Do you have this system? Do you like it? Do you wish you spent a little more to get the Alpine or Kenwood or more expensive Pioneer? I can get this system for around $1,100, but I need to know I am not making a mistake by trying to save a few $$$. Thanks for your advice.
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Pioneer AVIC-90DVD DVD Navigation Help
- Thread starter avking
- Start date
I have it and love it. bjkirk also has the same system.
I also have the AVH-6400CD to go with it. Both items were 1799.99 from www.etronics.com.
It's very easy to use and setup. The maps have streets, shortcuts, etc I didn't know existed. There are also alot of POI (Points of Interest) built into the software.
If you have any specific questions please let me or bjkirk know.
I also have the AVH-6400CD to go with it. Both items were 1799.99 from www.etronics.com.
It's very easy to use and setup. The maps have streets, shortcuts, etc I didn't know existed. There are also alot of POI (Points of Interest) built into the software.
If you have any specific questions please let me or bjkirk know.
Hello AVking,
Don't be fooled by the price on the Avic 90 DVD is a premuim unit. I don't think Pioneer has a upgrade over the Avic 90 DVD. I would be tempted to spend the extra bucks for the Nav Sys 900 DVD which is the Avic 90 paired with the AVH-P 6400 CD. This will give you a motorized screen/AM/FM/XM/back-up camera/DVD player/navigation player. The camera for the backup has to be bought separately but prices range from $50 to $300, be certain to get a camera with a mirror effect feature. Other units are a lot more expensive but as far as I have seen (I have a Alpine/Honda nav unit in my wife's minivan) none offer anywhere near the features or customizing abilities as the Pioneer. Do a search on Navigation Systems and read what people have to say about them. In this particular case I assure you less expensive does not mean a stripped down unit. I believe Pioneer went for Market Share with the low price and from what I have read they have captured a good portion of what is being installed aftermarket. I will warn you however because this system can be customized so many different ways that it takes a little reading of the manual. It is easy to use once you learn the voice commands (did I mention it does voice recognition so that you can speak to your truck) and the menu options. Once again the additional pay on the full system so that the HU and the Nav unit communicate was worth it for me. I do believe that Avalanche rookie got a better price for his Nav Sys than I did so I would follow his lead. I also installed my unit myself, but it took me a good 3 days because I re-did everything at least 4 times. Some local stores may match prices off the internet I think AEGIS or Awesome base got some one to match prices and did the install for free. They did have to pay sales tax though. Remember over 2 million points of interest in USA and Canada (word of warning on Canada I had another member tell me that very little is available with the mapping system Pioneer uses (Nav Tech?). Nav Tech also is used by Kenwood and Alpine and I know that Alpine has fallen far behind in updating their DVD's with the latest Nav Tech data. I don't know about Kenwood other than they are expensive. Sorry for the long boring Post but for the kind of money these units cost I thought you might want some input. Avalanche Rookie has a extremely nice install in his AVy get him to send pictures. Mine is similar I just reversed where he Mounted his HU and Nav unit. I'm out of the Country for a couple of weeks or I would send some pictures of mine. Read some other post, do a search for Navigation Systems here, and then buy what you think is best. I promise you if you get any Navigation System your next long unfamiliar drive will be much less stressful knowing not only exactly where you are going but also where you are, and where the next restuarant or Gas Station or Hospital. Also do a search on Back-up cameras if this feature interest you. Plenty of posts on navigation and backup cameras in this forum, be prepared to stay in front of the computer for a while.
