Audio/Navigation

[acavendano]

I plan to get an after market audio-gps for my H3 capable of playing DVD-movies and with TV tuner to replace the factory installed audio-navigation system which is not capable of playing movies and no screen. Is it advisable to have it installed at the dealership so other electrical/wiring in the dash won't get messed-up? Or is it safe to have it installed by after-market store technicians? Please advice. Thanks.

[HummerBee]

If you have an aftermarket store with an experienced, licensed installer and a good reputation I would suggest that would be a better choice in fact than going back to a dealer. A car audio installer lives that stuff all day long and if they've ever been in car audio sound off competitions, they are likely capable of some wild custom stuff like you wouldn't believe and are far more qualified to to do this job than someone who pretty much works with stock OEM vehicles day in day out.



I was an IASCA certified installer though, though so maybe I'm biased



What unit are wanting to add? I plan on going the same route for my H2 but haven't started shopping for a head unit yet.

[acavendano]

[quote name='HummerBee' timestamp='1329919718' post='35157']

If you have an aftermarket store with an experienced, licensed installer and a good reputation I would suggest that would be a better choice in fact than going back to a dealer. A car audio installer lives that stuff all day long and if they've ever been in car audio sound off competitions, they are likely capable of some wild custom stuff like you wouldn't believe and are far more qualified to to do this job than someone who pretty much works with stock OEM vehicles day in day out.



I was an IASCA certified installer though, though so maybe I'm biased



What unit are wanting to add? I plan on going the same route for my H2 but haven't started shopping for a head unit yet.

[/quote]





Sounds logical. Yeah you're probably right on the audio after market stores, that would be their bread and butter thing. So they should be more reliable when it comes to their trade. My other concern is that my H3 is still under warranty (bumper to bumper), i really do not know how it would affect the warranty particularly the electrical system.



I saw a bunch of unknown/not branded audio/gps at e-bay which are really cheap, but probably i'll go for the branded ones: JVC or Pioneer. But the kind i want is not yet available in the local stores in my area.

[priuseater]

[quote name='acavendano' timestamp='1330080555' post='35189']

Sounds logical. Yeah you're probably right on the audio after market stores, that would be their bread and butter thing. So they should be more reliable when it comes to their trade. My other concern is that my H3 is still under warranty (bumper to bumper), i really do not know how it would affect the warranty particularly the electrical system.



I saw a bunch of unknown/not branded audio/gps at e-bay which are really cheap, but probably i'll go for the branded ones: JVC or Pioneer. But the kind i want is not yet available in the local stores in my area.

[/quote]



If your looking to try and retain your warranty as much as possible. When you get your radio installed make sure the installer spends the time to get the proper plug and play harnesses, and doesnt start butchering up the factory harness and splicing in the new radio. Reason for this is, if theres any warranty related things you want to do, installing the factory radio would be as simple as unpluging the old one, and plugging in the new one then your back to factory in about 15 minutes. 99% of the time, all the needed hookups are already part of the factory radio plug (constant 12v+, switched 12v, speakers, amp switched source +, etc)

[acavendano]

[quote name='Giverdiesel' timestamp='1330116589' post='35196']

If your looking to try and retain your warranty as much as possible. When you get your radio installed make sure the installer spends the time to get the proper plug and play harnesses, and doesnt start butchering up the factory harness and splicing in the new radio. Reason for this is, if theres any warranty related things you want to do, installing the factory radio would be as simple as unpluging the old one, and plugging in the new one then your back to factory in about 15 minutes. 99% of the time, all the needed hookups are already part of the factory radio plug (constant 12v+, switched 12v, speakers, amp switched source +, etc)

[/quote]



I see. Am glad to hear that, sounds easy. If that is the case then i can just probably buy the unit, figure out how to detach the panel cover and install it myself. Thanks

[Boeing Jet]

Check out a shop called www.mp3playerstore.com If you're in the Toronto area, I can hook you up with a great installer that did my H1.

[acavendano]

[quote name='Boeing Jet' timestamp='1330223858' post='35221']

Check out a shop called www.mp3playerstore.com If you're in the Toronto area, I can hook you up with a great installer that did my H1.

[/quote]



Iam from Winnipeg and i don't think they have a branch here. Am thinking of going to Visions or at Canadian Tire although am still scouting for other audio store in the area. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[acavendano]

[quote name='Boeing Jet' timestamp='1330223858' post='35221']

Check out a shop called www.mp3playerstore.com If you're in the Toronto area, I can hook you up with a great installer that did my H1.

[/quote]



Iam from Winnipeg and i don't think they have a branch here. Am thinking of going to Visions or at Canadian Tire although am still scouting for other audio store in the area. Any suggestions? Thanks.