Sticky: Aftermarket DVD Headrests

[Guest]

Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
Did you miss your activation email?

1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[emnel]

I have a feeling it is not looking promising. He said there are very few SLE out there.  Obviously with a clearance deals they are selling well. We should of started looking earlier in the month before they were all picked over I guess. We will talk to him tomorrow.

[DSNY FN]

I have a feeling it is not looking promising. He said there are very few SLE out there.  Obviously with a clearance deals they are selling well. We should of started looking earlier in the month before they were all picked over I guess. We will talk to him tomorrow.

 I will give him a shout tomorrow and get any info I can and pass it along to you. Hopefully we can come up with something for your family.

[DoubleD09]

Hi All, I'm still exploring options for rear DVD entertainment in our Acadia. Budget is of utmost importance for this project, so keep that in mind.

I don't have sunroofs in my car and the dome light in my opinion is way too close the the potential viewers in the second row without craning your neck upwards to see the screen plus it blocks the rear view mirror which I really don't like. So I think an overhead unit is out.

There are tons of "universal replacement dvd systems" on eBay that are pretty cheap($150-$300) in price and are probably equally cheap in quality. These Ebay headrests are HUGE, like 11" wide which are are way too big for our 8" wide U shape for the headrest to fit it. So I think those are out of the picture also.

I did however find these: http://www.headrestvideo.com/gallery.html#HR7008ACADIA , they look like OEM headrest with the Audiovox Movies 2 Go system installed in them. This is a 2 DVD system meaning each headrest has its own Touch Screen DVD player so 2 different movies can be viewed at the same time. Audiovox sells the Movies 2 Go system installed in a universal headrest that can be had on eBay for about 400.

I am actually thinking about getting this system and taking it out of the universal headrest it comes in and installing it in a set of OEM leather headrests (which I snagged on eBay for only 45.00 shipped!) The Movies 2 Go system on eBay is a 2 headrest system with ONE DVD player so that's the only major difference, but my kids usually will watch the same movie when on the road. Another reason I like the Audivox system is that the monitors tilt so the viewing angle is better because the headrest tilt forward so much.

Anyone ever do this? Anyone see any potential problems with this?

Any advice is appreciated.

Derek  

[Blue_2009_SLT2]

I could have sworn we had an aftermarket headrest DVD thread here as a sticky- but don't see it now.

I'll find it, make it a sticky, and merge this one into it for reference.

With the lack of support from Invision (OEM makers of the GM systm), I'd lean towards the Audiovox setup you mentioned.

The website you linked sells these in leather for the Acadia for $1320 shipped.

Budget is of utmost importance for this project, so keep that in mind.

Modifying OEM headrests can get expensive! I spent around $160 getting my GM DVD ones recovered in vinyl, but this included covers. I'd get a quote from a shop (if you can find one) to install these and then compare that to the $1320.

[DoubleD09]

Well I don't think I'll have to get these headrest recovered as they are brand new stock leather headrest that I plan to install the Audiovox system in. So really my cost will be the 45.00 I paid for the leather headrest and about 400.00 for the Audiovox Movies 2 Go system. I've found many tutorials online about how to install headrest monitors and it looks pretty straight forward. I guess my unknowns are how the tray that the actual DVD player/monitor fits into is attached to the headrest it comes with and how I will attach it to the OEM headrest. I'm hoping its screwed into the plate in the headrest so I can easily unscrew it and move it into the OEM headrest and secure in the same manner. I'm hoping to do this in the next month or so and I will do a complete tutorial when I do.

BLUE - Do you have pix from your install? How does the seat backs come off? Where do your headrest get power from? I plan to tap power for mine from the cig outlet in the rear of the center console like another person did with their overhead DVD install.

[bonk1313]

BLUE - Do you have pix from your install? How does the seat backs come off? Where do your headrest get power from? I plan to tap power for mine from the cig outlet in the rear of the center console like another person did with their overhead DVD install.

This thread should help some
http://www.acadiaforum.net/forum/index.php?topic=4075.0

[Blue_2009_SLT2]

The only pictures I shot on 12-23 when I did this were of the electrical connectors and final installation- nothing w/ the seats.