Don't be fooled by the price on the Avic 90 DVD is a premuim unit. I don't think Pioneer has a upgrade over the Avic 90 DVD. I would be tempted to spend the extra bucks for the Nav Sys 900 DVD which is the Avic 90 paired with the AVH-P 6400 CD. This will give you a motorized screen/AM/FM/XM/back-up camera/DVD player/navigation player. The camera for the backup has to be bought separately but prices range from $50 to $300, be certain to get a camera with a mirror effect feature. Other units are a lot more expensive but as far as I have seen (I have a Alpine/Honda nav unit in my wife's minivan) none offer anywhere near the features or customizing abilities as the Pioneer. Do a search on Navigation Systems and read what people have to say about them. In this particular case I assure you less expensive does not mean a stripped down unit. I believe Pioneer went for Market Share with the low price and from what I have read they have captured a good portion of what is being installed aftermarket. I will warn you however because this system can be customized so many different ways that it takes a little reading of the manual. It is easy to use once you learn the voice commands (did I mention it does voice recognition so that you can speak to your truck) and the menu options. Once again the additional pay on the full system so that the HU and the Nav unit communicate was worth it for me. I do believe that Avalanche rookie got a better price for his Nav Sys than I did so I would follow his lead. I also installed my unit myself, but it took me a good 3 days because I re-did everything at least 4 times. Some local stores may match prices off the internet I think AEGIS or Awesome base got some one to match prices and did the install for free. They did have to pay sales tax though. Remember over 2 million points of interest in USA and Canada (word of warning on Canada I had another member tell me that very little is available with the mapping system Pioneer uses (Nav Tech?). Nav Tech also is used by Kenwood and Alpine and I know that Alpine has fallen far behind in updating their DVD's with the latest Nav Tech data. I don't know about Kenwood other than they are expensive. Sorry for the long boring Post but for the kind of money these units cost I thought you might want some input. Avalanche Rookie has a extremely nice install in his AVy get him to send pictures. Mine is similar I just reversed where he Mounted his HU and Nav unit. I'm out of the Country for a couple of weeks or I would send some pictures of mine. Read some other post, do a search for Navigation Systems here, and then buy what you think is best. I promise you if you get any Navigation System your next long unfamiliar drive will be much less stressful knowing not only exactly where you are going but also where you are, and where the next restuarant or Gas Station or Hospital. Also do a search on Back-up cameras if this feature interest you. Plenty of posts on navigation and backup cameras in this forum, be prepared to stay in front of the computer for a while.
avking,
Here are 2 pics of my install.
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Here are 2 pics of my install.
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2nd Pic
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Let me pose another question, they have a seperate monitor for the Avic-90DVD, the AWD-6010 or something like that. I am thinking of going this way so I can have a better HU than the 6400. What capabilities would I be giving up by not getting the whole system?
On the motorized screen, does it tilt and swivel for a better view?
Hello AVKing,
The screen does indeed tilt via the remote or off the headunit buttons. It mounts in the Avalanches original HU position so that the driver has a perfect view of the screen and can still see the road. The top of the LCD is about an inch or 2 over the dash. This however does not make it easy for the passenger to see the screen. My wife just scoots over closer (fringe benifit) but you could always get the detachable screen that SNO SLYD mentioned.
Hello SNO SLYD,
I am not certain but I believe that the detache able LCD screen you mention is capable of most of the functions of the AVHP 6400. In essence you are giving up your AM/FM player. I don't know if the CD when played in the DVD player can be controlled via voice but I suspect it can. I know that Aegis has his mounted stand alone and may have much better insight of what the capabilities of the AVIC-90 DVD is in a stand alone config. I bet if you IM him he will get back to you as soon as he can. In the mean time I will include the brochure on the AVD-6010:
A superb choice as a display for the AVD-W6010, this 6.5" detachable Active Matrix LCD color screen has an anti-glare feature for easier viewing. Five viewing modes let you tailor the picture to your liking, and multiple inputs allow you to view both navigation and AV (TV, Video) media.
6.5" Detachable Widescreen, TFT Active Matrix LCD Color Display with:
Anti-Glare (AG) Coating
5 viewing Modes
Built-in Speaker for AV Source and NAVI Guidance (Mixing)
Two A/V Inputs (Composite) with S-Video (AV1, AV2)
AV1 input is available for Reverse-Backup Camera
One A/V output
RGB input for Navigation System (AVIC-505, AVIC-9DVD), or AV-Master
3m RGB Cable, and Detachable Mechanism for Anti-Theft.
The screen does indeed tilt via the remote or off the headunit buttons. It mounts in the Avalanches original HU position so that the driver has a perfect view of the screen and can still see the road. The top of the LCD is about an inch or 2 over the dash. This however does not make it easy for the passenger to see the screen. My wife just scoots over closer (fringe benifit) but you could always get the detachable screen that SNO SLYD mentioned.
Hello SNO SLYD,
I am not certain but I believe that the detache able LCD screen you mention is capable of most of the functions of the AVHP 6400. In essence you are giving up your AM/FM player. I don't know if the CD when played in the DVD player can be controlled via voice but I suspect it can. I know that Aegis has his mounted stand alone and may have much better insight of what the capabilities of the AVIC-90 DVD is in a stand alone config. I bet if you IM him he will get back to you as soon as he can. In the mean time I will include the brochure on the AVD-6010:
A superb choice as a display for the AVD-W6010, this 6.5" detachable Active Matrix LCD color screen has an anti-glare feature for easier viewing. Five viewing modes let you tailor the picture to your liking, and multiple inputs allow you to view both navigation and AV (TV, Video) media.
