Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:40:27 -0500
Reply-To: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject: Re: Stereo Suggestions
In-Reply-To: <021520072333.4814.45D4EDB7000C89BB000012CE2200734364979A09019B0E0D9A9D@comcast.net>
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Volks, on the no expenses spared (well, some was spared), my Stereo
set up has been admired by a few foks (usually under the age of 18...)
It was a Pioneer AVIC N2 (I swapped it out for a Pioneer AVIC
N3...the N2 will reappear in another vehicle). This is an in-dash DVD
navigation stereo. It has a 6 1/2 inch display that pivots out of the
unit and just tilts back enough even with the padded dash of my 1991
camper. I also have a Sirius satellite add-on (the Pioneer is
satellite radio ready, and will work with both Sirius and XM). I also
have the iPod adapter for it (the N3 has much better iPod support
than the N2, which was fairly primitive.)
The navigation system is quite good (though a few roads that I travel
in WV are out of date.) The Pioneer can also play DVD movies (though
not when the vehicle is in motion.)
I also have it equipped with the optional back up camera. Mounted
above the little tray table in the back, this is extremely useful in
a Westy. When you switch to reverse the camera is automatically
engaged and the display on the unit shows what's behind you. Tends to
ensure you keep your rear window clean too. :)
I've never gotten XM, but they apparently also have a traffic service
(which this unit supports) which will update the maps with live
traffic data. I figure that would be really useful in Los Angeles,
but in the DC area, it is considerably less useful.
I did the install myself (which no doubt saved a boat load of
installation costs.) Much of the add ons are hideaway units. I stuck
these below the bottom shelf of the cabinet (otherwise unused space.)
This wasn't cheap (hey, the lifetime Sirius subscription was $500
alone), but I've got a nice system that will play tunes and news just
about anywhere I can drive to. Sirius has traffic stations for 20 US
cities, which has proven useful when I've gone to Chicago, Boston, or
New York, not to mention my local area of Baltimore and Washington
DC. The traffic stations alternate with weather for those locales,
which is also nice extra info.
The only thing I'm missing that I want (well, I'll skip over DVD-
Audio support) is HD Radio. Pioneer hasn't yet supported that. Time
will tell if they'll come on board.