Re: Lexus factory DVD player [Archive] - SoundAndVision Magazine Forums

May 7th, 2003, 15:32

Hi guys. Our Lexux LX470 (2002)has a great DVD player and 16:9 screen installed in the dash from the factory. The unit will play a DVD only if the car is off anf the key is in the acc position. Does anyone know how to rewire so our 2 year old can enjoy the Wiggles on roadtrips? Does anyone know of a Lexus forum that might have an answer? I have begun to search our area for a custom installer (AZ). Thanks in advance. KidDoc

Gunfighter369

May 7th, 2003, 15:55

KidDoc, Not to put a squash on your fun, but you might what to check your local/state laws say. I believe it pretty much a universal rule that the DRIVER should not be able to view dvd''s/movies/tv etc while the vehicle is in motion. That''s the reason why it''s set from the factory that way. Sorry I couldn''t be more help. A competent install shop should be able to figure out how to overcome this pretty easily though. Good luck w/ your search.

May 7th, 2003, 15:59

I do realize the local laws, however, in Sound and Vision they are always showing in-dash units now. Besides, I see more drivers with headphones on, without seatbelts, drinking from an open canister... KidDoc

Gunfighter369

May 7th, 2003, 16:08

I'm definitely not saying the other drivers actions are acceptable, I just wanted to make sure you were aware of any possible laws. I'm not sure what S&V has published... don't really pay attention that in-depth to thier car audio section. You could argue that in-dash Navigation systems fall into the same catagory as TV/DVD systems, but I don't want that argument. As for actually accomplishing the task... there should be a wire that ties into your transmission safety switch, same wiring that only allows the vehicle to start in park or neutral, It should be fairly easy for an installer to reloacte that wire to an always-on circuit that would allow you to access the DVD functions of your player. Again, good luck in your search.

apcarandang

May 7th, 2003, 16:38

Most indash DVD manufacturers have a safety feature that doesn''t allow you to use the DVD player while in motion. Only screens mounted behind the driver are allowed to have any video in a moving vehicle. Very few professional installers will also do the job for you since they will be held liable if you get into accident while watching a DVD while driving. I have talked to several installers about this and all they said was it was the law and they will not compromise their shops by breaking the law. S & V Moderator /idealbb/images/smilies/2.gif

May 7th, 2003, 16:50

Thanks guys. I am certainly not interested in getting any installers in trouble, but my interest was intensified when in S&V May, 2003 page 42 (Mobile Wows II) a profile for the Panasonic P7500DVD is reported (a head unit monitor/receiver 7" screen). "In addition to DVD-Audio and Video discs, the P7500DVD plays DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs...." Why would Pioneer launch an illegal product (in most states)that no one will install? Why would S&V announce it? KidDoc

Gunfighter369

May 7th, 2003, 16:52

The unit itself is not illegal, watching it while driving is.

May 7th, 2003, 16:58

Gunfighter, Good esoteric point. I should have said the product once installed, the car on, in motion, and all of its features utilzed. KidDoc

Gunfighter369

May 7th, 2003, 17:04

No worries KidDoc. There was a big stink in one of the Car Audio mags a few months ago ( don''t remember specifically which one ). They featured a guy who had a 13 LCD monitor in the dash. He "jokingly" made a couple comments about watching it while driving and the whole world came crashing down on the magazine. Irresponsibe reporting, publishing something that knowingly against the law, etc, etc. Lots of letters to editor. Needless to say they went back a published an editorial apologizing to the readers. Just ''cause the guy made a couple wisecracks.

May 7th, 2003, 17:20

Seriously, If the backlash from discussing use in car audio mags is so great, where is the demand for the product? Who will install it? KidDoc

Gunfighter369

May 7th, 2003, 17:34

I think that''s what APC was getting at in his post. I''m not quite sure how to respond..... do I think there''s a demand for in-car entertainment? Yes, very much so. I''ve got a TV/VCR combo in the wife''s vehicle and my son wonders how he ever lived with out it. Do I think there''s a place for the pop-up head units? Yup. But I tell ya'' what.... I drive 128 miles round trip to and from work every day. I-5 in SoCal. Not fun. There has been a few times, maybe just a handful, when I''ve actually seen people watching TV/Movies while driving. Nobody else in the car, just them. It''s bad enough with all the distratcions out there... now TV too? Sorry to go off topic. Just a small rant. Anyway, I''m pretty sure you could find an installer to do the mod. Just a matter of searching around a bit. How you use it would be up to you.