6.5" Detachable Widescreen, TFT Active Matrix LCD Color Display with:
Anti-Glare (AG) Coating
5 viewing Modes
Built-in Speaker for AV Source and NAVI Guidance (Mixing)
Two A/V Inputs (Composite) with S-Video (AV1, AV2)
AV1 input is available for Reverse-Backup Camera
One A/V output
RGB input for Navigation System (AVIC-505, AVIC-9DVD), or AV-Master
3m RGB Cable, and Detachable Mechanism for Anti-Theft.
You can use the AVIC 90 DVD with a stand alone unit as the Pioneer 6010. This would be an excellent choice with the Nav unit. I have a friend that did not want to change out the OEM radio and added the Pioneer unit under the seat with the screen on a flex mount on the floor. The voice command feature works with a remote speaker and the supplied mike. ?
Does mounting the screen where the orginal hu was, truely cause problems with the gearshift? Or only when in-gear?
I really don't understand the mounting on the above pictures. The nav screen is to low. When diring you will have to look down to see the screen. I prefer the screen in the upper position (where the OEM unit was) this puts the screen closer to eye level and you do not have to look down.. I have nearly crashed several times with vehicle mobile digital terminals (MDT) in police vehicles. The newer MDC's are much higher and easier to see and drive. I don't think you would have a problem with the screen in the upper position with law enforcement. I also have the screen set to open manually. The shift lever will interfere when the vehicle is in park in auto open mode. The only problem with my nav unit mounted underneath the rear seat is poor access. I also have an additional dvd unit under the rear seat for dvd only. My original plan was for the dvd only and later added the Nav unit. I like the two units as you can have a movie playing on two of the screens and the nav unit working on the 6400. One of my dvd screens is mounted in the front (where the nav screen is in the picts) with velcro and has a 6 foot cable so it can be moved remotely around the veh. I also have a roof mount screen for the rear passengers. The veh would have to be stopped to access either of the units.
It is not a problem witht he screen in the upper position. The gear shift just barely interferes with the shift lever only in park when the screen is opening.
Aegis said:
I think when I will be able to afford it, I will have it installed they same way. (Where the hu is now.)
Thanks
Aegis said:
I chose to mount the avh-6400cd at the bottom for 3 reasons.
1. Eliminate the interference with the gearshift (I wanted to be able to use the auto open and shut)
2. The slot where the original HU was is angled towards the driver. Since the 6400 screen does not swivel, it would have made it more difficult for the passenger to see the screen.
3. I felt that the brightness from the screen would have been a distraction when driving at night.....and, I didn't want anyone walking past my truck to be able to see the screen.
I'm sure there are pro's and con's to my install...for me the pro's out-weighed the cons.
Hello Aegis and Avalanche Rookie,
? I have my AVH-P6400 CD (LCD) unit mounted in the place of the HU. Mostly because of safety as Aegis said but also because it is easier to reach if I want to change the volume on the Stereo. The little strap on steering wheel remote is very convenient but I think Avalanche rookie was telling me he was having a hard time getting it to control the LCD screen from the steering wheel. Seems like the distance isn't that much more. I did have to pull the cage off the AVH-P6400 CD and used a GM mount kit from Best Buys. This freed up the cage to mount the navigation unit in my front console.
?On a different note I have bought the gear shift from Earthquake and will try to shorten it for my screen to open on auto. I want it set up this way because I want to automatically have my rear view cameras engaged. Its a safety thing for me. I have a lot of kids hang around my yard and one mistake like that, I couldn't deal with. I also found a gearshift knob that is a learning remote control. If the little steering wheel remote works in the 40 Khrtz band then this should be an easy change out. The only problem is it's a Manual remote and a bit on the large size. It might look a bit goofy. The other choice is to mount the Steering Wheel remote on the Gear shift lever. We need to talk Pendlum into incorporating this remote into his new steering wheels. LOL. ? I will post pics when I'm thru and I will probably pass on my gearshift lever for anyone else who wants to make this mod. If it is fairly easy I might even be talked into cutting it down for the next person. ?Only 11 more days before I'm back home, Africas great but they don't have any Avalanches in Angola. At least not yet.
? I have my AVH-P6400 CD (LCD) unit mounted in the place of the HU. Mostly because of safety as Aegis said but also because it is easier to reach if I want to change the volume on the Stereo. The little strap on steering wheel remote is very convenient but I think Avalanche rookie was telling me he was having a hard time getting it to control the LCD screen from the steering wheel. Seems like the distance isn't that much more. I did have to pull the cage off the AVH-P6400 CD and used a GM mount kit from Best Buys. This freed up the cage to mount the navigation unit in my front console.
