In Dash DVD player

[jfitz981]

Hi All,

I own a S4 and wanted to install an in dash DVD player. Has anyone
used a flip screen in their Esprit?

If so, which brand and model number did you use.
I did see the install on www.lotusespritworld.com and that was a great looking double din size player, but I was looking to use the regular size head unit that has the screen that flips out( I am thinking there might be an issue with the small lip above where the radio sits)I was still going for a factory look as much as possible.

Thanks in advance.

Jason

[quiksilver]

Try this page:

www.jonathanedwards.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/esprit/esprit.htm

Thats my webby about it on the mod I did to my car that's now semi-removed. Be sure to read the reasons as to why I took it out.

As for flip outs - need to take into acount the binacle, which I don't think it will clear, and gear stick.

[rob.e]

Ernest has a flip screen on his v8:
www.espritv8.com/multimedia/Alpine.htm

You need to take care about the screen covering buttons and ac/heat vents.

[ErnestM]

I will be replacing that Alpine, shortly, with the newer one that (1)has tactile response touch screen and (2)will play DVD as well as CD in dash (Mrs ErnestM can watch "Pretty Woman" on long trips )

ErnestM

PS: buttons are not too much of a problem. Just make sure to turn your lights ON before activating the screen..

[jfitz981]

This is great info.

The flip out screen looks great. Has anyone heard of someone who did this in an S4( im worried the flip out will not fit due to the guage panel that sticks out right above the radio)

Thanks
JAson

[techspy]

I am pretty sure it will hit the binnicle. At least the measurements I took shows it would. Thats why I went with the double din. FYI, the double din unit is less expensive than a flip out too.

John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html

[jfitz981]

Yeah, I have to say your install looks great and after my reseach that kenwood unit you have is now about $850.

That looks like it is going to be the way to go.

Thanks for posting your install. i am going to bring that to the install shop for their refernce.

Jason

[quiksilver]

John, how do you find the glare on that unit ?
The screen I put is was OK in the shade but in bright sunlight it was almost un-viewable even with anti-glare film on it.

I also found my hand reflected a lot of light onto the screen when I went to touch, which are some of the reasons I took the thing out.

Certainly looks good from the photos.

[jk1]

John,

Install looks great, I like it a lot.

Jim
95 S4s

[techspy]

Actually I have never had an issue with the glare. I remember one time it was hard to see but it was with the top out and the sun was shining directly onto the screen. The good visability may be due to the fact that the display is really bright. You can adjust the brightness, the black level and the contrast. It has different settings for day and night mode thankfully...I have the night mode all the way down. I never notice a reflection from my hand either. Also worth noting is that the screen angle is adjustable too.
I must say that I am really happy with this headunit. The only things I would like to be different would be....

1. A way to download pictures to use as wallpaper.
2. A little better integration of the hard drive mp3 player.

I am planning one other upgrade too. I will be installing an 8" sub this winter. I think with some creative box work, I can get it to mount under the dash on the passenger side.

By the way, I like the idea of the touch screen monitor. I was even considering going this route but couldn't find a suitable monitor. Being a computer guy, I was going to install a top of the line pc with internet access and everything. Where did you find the monitor? What was the cost?

John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html

[ErnestM]

John...

The Alpine site is down for maintenance right now, so Click here for information from Crutchfield.



I think the purple buttons and brushed aluminum (sorry aluminium) accents will also match the interior well. It also has a connection for a rear view camera...

ErnestM

[quiksilver]

This is the touch screen I bought.
www.allcam.biz/products/lcd_touch_screen_7.html
Price is about £210.

The glare wasn't a huge probem but enough to make me try and combat it, it was only a problem on very sunny days. You can control the brightness / contrast etc on it but didn't really make much of a noticable difference. The main issue was when trying to touch something....

You have no sense of feeling on a perfectly flat screen so you have to look for the button and generally look and aim. Then when you get your hand close the light tended to reflect off the top of your hand onto the screen, so all you could see was a reflection of your hand !

This resulted in more eye time off the road than I cared for...I bought the car for handling and I felt the screen really detracted from that experience, plus the price so I have gone the Head unit / PDA / portable MP3 route which is a darn sight cheaper and, for me, more practical.

If it works then its a great mod, looks awesome in the dash :O]

[ErnestM]

The alpine has tactile response from the on screen buttons. Don't know quite how they do it, but after I get it installed I will report back. I can't stand using the remote with the current system. I feel like I should be sitting at home in front of the TV...

ErnestM