May 7th, 2003, 17:45

It would be interesting to see if major chains will carry these products because I don''t see them selling them without installing or at least recommending someone to install. The liability train would be huge downstream from that point if it is such a concern as APC states. APC any comment? I guess I will keep using my Samsung DVD -L100 portable player. KidDoc

Gunfighter369

May 7th, 2003, 17:51

Just about every major chain with a car audio section sells head units with pop-out monitors. All of them are designed to become disabled when then car is in motion then. As for liability issues...... Hey, I know I''m not supposed to drive drunk, but the bar kept selling me beers, so it must be okay. What do you mean I can''t randomly discharge my firearms in any direction I want to? That''s what Smith and Wesson designed it for, right? I think the responsibility fall on to the end-user. Your buying a product that''s designed to do something specific. When and how you use that product is entirely up to you.

apcarandang

May 7th, 2003, 17:57

The only way to watch DVD''s on your car is to get a NON-indash unit and get monitors for the head rests and use and RF modulator for sound. You don''t want a young child in front anyway. There are packages available now for around $500 which has mounts so you don''t even need to cut into the headrests. This types of installs allows you to watch DVD''s as long as you''re in the back seat. DVD-A for cars from I what I''ve read will shut down the monitor and just reproduce the 5.1 music for you. Hope this helps. S & V Moderator /idealbb/images/smilies/2.gif

May 7th, 2003, 18:30

APC, Thanks for the info. Do you names/places to get these packages? I am new to "car video". KidDoc

Eric

May 7th, 2003, 19:09

I think all this paranoia is a bunch of bull$hit. If anyone thinks that you can remove all distractions for drivers,,,YOUR CRAZY!!! If this histeria was valid, then they must remove radios from cars, take down all billboards, only allow one car on the road at a time, and only allow one person to be in a moving vehicle at a time. This is all hogwash. Fellow utopians, you will never be able to make driving completely safe and/or remove all distractions for drivers. If you work at or "know" somebody at one of the mobile install places, then you can rig any of those badboys up to play while driving. Try searching the web, because it is kinda like burning DVD''s in the early days when everyone said it couldn''t be done. I have two friends that hired out a mobile install technician to rig their in-dash dvd players on the weekend when he was off duty. I say go for it if you can. /idealbb/images/smilies/11.gif /idealbb/images/smilies/11.gif /idealbb/images/smilies/11.gif Eric.

rkkwan

May 7th, 2003, 19:18

The paranoia isn''t so much about distractions as it is about liabilities. Say if you get into a serious accident, and it''s found out that your DVD player and screen is running, hah, the lawyers will be having a field day... If KidDoc wants his 2-year old to enjoy Wiggles on roadtrips, I do believe there are better alternatives than bypassing the cutoff switch.

Gunfighter369

May 7th, 2003, 19:21

Eric, Not trying to fan the flames, just passing information that KidDoc might or might not of known. You are absolutely correct.... it''s just a matter of finding an installer who will do the work for you. Question though, what was the reasoning for hiring the installer "off-duty"? Get a good deal or would the store not allow the installer to do it? Just curious.

Eric

May 7th, 2003, 19:28

I can now join in and have a reasonable discussion...I was just venting a bit/idealbb/images/smilies/1.gif Eric.

Eric

May 7th, 2003, 19:32

" what was the reasoning for hiring the installer "off-duty"? " "it is about liabilities" "Get a good deal or would the store not allow the installer to do it?" Both. But personally, as you have already gathered, I see no problemo with it. Eric.

May 7th, 2003, 19:49

It just all seems a bit contradictory. Here is a big 16:9 screen, a DVD/CD changer, and no way (other than back door)to use it like a DVD player. The navigation system is on a hard drive. I bet the "update" is on DVD, but do you really need a 16:9 with good video for navigation? It''s like the following: Move to Arizona, Sit outside when it''s 110 degrees out, Look at your pool (came with house), Wash your hands in it, but don''t go in!!!!!!! Very, very tempting. When used properly, this in car tech hurts no one, just like a swimming pool. Just my thoughts. KidDoc

Eric

May 7th, 2003, 19:53

"The paranoia isn''t so much about distractions as it is about liabilities." True, but the utopians and lawmakers that give these lawyers free reign in this arena are the ones responsible, not the install guys. Those damn faceless bureaucrats and ambulance chasers /idealbb/images/smilies/11.gif. Eric.

bote

May 7th, 2003, 20:15

Let me put it this way, would you be driving on the freeway alongside someone whom you know is watching tv while driving? Wouldn''t you be worried about his ability to respond as quickly as possible to all and any adverse events on the road?

Gunfighter369

May 7th, 2003, 21:09

Eric, Don''t get me wrong.... I''m on the same side as you are. But, like Bote said, I personaly don''t want somebody driving down the freeway watching TV, or even playing PS2 for that matter. In KidDoc''s case, Hey the kids wanna'' watch a movie. I see no problem with it. It shouldn''t be that hard of a mod at all... just one wire. By all means go for it. Why would the car manufacturers even put it in there if they didn''t want you to watch it? Hmmm..... selling point for all us audio/video suckers? No idea. As for the "utopians and lawmakers", did you see FoxNews today? Some guy is suing a casino because he lost all his lifesavings. He has a known/acknowledged gambling problem, yet it''s the casino''s fault for "enticing" him to spend his cash. C''mon... now that''s outta'' control. And you''re right... it''s some slimeball lawyer looking to make a buck. In no way will this benefit society. What does this have to do with KidDoc''s situation... it''s all about personal responsibilities (sp?). Like he said "when used properly"........