?On a different note I have bought the gear shift from Earthquake and will try to shorten it for my screen to open on auto. I want it set up this way because I want to automatically have my rear view cameras engaged. Its a safety thing for me. I have a lot of kids hang around my yard and one mistake like that, I couldn't deal with. I also found a gearshift knob that is a learning remote control. If the little steering wheel remote works in the 40 Khrtz band then this should be an easy change out. The only problem is it's a Manual remote and a bit on the large size. It might look a bit goofy. The other choice is to mount the Steering Wheel remote on the Gear shift lever. We need to talk Pendlum into incorporating this remote into his new steering wheels. LOL. ? I will post pics when I'm thru and I will probably pass on my gearshift lever for anyone else who wants to make this mod. If it is fairly easy I might even be talked into cutting it down for the next person. ?Only 11 more days before I'm back home, Africas great but they don't have any Avalanches in Angola. At least not yet.
Now I understand the reasons for the lower mount. They are all valid concerns and make sence. I guess it boils down to personal preference. As long as your happy thats all that matters. Anyone know when Pioneer will put out an updated CD? Not that I have seen any major problems with the one I have. So far the only discrepency I have seen is North on 99 in Fresno. It was off approx 1/8 of a mile on the 41 interchange. This may be because of new construction in the area I guess.
Aegis said:
I had the same question so I called the Pioneer help desk. They didn't know when a new Nav-CD would be out.
This all looks great. I am almost convinced this is the one to go with. I just have a few more questions.
1. Did you have to keep the stock Headunit hooked up somewhere for this to work? I have read a few posts where some had to keep the stock hu plugged in.
2. Did you get the screen with AM/FM or CD? Does the CD HU come with AM/FM?
3. Do you have OnStart? Does it still work? I have it and use it, so this is a big one for me.
Thanks guys.
1. Did you have to keep the stock Headunit hooked up somewhere for this to work? I have read a few posts where some had to keep the stock hu plugged in.
2. Did you get the screen with AM/FM or CD? Does the CD HU come with AM/FM?
3. Do you have OnStart? Does it still work? I have it and use it, so this is a big one for me.
Thanks guys.
The Answer for #1 & #3 is the same I believe. JP Customs sells a small device that allows Onstar to continue to work even with a different HU other than the original. Check with Pendlum to be certain but I think it's an OS-1 adapter. You can also do a search on Onstar and aftermarket HU, it will give you some good information. I personally didn't have Onstar so it wasn't a problem. The Answer to #2 is if you buy the Nav Sys 900 DVD package, then the HU has both AM/FM and CD. Go to www.Pioneerelectronics.com and read up on the Nav Sys 900 DVD. Have you been reading the Posts on the Cadillac Escalade Nav unit. It sounds tempting.
I have Onstar activated and use it with the 6400CD Nav unit.. THe source button is set to AUX to use Onstar.. It works fine..
avking said:
Hello AVking,
I modified it on my original Post but the adapter your looking for would be an OS-1 from JP Customs.
Ok, last couple questions. These one came from my installer.
Does the 6400CD have a AUX cable hard wired into the back that you plug the DVD into? If so, aprox. how long is that cable?
Does the DVD NAV require its own power, or is it powered by the 6400CD? If it requires its own power, has anyone powered it with the 12volt cig lighter type plugs?
Finally, with the 6400CD and DVD Nav, could you also add a DVD/CD changer to it?
Does the 6400CD have a AUX cable hard wired into the back that you plug the DVD into? If so, aprox. how long is that cable?
Does the DVD NAV require its own power, or is it powered by the 6400CD? If it requires its own power, has anyone powered it with the 12volt cig lighter type plugs?
Finally, with the 6400CD and DVD Nav, could you also add a DVD/CD changer to it?
avking said:
I can answer this one....bjkirk should be able to get the rest.
Yes, you can add a DVD/CD changer. I have not done so, yet, but plan too.
Hope this helps.
If I understand you correctly you are asking if there is an aux cable for a separate DVD player, because the NAV unit is a DVD player also. In either case yes there are short RCA cables maybe 5-6 inches for both input and output signals video and sound. If your asking if the Nav unit requires these cables to send the signal then the answer is no. The nav unit has a 26? pair main communiction cable between it and the HU. This is what allows you voice communication control and signal source sharing on the LCD output.avking said:
? ?The Nav unit does require power and I suppose you could easily power it with a 12 volt cig lighter plug, but why would you want to? Its good to be back in the States. Now if I could just find where my wife hid my Pioneer Navigation Manuals. She claims that I spend to much time on this website and that I'm getting obsessed but I think she just wants to drive my precious herself. She wants my precious Avalanche, but she won't get it Ha,Ha,Ha. Ooops, must be the jet lag.