How to : Install a functional DVD theater system in your 240Z or 280Z!!! :)

[PrOxLaMuS©]

How to : Install a functional DVD theater system in your 240Z or 280Z!!! :)

This is a small documentary/how to : install for a cheap ass.. ghetto DVD setup for your vehicle.

Total cost : $290 bux
What do I get? :
-7" Widescreen LCD monitor
-Mobile DVD player that plays DVD's, CD's, MP3's, VCD's, SVCD's and has a BUILT IN TV TUNER! To watch TV on the road :)
-FM Modulator

What is an FM Modulator? Let's say you have a CD player or a stock radio and you don't have the option to plug in RCA audio or video wires into the back of the radio/cd reciever. What an FM modulator does is it converts the RCA audio cables (Red and White like for your TV) to an FM frequency like 88.3 mHZ so I can tune to 88.3 FM and I can hear my movie playing or video games, etc. It plugs directly into your original antennea.

This is what I started with.. lots of wires and lots of wires :)

http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/6/web/330000-330999/330795_89_full.jpg

Everything is hooked up and tested so now I can install everything nice and clean. I want a professional look.
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/6/web/330000-330999/330795_90_full.jpg

You have the option to plug everything into the Cigarette Lighter, but instead I hardwired everthing to the fuse bus. Sounds complicated but all you do is simply splice the wire to the Radio or Cig. Lighter cable and solder the wires onto it. Or you can wrap it around the wires and electrical tape it for a secure connection. It's not recommended but it works. This pic shows the connection of the DVD player and the LCD monitor to the RADIO wire right after the fuse bus. I attacthed it to the radio so when I turn on the car to ACC the radio and the DVD player and the LCD monitor turn on all at once, so it doesnt drain power all the time from the battery.
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/6/web/330000-330999/330795_91_full.jpg

More wires
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/6/web/330000-330999/330795_92_full.jpg

CLose up test pic... notice the "Pyle" on the LCD screen... it's my Pyle of shit DVD setup :)
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/6/web/330000-330999/330795_93_full.jpg

[PrOxLaMuS©]

Glove Box closed and car put together
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/6/web/330000-330999/330795_94_full.jpg

Glove box open.. with the LCD inside
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/6/web/330000-330999/330795_95_full.jpg

DVD player from behind the passenger seat
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/6/web/330000-330999/330795_96_full.jpg

CLose up of DVD player under pass. seat.. notice how I have room to open and close the CD/DVD tray
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/6/web/330000-330999/330795_97_full.jpg

Not bad for under $300!!! It works :)

[Walkingpig]

nice work man:) my girlfriend is demanding i get a screen installed so she can play the playstation while i'm out talking at the car meets each weekend:)

i never thought of putting the screen in the glovebox, the ps2 was giong to go there,

good stuff:)

[Bambikiller240]

Nice work, but anyone considering this should be advised that in many states of the USA, it is illegal to have a video screen that is visable (even just barely, & from the side) by the driver. You don't have to get caught driving with it on to get busted, if a cop sees it and believes it "could" be seen by the driver , he can issue a citation.

FWIW,

[Gee]

I thought the most incredible part of your install was the fact that you'd paid for a copy of 2 Fast 2 Furious ROFL

Nice work anyway:D

[PrOxLaMuS©]

LoL.. actually I got the copy of 2 Fast 2 Furious for FREE from work.. as a promotion.. and I work at a grocery store.. hehe

[Corganx33]

how well does the FM Modulator work?

[PrOxLaMuS©]

alot better than I ever thought it would actually...

I went for a Kenwood FM modulator for a "guaranteed" good quality sound.

I like it.

[thefastestz]

Really nice work. I've thought about this addition to my Z putting it in the glove box was my intention. Seeing it done it looks great and clean.

But, alas i am Z less now. My engine went kuput my car was still great as far as everything else went. Lots of new parts but i ........GAVE... it away to a good friend that needed a car badly and would have it on the road a lot sooner than i could.

Now i have to get another car.

[big-phil]

Hey you work in a grocery store? Be nice to your Pepperidge Farm vendor.....because it might be me. :)

[PrOxLaMuS©]

not anymore!!

grr.. after 2 1/2 years of loyal service and never being late.. or missing a day..

i get the pooper... no more job! :(

Oh well... still need to find a new job..
but then again.. i'm a poor 18 year old college student :sleepy:

[gnosez]

Funny, but the view out the windshield of my Z is all I need to be entertained. And with the way I drive you'd be hard pressed not to be looking where we were going. But nice install work....