The post bonk linked is what I used between who1975, bonk, and my posts everything is there, just not in one place. Here is who1975's text about the seat backs:
Getting the backs off of the seats proved challenging to me and this is where I broke off another piece of plastic.  I should have read the instructions a little better, but I did not.  Once I figured the instructions out, I did it the correct way on the other seat.  I used a flat head screwdriver and inserted into the side of the seat where the clip was.  Just as the instructions say, you push inward and pull out at the same time.  Your screwdriver needs to be touching the metal clip so that when you push to the inside, it release the clip.  Then you just have to slide the seat back to the side and it comes out.  Once I got the seat back removed, I removed the other metal clip with a pair of pliers so that when I re-installed the seat back, all I had to was pop them back on.

Link to post #24

[DoubleD09]

I just looked on eBay and there is a new set of Brick leather headrest dvd, actually 2 listings for 995.00, way too much in my opinion. I also see a few listings for the dvd system monitors on there for Malibu's and other GM cars, I wonder if these would work if our headrest.

Blue are the eBay ones you got OEM headrest or are they an aftermarket one made to fit the seats? If aftermarket are they bigger than OEM? Are they angled towards the front of the vehicle like the OEM ones?

[Blue_2009_SLT2]

The ones I got are actual GM parts made for the Lambda- they were cloth and I needed leather/vinyl so I had them recovered.

[DoubleD09]

Are they wider than the OEM headrest?? Would you mind measuring the dvd unit and the total width of your headrest for me?
I measured 7" from seam to seam on the OEM headrest and about a total of 8" wide, I think I'm gonna be cutting it super close with the audiovox system. Know of any other car headrest that may fit an Acadia but are slightly wider?

[Blue_2009_SLT2]

Can't help w/ measurements- after I coated her Acadia and her garage floor with oil this morning, Mrs. Blue took off with the Acadia for greener pastures!

She'll be back next week & I can measure then if no one else has answered.

I didn't look at any others when we were shopping, so I can't help there either. I know from merging the threads that the JP customs place some members dealt with is out of business.

[DoubleD09]

Anyone have any idea if the Buick Enclave Headrest DVD system will work in our Acadia's? Check this auction, Blue if you care to look it over to see if its missing any parts I would appreciate it. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/08-09-Buick-Enclave-Headrest-Set-w-7-Monitors-LKQ_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem2c4f96a2d2QQitemZ190313833170QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_3469wt_1595


Secondly there is another auction for an Outlook OEM HEadrest DVD system with one of the DVD players not functioning, anyone know if you can replace just the player unit in one headrest? Part number & Price?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Saturn-Outlook-GMC-Acadia-DVD-Headrest-OEM_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem3ca2db2469QQitemZ260430308457QQptZCarQ5fAudioQ5fVideo#ht_500wt_1590

With the two above options I'd have to get the leather headrest dyed black, not too sure of the cost of that either.

Lastly my other option is to get two of these Clarion Headrest monitors

http://www.sbhcorp.com/scripts/homeViewItem-487.html

And also install 2 of these half din DVD players at the back of the center console(SLE, only has a blank plate with the cig lighter there)

http://cgi.ebay.com/820-IN-DASH-HALF-DIN-USB-SD-MP4-DIVX-CAR-DVD-PLAYER_W0QQitemZ250413329643QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCar_Video_Navigation?hash=item3a4dcc2ceb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1234%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50
I can connect these 2 dvd players together and either watch the same movie on two screens or 2 different movies at once.

My question about install these 2 screens and DVD players would be whether or not the cig lighter power wires would be able to handle connecting these 4 units to it or should I go straight to the battery and install a main power switch in the line that I would maybe mount in the center console to be able not drain my battery and also control when the dvd system gets used  

[Blue_2009_SLT2]

As to the first eBay link, LKQ is a great place to deal with- at least in FL/GA. I've purchased two motors from them, they are great about shipping to a yard near you within your state or delivering to a repair shop that is on their route so you don't pay shipping.

