zam2000

On my last post, it was the in-dash TV that was installed. I was about to install the Pioneer GPS (AVIC-9DVD), but then it cross my mind that I rarely get lost, and familliar w/ most place I go to, I changed my mind. At the end, it's the VCR and DVD that will be installed to complete the in car entertainment.

Almost EVERYTHING was purchased from eBay:

* Clarion TVX5653: $300 (In dash TV with FM Modulator built in)
* Clarion CCA389: $40 (Standard VGA --> Clarion VTR adaptor)
* Clarion VDH910: $140 (VCR)
* Questar MVP360: $120 (DVD & MP3 player)
* Standard antenna --> Benz antennar adaptor: $20 (for FM modulator)
* 4 Channels diversity antenna: $15
* Misc wire, switches & connectors (Radio shack): $30

-----------------
Total: ~ $670

Had I bought everything at the store, it would have cost at least $1500. I shopped around, for the installation the way I want (more later), the minimum quote that I got was $700 !! (more than what I pay for the whole thing !!). So guess what ? I'm installing them myself.

zam2000

So the in-dash TV take place of the storage bin. Fit quite well. Look like OEM stuff. Some of the wire at the back of the stereo and cigarete lighter need to be extended, since the TV push them in & yank the wire.

zam2000

The VCR was installed in the back. The back seat need to be taken out, to run the wire (hidden) from the front to the trunk. All of the panel along the right side of the car have to come off for this installation as well.

zam2000

The DVD was also installed in the trunk. Fit right in. It quite compact, and you can't see it even w/ the trunk open & you're standing.

RI sensor eyes wire need to run from front to back of car to connect to DVD and VCR.

zam2000

TV antenna was installed into the rear window, hardly noticeable.

zam2000

I also want to control the power to the VCR and DVD manually. I don't want to connect them to the ignition source, since I don't want to plug the key in every time I need to insert/unload disk/tape. At the same time, I don't want permanent power connection to them (may drain battery). Guess what ? I'm gona have a little switch & lead light to control power for DVD/VCR.

I also install an e-brake switch, to prevent valet from watching tv while driving my car, or sometime I just want to listen to the DVD without the picture (distractive while driving).

So two switches you see there, and a led light to indicate when DVD & VCR is on.

zam2000

So here's the DVD. Picture came out SHAARRRPPP. And sound is awesome. THe stock stereo play DVD & TV & VCR sound just fine. The built-in clarion FM modulator is just excellent !!.

zam2000

The VCR picture & sound quality is good as well. The VCR has two external video input source (Video 1 and 2), I use one of them for DVD. No need for a switch. Cool !.

zam2000

With e-brake switch on, there will be only sound from either TV, VCR, or DVD, no picture.

Helpful w/ vallet, or when I'm driving and just want to listen to the news or DVD.

zam2000

Remote eye sensor for the DVD and VCR.

zam2000

All of the remote for TV, VCR, and DVD. I'll probably look for a way to program my Palm Pilot so that I can control all of these devices w/ just the cool Palm.

zam2000

I openned up everything (panel, dash console, seat), to run the wire along w/ the car wires. So everything is hidden, no rattle, no abnormal pop in the carpet, no wire tangling here and there

zam2000

The clear tail lights also came from eBay. $140 :-)

zam2000

Imagine if they build an auto-track version for satellite dish, that'll be so cool.

Oh boy, only if I can have a similar version of this for my car :-).

zam2000

The car still looks stock, even after all of these installations. Probably help when it comes to time to sell the car.

Everything is hidden w/ the compactment & trunk closed.

jimmydagreek

WOW! Great job! Thanks for sharing...

Merc1

Zam, Now you are going to make me work more

Thanks for your help via e amail, I istalled the Clarion TVX,
I was also looking to install DVD player.

I was looking at the unit you bought, However, the Cable CCA 389 has AV output, and the DVD you paced has a different connector. I am not sure of this on your dvd?

Please, Clarify. If I buy the same DVD unit, do I need to buy any convertor adaptor?

Thanks

jimmydagreek

BTW zam, the DVD player in the trunk does look pretty compact. Was there anyway of fitting it into the glove box???

zam2000

All DVD player will have either 3.5mm, or AV connector on them for audio. However, the other end of the cable is always AV. All you need is an AV coupler to use them with the CCA389

zam2000

Yes, it would fit into the glove box nicely, and still leave room for you to store other stuffs. It's really small

DL_AMG

Installation looks clean, I like!!
One question, can you see the screen clearly while you driving? It looks like the screen cannot be till back any further and it looks almost 90 degree viewing angle for driver and front passanger. Not like you need to see the screen anyway.
Great Job!!

Merc1

ZAM,

How come you didnt leave it in a glove box?
Also, Blaupunkt dvd player is only $110, However, it is a bigger unit. If you are installing it in a trunk it wouldnt matter.

How did you run your wires, Please post details on running the wires from back.

Can you splice the wires from CD changer for DVD and VCR?

Thanks,

Great Job!

E430 George

You did a great job, . The install looks very clean, especially how you hid the TV unit. I really don't like it when people replace stock mercedes/BMW radios with aftermarket once, in my opinion all those SONY/Panasonic etc. receivers, sold in Circuit City anjd such, though nice looking seem out of place on a Benz, however your install is very clean while very functional.