[hls30.com]

What DVD player did you use, and how is it about skipping?

Will

[PrOxLaMuS©]

i used a Pyle DVD player...

no skipping.. as i know of...

but I only watch it when parked.. when I have a girl in me car.. :bunny:

My friends have watched it when moving.. works fine .. no skipping..

but i need to get a higher quality monitor.. but then again..

i NEVER use it! ever.. kinda a waste.. but cool

[Mike]

....anyone considering this should be advised that in many states of the USA, it is illegal to have a video screen that is visable...

There goes Carl again with the legal advise.

Here's my advise. Do whatever you want with your stereo system. Just don't get caught or kill anyone doing it. :)

The electronics in that setup is pretty intense. I've been thinking about a DVD system in my 350z. Of course I would rewire it so I can watch movies anytime. I really want it so I can play surround DVD's in the car mostly.

-- Mike

[PrOxLaMuS©]

ohh i have it wired to work anytime.. anywhere...
with full surround sound on four 4" Alpine speakers and 3 10" MTX subs...


sounds like a movie theather to me.. just more boomy bass :)

[Bambikiller240]

There goes Carl again with the legal advise.

You may not like the "legal advice" (frankly, I don't care if you or anyone does), but it is correct information. Your advice to " Do whatever you want with your stereo system. Just don't get caught or kill anyone doing it." sounds like something a 14 yr old would say. :stupid:

[JZM]

Why ??????????????????????????????????????????????????
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?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????
?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????
?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????
?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????
?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????.

[Bambikiller240]

Simple. Because it ignores fact that "accidents" do happen. Whether or not someone intends for them to happen. You can't tell someone to "don't get caught or kill anyone doing it" and expect that "advice" to have any real impact on the occurance of accidents, and dangerous situations that caused these laws to be put in place.

[Mike]

Actually, I believe he should keep watching DVD's while he drives. While he is at it, he should probably also steal from the local department store, kick puppies, and spraypaint his grandmas house. Don't forget to kick the little puppies. No wait, club baby seals -- even better.

[Bambikiller240]

I knew your picture reminded me of Eddie Haskell ! !

[Mike]

You may not like the "legal advice" (frankly, I don't care if you or anyone does), but it is correct information.

Ok, I'd like to challenge your "correct information"

Nice work, but anyone considering this should be advised that in many states of the USA, ...

Which states? Perhaps he lives in a state that it is legal? Did you research this?

....it is illegal to have a video screen that is visable (even just barely, & from the side) by the driver.

Could you please define "even just barely" for the court to understand? How does one go about viewing video from the side? When I look at a monitor from the side, I simply see a piece of plastic. Are we talking 10 degrees from a direct right angle? Which states allow 10 degrees and which ones allow 20 degrees?

You don't have to get caught driving with it on to get busted, if a cop sees it and believes it "could" be seen by the driver ,.....

Most systems I have seen are equipped with a preventitive measure that will not allow a driver to watch movies while driving. It is connected to the parking brake indicator. Ie: If the parking brake is engaged, the driver can view a movie. If the parking is dis-engaged, the movie mode cannot be used. Last time I checked into this (about a year ago), Oregon allowed a system like this to be installed in plain view. So, just because it appears that a driver could watch a move while sitting still, they cannot actually perform the action while driving.

....he can issue a citation.

Well, we all know cops CAN issue citations for just about anything. But, it's all a matter of how much paperwork they are willing to deal with.

Anyway, sorry for the rambling and picking on you Carl (you're just such an easy target!). But, I just hate to see legal info given out on my site. Bad legal advice is just as bad as telling someone to jump off a bridge. And we've all heard that one before.... "Would you jump off a bridge if someone told you to do it?!"

I do have a point with all of this. A site like this should not be the basis for actions in the real world. Take everything from here knowing the information you recieve COULD be lacking some details which may cause even more problems.

Just for the record, I actually AGREE with Carl. I don't believe watching DVD movies while driving is a good idea. That is just common sense. However, it is your car and imagination that put together such a wonderful electronic package. Go with it. Just know that it only takes a second to kill yourself and others around you. I say, drive for the fun of driving. :)

I think this thread is officially stolen. hehe... sorry guys

[Bambikiller240]

California is one state that does not allow it. There are others. I did not specifiy which because I did not memorize all of the details contained in the articles I read about this issue. (One was presented in CA Traffic School by a CHP officer) CO state could very well be one that allows it, on the other hand it may not be. That is why I said "many states" and not specificly CO. Also I was not warning HIM (specificly) as other people who live elsewhere will view the Tech Article.