Now that the plug is out of the way, my initial concern was if they had been installed, it may be difficult to say if all the parts were there. I see the parts are in plastic bags with what appear to be GM labels on them, so I would question if these had been installed. They even have the wire fish to pull the cables. It looks like to me they are complete.

As far as fit goes, I don't think they will be the same shape- ours are actually better since the OEM headrest has a weird forward angle. The leg spacing etc. will be the same, so they will physically fit.
Look at this page for the actual part numbers for the 2009 Acadia:
http://www.gmaccessorieszone.com/GMC/2009/Acadia/RSE%20-%20Headrest%20DVD%20System/?tx_gmshopb2b_pi1[type]=gm
It will not link correctly, you have to copy & paste it due to the brackets [ ] in it.

It's easier to copy & paste. Here is the data for the Enclave:
Accessory Name
Part Number
MSRP

Dual System - Cloth, Ebony (19C)
19211714
$ 1850.00

Dual System - Cloth, Medium Cashmere (39C)
19211713
$ 1850.00

Dual System - Cloth, Medium Titanium (83C)
19211711
$ 1850.00

Dual System - Ebony (192, 193)
19211545
$ 1850.00

Dual System - Light Cashmere (312, 313, 392, 772)
19211544
$ 1850.00

Dual System - Light Titanium (292, 832, 842, 843)
19211543
$ 1850.00


And for the Acadia:

Dual System - Cloth, Ebony (19C)
19211541
$ 1850.00

Dual System - Cloth, Light Titanium (29C, 84C)
19212598
$ 1850.00

Dual System - Ebony (192, 193)
19211545
$ 1850.00

Dual System - Light Titanium (292, 832, 842, 843)
19211543
$ 1850.00

As you can see, the part numbers for some are the same based on the color.

As for the second link, I would avoid that. We found our "A" player does not display video and have to take it to the dealer for (hopefully) any type of work. Invision (the company that makes them) will refer all inquiries to the dealer. I had specifically asked about repair for units purchased online in my inquiry to them. If you buy them on eBay, you're basically out of luck per their policies.

On the basis of Invision's lack of customer level support of their own product, I cannot advise anyone to buy the factory DVD headrests used. I think you will see there are better options available for less money.

Since most of this is OEM headrests, I'll split this post after a while and merge it into the OEM thread.

[Blue_2009_SLT2]

As for the aftermarket units, I've had good service from two aftermarket Clarion radios in my Japanese cars. I think they make an innovative and quality product, since these were some of the first ones to have an internal hard drive for music storage.

For the install, that seems kind of cumbersome to have to put the drives in the console.

The power angle would probably be OK, but the seller *should* be able to look on the device (unless they are drop shipping it) and see what the power draw is on each one, i.e. 1A @ 12V. You can usually get this info from the maker as well. I don't know what else if anything is on the cigar lighter circuit there, and w/o a manual/diagram, it's hard to know what the fuse size is for it. I'd guess maybe 10A or 15A.

I'm sure someone that has aftermarket units will jump in here & offer some good advice for you.

Good luck with it however you go.

[DoubleD09]

Here's a shot of where I would be installing the 2 half din dvd players in the back side of the center armrest console thingy.


As you can see there is a blank plate roughly the size of a single DIN that merely has a cig lighter in it. I'd relocate the cig lighter a little lower on the backside of the console so its still useable.

I was wondering why you thought this was a cumbersome place to mount these units? I think it would be easily accessible by the rear passengers for changing disc etc. The DVD players come with an IR sensor on the front of each(which I'm sure would confuse the hell out of the dvd players with 2 mounted together) but they also include an IR sensor that can be mounted many feet away from the player. I was thinking about just letting it sit between the headrest and the top of the seat so each person could use their own remote to play/pause/FF etc. Another option would be to mount the DVD players vertically in the center console under the little tray to allow the driver to control play but there is so little room for storage in the center console as it is that I think the Mrs. would not like that too much.

I concur with you about the weird angle of our headrest and this is somewhat of a concern to me but I think I will do a modified install of the monitors in the headrest. I plan to to cut some foam to insert under the leather at the top side of the monitor and also a wedge shaped piece along the sides so that the top of the monitor tilts towards the rear of the vehicle making it more of a 90 degree angle. I'll try to draw up a sketch to explain better tonight. Another thought is to possibly make a small bend in the poles of the headrest making it lean more toward the back of the vehicle, not too sure how to go about doing that though, any thoughts on this?

