OK guys, i've read everything related to nav-dvd/tv conversion posted here on CL ! So, i still have some questions

1.which is the best unit - PIONEER GEX P7000 or the AVELECTRONICS nav tv ( which comes with lexus compatible plugs ) ?

2. regarding PIONEER GEX - i want to install 2 PIONEER headrest monitors, so i will NOT need the small black box aka vlad unit, the initial setup of the PIONNER GEX will be done and displayed on those headrest monitors ! now the question - those monitors will be needed just for the initial setup or you have to adjust the nav tv unit everytime you power it on ?

3. Does any PIONEER car dvd player (stand alone unit, not dash mounted) can control the GEX through its remote ?

thx.

 

1. The Pioneer GEX-P7000TV will require you have the Vlad kit. Unless you know how to wire directly to the 20 pin input and output plugs "tricking" the GEX into thinking it's running on a Pioneer navigation and display. Using Pioneer headrest monitors like AVD-W6000 in the back will not help you in any way, unless you could plug one of these monitors into the 20 pin plug on GEX at the same time using a CD-30RGB cable. That would pretty much mean you would need to splice into the cable... not so pretty and you would really need to know what your doing. There is no plug and play solution (kit that comes with Lexus connectors) for the GEX-P7000TV.

2. The AVELECTRONIC nav tv solution is nice if they have the factory plugs for your Lexus and no wire cutting is required. I'd double check with them before ordering. This unit won't have independent back seat outputs like the GEX for selecting what the headrest monitors can be watching, but that shouldn't be a problem as the Pioneer monitors like most monitors have multiple A/V inputs.

One other solutions talked about and shown with pictures is plugging in a Xbox (or PS/2) to the navigation screen using Audio Authority RGB converter. This solution is great if the Xbox or PS/2 will be your only Game and DVD player. See https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=98281

As you maybe can tell I know a bit about this stuff... I'm currently installing and redoing my LS430 video system with (2) AVD-W6000's in the headrests and a Pioneer AVM-P9000R master unit interfacing with navigation and ML system. This will provide Dolby Digital and DTS sound. The end results will be the headrest monitors can display independently navigation (same as front navi monitor), 3D GUI with video spectrum analyzer, 6 disc DVD changer OR Xbox for games. Of course the front navi monitor can display all of these as well independently.

 

thx for your detailed response, you are one of the masters about this topic ( to mention vvti and concepts,too).
Yes, the AVELECTRONIC unit is supplied with lexus style connectors - as per web description and does not have the rear outputs !
Could you detail a little bit about that PIONEER master unit and also vs.GEX ?
thx.

 

The Pioneer master units AVM-P8000R and AVM-P9000R are stereos that have a 3D user interfaces and switching capabilities (navigation input, output, A/V input for VCR/VTR, IP-Bus and rear AV output). Think of them as car stereos without the traditional face, but instead use a Pioneer monitor (or could use your navigation screen). The AVM-P9000R has a plug for Dolby Digital and DTS for 5.1 sound from a Pioneer DVD player/changer, including speaker outputs for center channel and subwoofer. The AVM-P8000 does not have DD or DTS and these outputs. Other than that they are pretty much identical. Since these Master Units are stereos it's difficult to integrate them with your existing OEM or aftermarket system. Although I have my own design to have an AVM-P9000R integrate with my navigation/ML system for the best of both worlds

As for comparing the GEX to the AVM:
1. GEX has a built-in TV tuner as AVMs have AM/FM tuner and 3D interface including spectrum display.
2. Keep in mind the AVMs have no FM modulator function, like the GEX. The AVM is the radio!
3 They both will convert composite video input to RGB output. Although the GEX has 2 composite video inputs and AVMs have only 1 input for L+R Audio + composite Video (VCR/VTR), but can connect a Pioneer DVD player using IP-bus and AV-Bus plugs.
4. They both have 20 pin navigation input and output plugs. And the GEX and AVM can even be used together daisy chaining the output of the AVM to the input of the GEX.
5. The AVM does not require a Pioneer monitor be connected to get on-screen graphics. The GEX requires a Pioneer monitor (or Vlad kit) for vertical and horizontal positioning of setup menu text and TV channel listings + input labels.

To learn more about Pioneer AVM's and GEX-P7000TV look at www.pioneerelectronics.com web site and under online car stereo manuals. Here you will find screen shots for the 3D user interface and wiring diagrams for installation.

P.S. I'm going be selling a AVM-P8000R that has never been installed if your interested. I'll provide the pin outs necessary to make it a video on your navigation converter. PM me if interested and I'll quote you a price.