Sure a cop "can" overlook" a situation (for a variety of reasons), but he can also be a PITA and "stick it to you" for a variety of reasons (some of which may not have anything to do with you). Maybe the donuts were not fresh this morning, he didn't get lucky last night, you've pissed him off previously, etc.

Since I did not provide any specifics, I consider the advice to be "general cautionary advice", not "legal advice" which would be of a more specific nature.

As for the veracity of my (or any other person's) advice given on this or any other subject or site. Common sense should be used in following any of it. Some people have better advice (sometimes) than other people. People who give advice should give the best and most honest advice that they can. On the other side, some people follow advice better than others. It is the responsibility of the person who chooses to use advice, to use it properly, and to make sure it is properly applied to their situation.


Who hijacked the thread? Not me. My cautionary post was dated 06-27-04 so it's not like I am the one who brought it up 6 1/2 months later. Someone else did that.

[hls30.com]

I am not really interested in the video portion of a DVD player-I have a large screen laptop if I want to watch a movie on the go, but after following the industry gabfor the last 18 months, it looks to me that the DTS surrond sound that can (and is) encoded on the audio portion of a DVD is the "next big thing" in audio-more licenses being issued for it than anything else. Kind of like the transition from AM to FM, or 8track to cassette to CD. Availability usually follows, Static Professional gear, home gear, car gear. I just wanted to see if the density of encoding on a DVD brings a stronger propensity to skip, I mean a 240Z with Illuminas and urethane bushings certianly is not the most shock absorbing transport for a DVD player that is being put to use!
Will

P.S. Carl if you will take off that promotional hat that Target gave you at their grand opening, you might not be such easy pickins! LOL :knockedou

[JZM]

Back to my Q. Why [puy a dvd in your Z]? Sorry bambikiller240/carl the Q earlier was not for you.It sound a little RICE to me. Whats next X-BOX! Is that how you see your
Z????.Nice install thought.


JZM

[Corganx33]

rice is a term used for modifications done to a car to make it look like its fast without doing anything to improve performance. False styrofoam intercoolers, oversized wings and excessive Type-R badges. etc, etc, etc.

A dvd player at least serves some functional purpose. Its great for long trips etc. and he did a good install on it. Its no more rice than taking the time to install a nice stereo.

[PrOxLaMuS©]

i installed it for kicks...

i mean.. WHY NOT??

Was under $200... is functional... entertains my friends on trips.. and me when I'm waiting for someone to pick up.... good for girls on a warm summer night and your bored....

ehh.. i figured it would be interesting.. and it is.. :)

[JZM]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing anyone.I'm just one of [those] Z guys and I'm very proud of it.I am open minded.[I did say nice install].


JZM

[Zrush]

Hey Prox, do you have to upgrade your battery or get some kind of battery booster to run all that? I know that some of the newer ricer cars have installed extras plus alot of them have to keep there engines running at shows to access all that stuff.

I don't think our basic Z's could handle to much electronics without some kind of help. I know I couldn't keep either of my cars running for the same duration (all day) that the kids do with those DVD and such.

That is a nice install job :classic:


Vicky

[Mike]

Just make sure you don't have it turned on when you're pulled over on the way to club those baby seals.

:bunny:

[PrOxLaMuS©]

LoL...

no it doesn't use that much energy...

stock alternator.. and same battery.. works fine

[Zs-ondabrain]

LoL...

no it doesn't use that much energy...

stock alternator.. and same battery.. works fine

And to that I say, "he's correct". I have "KATS" driving lights, MiiG H-4 conversion headlights, An Alpine 80? watt deck, and a 300 watt subwoofer amp. I know for a fact that all his stereo DVD player/moniter (equipment) does'nt come close to the amperage that I pull and I have a stock alternator, battery and electrical system. I never have a problem with all that stuff on at the same time, he has a newer car than mine and his electrical is probably more set-up for it.

I personally think his system will last for quite a while.

FWIW,
Dave.

P.S. decent install, I worked at "CAR-TOYS" for 5 years and have been doing car stereo stuff since I was 16. Not a bad install.

[JZM]

Baby seals hehehehehe/chucklechuckle !


Daves not lying.he did work at one time! [at car toys]I thought it was longer than that though.

[hls30.com]

The Ricer DVD would be a styrofoam screen, with a paper insert, and a dead home dvd player under the seat! Just enough to claim it didn't work because of a blown fuse you can't find!

Kill the seals, Save The Whales!

Will