bote

May 7th, 2003, 21:17

I think it is meant more for those who are waiting for someone while the car is parked to ease boredom. And of course people riding at the back.

apcarandang

May 7th, 2003, 21:31

A few years back I installed a GPS tracking device on my laptop. It was quite James Bond in a way seeing my car as a red dot on the screen going throgh the roads of Houston. The problem was I was so engrossed at watching the screen that I almost hit another car. So I returned the GPS tracking software and antenna the same day. From personal experience driving and watching a screen don''t make a good match. That''s why new navigation systems have a voice options so you don''t have to look at the screen too much. Full blown movies with Dobly 5.1 or DTS in a moving car while you''re driving is sure to affect driving performance. I''m sure a few people can handle multitasking while driving but cellphones have caused enough accidents and these people are watching the road. Imagaine if they are not looking at the road. There are more cars on the roads too which will increase your chances of hitting another vehicle if you stray off your lane. As stated lawyers will have a field day if you cause an accident while your video screen playing the latest DVD release. KidDoc, I''ll send you that site where I saw that DVD screen combo when I go to Houston next week. I''m pretty sure I had bookmarked it in my other computer. S & V Moderator /idealbb/images/smilies/2.gif

Eric

May 7th, 2003, 21:41

I honestly understand where you all are coming from. I''ve almost gotten into wrecks just because my mind was wondering and/or was contemplating something. The point is that of the million distractions we face everyday on the road, why are only some of them in the spotlight??? Danger and risk is just something we all accept upon climbing into that front seat every morning. We are all multi-taskers to some degree and we all accept the risks involved each and every day,,,end of story. Its just too bad that laws are influenced so much by special interest groups and utopians...one day its one thing, and the next day its another...full of contradiction and hipocracy. Eric.

bote

May 7th, 2003, 21:45

Eric, wouldn''t you say that one less hazzard while driving is more acceptable than freewheelling, devil may care, you die, I die it''s up to you road out there? We can''t eliminate all of those risks you mentioned but I would feel comfortable that at least there is one less.

May 7th, 2003, 23:20

Bote, Trust me on this one. On the drive across the world the last thing I will be interested in looking at is the Wiggles Safari DVD that my 2 year old wants on. The content that will be playing for me is NOT that interesting to ANY driver!!! Eric is right. We do not need laws to protect stupid people and deter the safe use of technology by intelligent people. (The fact that a hairdryer still has a warning label re: use in bath tubes is insane, and only there to prevent a lawsuit.) KidDoc

apcarandang

May 8th, 2003, 00:12

Unfortunately we have more stupid people on the road than sane ones. Indash DVD players with flip out screens are easy targets for they are in the car, therefore an easy escape goat if accidents happen. Some states now will fine you if you use are seen using a cellphone while driving. Unfortunately the portable DVD players won''t sound good in a car. Wait next week. I should be able to get that site for you. S & V Moderator /idealbb/images/smilies/2.gif

toddb

May 8th, 2003, 00:49

To answer your original question. There is no way to re-wire the unit to play. Lexus, as does most factory installed units, computer controls this. It will only play with the car in park (It may be a little different than this, i.e. will only play with engine off, or parking brake engaged but you get the idea). I''ve looked into this with Mercedes where I got all of this info. Aftermarkets have a sensor that allows you to view it with the parking break on. I don''t know if these can be "manipulated" or not. An installer would be crazy to jerry rig though IMO. Kid, I know it may be expensive, or not even possible, but can you get a factory screen for the backseat?

Eric

May 8th, 2003, 02:25

Kid, Bottom line, It may or may not be illegal in the state you are in and it could possibly void your warranty if you tamper with and of the vehicle''s wiring. You must decide if it is worth it to you. I''d be fairly pissed if my brand new lexus with a nifty dvd system only worked while in park also. There could be a fair amount of rigging involved, but maybe there won''t??? You would have to go through some "back" channels to find out, the dealership and/or other mainstream sources of info on this topic will tell you that its impossible or not worth it. Its not impossible and its worth to you is something you must figure out. Putting all the driving risks aside (that aren''t really valid to me anyways) pale in comparison to the functionality and operation of your car''s computer network. The a/c, radio, GPS, etc. are all linked. If a specialist could bypass a few wires and wouldn''t affect anything else on this network, then go for it. You may just have to bite the bullet, get a portable car dvd player and run it to some headrests with built in monitors. Kid, Just don''t let me catch you watching that Wiggles Safari DVD every morning on the way to work if you do take this plunge. "Eric, wouldn''t you say that one less hazzard while driving is more acceptable" Take no offense Bote, but absolutely not. There will simply be 999,999 more risks to worry about. That may be peace of mind for some, but simply an illusion for people like me. Eric.