Thanks again for helping me think through all the different options!

[Blue_2009_SLT2]

Cumbersome was a poor choice of word. What I was thinking was it would be a difficult installation- any idea what is behind the plastic trim? I have no idea, and I'm not trying to talk you out of doing it, just throwing out some thoughts. If there is a circuit board, wiring, or something similar, it could be a no-go. Will the trim be strong enough to hold the players? If not, is there sufficient material on the sides to attach brackets for them? I had the great idea to mount my nav override switch by the HUD switch only to find there was extra stuff back there & no room for the switch!

Doing stuff like this can cause unintended consequences, even for knowledgeable installers- I had some extra lights added by a tech to a 2003 Impala, and after that, one turn signal didn't work. After a bunch of hair pulling on our part, we found an attaching screw was about 1/4" too long and had shorted one wire in a harness that he didn't know was there. Some tape and a shorter screw & I was good to go.

The location would be about as good as you could find, and I doubt any debris would fall into them there.

I hadn't thought about IR confusion between the decks. Panasonic makes different channels for their AV stuff so one remote will not trigger another device. If Clarion did this, you'd be set. Otherwise, you could have some serious "remote wars" take place. So long as the sensors can be isolated this shouldn't be a problem.

As I recall the headrests, I don't think the metal would take well to bending. I'd be fearful of snapping it off.

I'm not brave/artistic enough to try & cut into the headrests!

Keep us posted. If this pans out, we may have another DVD option.

[DoubleD09]

well this is not looking good for the rear of the console DVD player install. The players are approx 7" wide and deep. The small plate is only about 6" wide, there is however about 7.25" of width inside the back of the console but only about 5.5" deep at the plate position. An option would be to cut a DIN size hole below the plate in the console back panel but the DVD players would protrude out about 3" which in my opinion would look like a**. SOOOO with that being said I guess I'm looking for a new mounting location for these darn DVD players. I measured the center console cavern and its plenty big enough to mount the two players vertically to the drivers side wall of the cavern and still be able to put a few things down the other half. This console cavern is 10" deep! so I'd have room at the bottom to drill a hole to fish wires through. I just wish that they would have fit in the rear side of the console facing the rear passengers.

UPDATE:
Well after some discussion with the Mrs. she doesn't like the console mounting idea and has asked that I quit obsessing about the ***king DVD players and that we'll just use our current ones that hang on the headrest. SO it now looks like I'll be upgrading my original iPhone for the new 3GS! I've got a pair of black leather headrest for sale also!

[randybw1]

Well I'm looking for something other than the factory $$$$ models.  I've found these on Ebay, along with a bunch of other ones:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pair-Headrest-7-LCD-Car-Monitor-2-DVD-player-USB-Sony_W0QQitemZ320464681519QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9d2efa2f

Any thoughts?  Seems, cheap, probably is, probably will work just fine?  They are on Amazon also and the reviews are pretty good on them.

[6Sixathome]

How about these.http://www.acadiaforum.net/forum/index.php?topic=6918.0

Also I'll post some pic's of mine, they are Advent by Audiovox, touchscreen, can play separate movies and have 30 video games installed on them. The dealer had them installed when the OUTLOOK was new and on the showroom floor. They right around the same $$ as the GM ones installed by the dealer.

[LBC99]

Well I'm looking for something other than the factory $$$$ models.  I've found these on Ebay, along with a bunch of other ones:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pair-Headrest-7-LCD-Car-Monitor-2-DVD-player-USB-Sony_W0QQitemZ320464681519QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9d2efa2f

Any thoughts?  Seems, cheap, probably is, probably will work just fine?  They are on Amazon also and the reviews are pretty good on them.

I don't have an Acadia yet, but I bought a pair very similar to these from onfair.com for my Nissan Altima. I've had them for about 5 months and they have been great. I was able to install them myself.

If anyone has any questions, let me know.