neither does the RV

but anyways, i have always heard clarion is a pretty reliable company.

[lancec2c30]

All the DVD players have a circuit that disengages it when the vehicle is in gear. But for $8 you can buy a little plug and play device that overrides it.

[Traxxas Dude 92]

Yeah I know I probably won't use it that much, but they just seem so cool. I want to look around and try to find a descent one for about $300, maybe even buy a used one. I am glad to hear that clarion is a reliable company, I really like the looks of the 485. Has anyone here had any experience with the Jensen players, they seem to have a couple versions that are pretty cheap, but I can't find much info on them other than from people selling them. Thanks for the opinions and please keep them coming.

[Andrew32]

if i was you, i would not go cheap on things like these. With all the mechanical points, it just gives more amount of places for the sucker to break. I'v seen many people buy cheap ones and they break after a few weeks because they are "fragile."

Also do some research on car audio forums and read reviews for every model.

[Insaneatvs]

just wondering, i realy hope your not planning on watching DVD's while driving. I know my jeep dosent allow it. ....neither does the RV

but anyways, i have always heard clarion is a pretty reliable company.


What i did is grounded the extra wire that goes to the parking brake and you can watch movies anytime you want...just dont let the PO PO see ya.
I use mine everytime im in my truck, we also have Sirrus sat radio, and with a dvd player such as the Clarion, you can see the title and artist...
PM me for more info if you want

[lancec2c30]

O only $300.... huh. Because my uncle paid like $850 for his (insane)

[Traxxas Dude 92]

Andrew, what do you mean that these cheap units are fragile because of mechanical points, they seem to have the same amount of mechanical points as the other expensive ones. Or are the cheap ones built a different way? Are the Jensens and Clarion really that cheap that they will break after a few weeks? I want to get one at a decent price, but I want one that will last for a couple years and not break right away.

[mudridin']

Clarion makes very good head units. I don't have any experience with the dvd units, but I had a cd player in my old truck for 7 years. It was a great unit and was still working when it got stolen.

As for the legalities. It is illegal to have any tv screen that is in the drivers line of sight that can be viewed while the vehicle is in motion. I know this cause one of our clients wanted a tv above the windshield of his bus. So he could sit in the jump seat and watch tv. We had to set it up so it would power off when the bus was turned on. Sure, you could get some plug and play device to override the switch. Or mod it somehow so you can watch it while driving. But, watch out for not only the Po Po. But your insurance. Say, you have a wreck while it's playing. Good luck collecting a dime from the insurance if they find you were watching a movie while you were driving. Just might get ya sued these days.

All I'm saying is sure, you could get an in-dash dvd player. But just remember to keep it legal.

[Traxxas Dude 92]

I really am glad to hear that Clarion makes good units. I don't really plan on driving while watching a movie either, I think it would be pointless.

[Andrew32]

Andrew, what do you mean that these cheap units are fragile because of mechanical points, they seem to have the same amount of mechanical points as the other expens ive ones. Or are the cheap ones built a different way? Are the Jensens and Clarion really that cheap that they will break after a few weeks? I want to get one at a decent price, but I want one that will last for a couple years and not break right away.

sorry i read back and i got confused. What i mean, is these DVD players with their fold out shnazzy features have lots of mechanical parts. More mechanics
equal more possible points of failure.

So... if you get a cheap one, itll have a better chance of breaking than a quality one. Im RC terms, its like batteries, dont skimp out


insaneatv's.....thats not smart;). reason the feature is in there

[leroycool1]

just get a good NORMAL deck

for $300 you could get a nice one

[streetracero1]

i have the jensen touch screen in my car now for 5 years with no problems. the picture quality is great. and i use the video out put on it for my headrest monitors and i can't say enough good things about it for the money that is the way i would go. and being able to burn music to a dvd is great i have 1300 song on 1 dvd and can still fit more. try doingthat on a basiccd player

[Insaneatvs]

insaneatv's.....thats not smart;). reason the feature is in there


I dont watch the movie and keep my eyes on it. i glance at it once in awhile and you listen to it more then anything

[Traxxas Dude 92]

I'm thinking about going with the Clarion VRX485VD or the Jensen 9312HD, but i don't really want to shell out $300-$400. Does anyone know of any good places to find them cheaper? It can be used...

[jay1961]

I have a Jenson in my SUV. I had it installed at Circuit City where I bought it. The guy was done with the install and he goes, ok, now whenever the cars in park you can watch a dvd or watch the TV tuner. I said why must it be parked and he explained the law. I said either fix it so it works whenever I want it to or take it out of my dash, so he all he did was unhook a yellow wire screwed to the parking brake. I have a different jenson dvd in my boat but it doesnt have a tv tuner. I had a problem with the one in my car and sent it in. They replaced some parts and its fine now. I doubt you can find one with a built in screen for under $500 new. The boat one I got was refurbished for $299 on ebay I think. Please dont take your eyes off the road. I wouldnt trust anyone driving me if they had one. I only trust myself because I do not look at it even when its playing if i am driving. I listen though.