I'm picking up an '04 Honda Odyssey EX today. It doesnt have the Rear Seat Entertainment Package, so I am looking for an overhead entertainment unit for my children. They are everywhere and the price range is enormous.

When posting, please list the Brand, Model, Experience, Pros, Cons, and Cost. These are very important.

I am considering, but not limited to brands like:

Valor
Insignia
EBay
RCA
Panasonic

Happy Holidays!

 

I purchased a 12" Jensen. They don't make that size anymore and I believe only 11" now.

So far it has been really good. It comes with two ear phones and I had the fm modulator installed. It does have a wireless one but it isn't as clear. Screen quality is really good and the kids love it. I believe I paid around 600 for it. Circuit city is running free install I recall. You can pick it up online for about 400 the last I checked if you wanna DIY.

 

just an aside, if you buy it from circuit city expecting to get a warranty, keep in mind they are in SERIOUS financial trouble and could go under anytime in the near future. Also, ive seen first hand SERIOUS install nightmares from circuit city, including a new denali that had to have the entire electrical system replaced. Ive also seen that somewhere online about a civic. (sorry to bash anyone who is an installer there...obviously not everyone, but i figured the op you would appreciate the heads-up)

 

I installed for Circuit City 6 years ago. Definately a fun job, but I do agree, Ive heard of horror stories as well. Ive wondered about some of the people who got jobs as installers there. Wayyy too easy.

So, back on topic, Valero, Panasonic, Sony, EBay???

 

This is sorta on topic...
How would you feel about buying a "generic" lcd screen and using an in-dash (or mounted elsewhere) dvd player. Im willing to bet you can do this project for much cheaper than buying a "premade" one. The only reason I say this is that there are only a few LCD screen manufacturers worldwide. Regarless of who markets them, you can get the EXACT same screen as some big name company only marketed under a different name for significantly less. If you think your fabrication skills are up to it, this seems like it would be a fun project.

Back to your topic, Ive heard decent things about Valor, and great things about alpine. Just realize that with most of those units, youre limited to about a 10" screen.

 

I was contemplating the "generic" screen as well. I've found a number of them. I was also contemplating the separate (slave) DVD unit also. Like you said, chawski, it will be cheaper, and should the DVD player break, I can just replace that part. That is the way OEM Honda RES is set up too. I don't see it being too hard to do.

The Valor systems seem pretty popular & of course the Alpine systems are good. I would opt for Alpine, but I cannot justify spending $800 on that, when I can easily do it with $300-$500.

Being limited to the 10" screen is no problem for me. I think that should be fine for a minivan. My friend had a 15" in his Sequoia, and it was just WAY too big.

 

Any other input?

 

That's exactly what I planned on doing for my Odyssey. I'd be interested in a 10-15 inch screen. Does anyone have pictures of a DIY screen install?