VanIsle

I am throwing around the idea of getting a double din video deck and would like to know what is considered a good unit, or even what ones to avoid.
I'm not looking for a gps unit, just video.
I've been considering the pioneer avh-p4100dvd, but it's at the upper limit of what i would like to spend on the HU. Are there any better/cheaper choices out there?
Would love to hear some suggestions.
Thanks.

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

Yes there is, I still have the last years model of this player in stock as well as two used double dins, one Alpine and one Eclipse (with nav).

mustaine4prez

the JVC kwavx820 is a really good deck and one of the cheapest out there right now.

Activate the AV controls by just moving your hand on the Proximity Sensor. You can play iPod or iPhone audio/video with 2-way control, and various other formats on USB devices. The built-in 7-inch widescreen touch panel monitor can be detached for enhanced security. The built-in Bluetooth Wireless Technology provides hands-free calls and audio streaming on the road. You can also enjoy HD Radio and SAT Radio with optional devices.

• Proximity Sensor/Touch Panel
• MOS-FET 50W x 4 (20W RMS x 4)
• Built-in 7-inch Widescreen Monitor
• USB Port (WAV/MP3/WMA/iPod & iPhone Audio)
• GIGA MP3 MULTI
• AAC/WAV/MP3/WMA Compatible (DVD/CD/USB)
• JPEG/MPEG 1, 2 Compatible (DVD/CD/USB)
• 2-Way Control for iPod/iPhone (Headunit/iPod or iPhone)
• SAT Radio Ready
• HD Radio Ready
• Dolby Digital
• 5V Line/5V Subwoofer Output Level
• Digital Output Terminal
• Dual Zone Function
• Detachable Face <---I highlighted this for a reason. #1 selling feature, for me anyways.




and even cheaper is the kwavx720

Enjoy movies on the Double-DIN receiver’s 7-inch Widescreen Monitor, which is also a user-friendly touch panel featuring the Proximity Sensor. The stylishly-designed keys become totally black when the power is off. The unit plays both audio and video* from your iPod/iPhone or USB devices. The 2-way control for iPod/iPhone lets you operate from either your iPod/iPhone or on the headunit. You can also enjoy Bluetooth(R) Wireless Technology, HD Radio(R), and SAT Radio with optional devices. * KS-U30 required for iPod/iPhone video playback. Compatibility depends on iPod.

• Proximity Sensor/Touch Panel
• MOSFET 50W x 4 (20W RMS x 4)
• Ready for Bluetooth(R) Wireless Technology
• Built-in 7-inch Widescreen Monitor
• USB Port (WAV/MP3/WMA/iPod & iPhone Audio)

VanIsle

mustaine; thanks. i was looking at those two models. I'm not sure jvc would be as good as pioneer though. of the two, the 820 would be the one i'd considered. funny thing is, i just looked at FS webpage and it's no longer listed. it was there yesterday, hmmmm.

mr2nr; thanks as well. i'm not sure about used decks, esp an eclipse one with nav. as i mentioned in my original post, the pioneer 4100 was at the top end of what i want to pay, and i'd guess that these HU would cost a bit more than that one.
the only issue with last years 4000 is that i prefer the option to customize the background that the 4100 gives you. (i'm not sure that's worth the extra dough though)

anything else out there besides the jvc and pioneer in the $500-600 range?

mustaine4prez

I just installed the Pioneer AVH-P6000DVD in my buddy's car and to me the JVC 820 sounds better. the 5 volt pre-outs is a big reason why.
I have never been a fan of any JVC product till this one.
in theory Pioneer should be better, but so far I'm not convened.

JohnVroom

I am not sure any of the brands make a truly inferior product to the others, I have used many at SQ competitions. But my personal experience with them other than that is limited as I just bought by first 2 din video deck yesterday. I really like the way certain decks menus work (Alpine and Pioneer) and this is the first Eclipse I have touched (assuming I will touch it)

BTW it is an Eclipse AVN 5435, I may keep it and put it in the wife's car or use it as a prize for one of my shows.

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

The Eclipse is in perfect condition. Matter of fact it has all new wiring and GPS antenna for it. The sole reason it is here is very simple, the customer bought a new unit and left all the wiring in his old vehicle.

VanIsle

Mr2nr: thanks again. i'm sure the eclipse deck is great. however, i'm not really looking for GPS, and if it's the avn5425 mentioned above, it doesn't have USB input. for me that's the big thing. It HAS to have that. more than gps, or bluetooth etc. and i'm sure it's probably a bit above my price range. If the pioneer avh-p4100dvd is the limit i want to spend on a video deck, and that's if it was absolutely great ($650) with lots of recommendations!
I'm just wondering if there are some gems in the rough so to speak. maybe something i haven't considered.. The JVC does seem like a good possibility, but i'm kinda wondering why FS has removed it from their website.
something from clarion or kenwood maybe? anyone have opinions?
thanks

Georgie

This thread really helps! I was lookin at the P4100 too until i stumbled across this, the AVX820 seems like it offers way more in comparison...
how reliable are these units? and I'm going to be buying from amazon.com seems a lot cheaper!

MTT

iTrader: (17)

as stated above, quality wise you'll be hard pressed to find any differences these days, don't fall into pre-out voltage craze either, go play with a bunch, find one with the features you want at the price you want, buy it, and never look back. everyone will tell you the one they have chosen is the best choice, and to them, it is!

I find way more satisfaction in buying the one I like as opposed to the one everyone else likes. Opinions are nice, but you're not going to find a $4000 HU for $600...it's about the features you need/want and a menu system you can fly through.