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Went to the store today and viewed the Pioneer Drive Happier tour, no H2 at this store, instead they have an Escalade loaded with speakers.

Anyway, learned some things, and also learned a lot of misinformation on AVIC 411, or possibly hard to weed out what is incorrect and what is not incorrect on AVIC 411.

Questions to Pioneer from some information I viewed on AVIC411:
Can you turn off the music when directions are given? Yes, on both the D2 and the Z1. On the D2 it is either on or off, on the Z1 you have 4-positons ?10, -20, off or On.

Does the clock show on all screens. Yes, it can be programmed to show on all screens or only the video screen. (Discussion on AVIC411 regarding no clock on the XM screen on a D2.)

Can?t copy MP3 to the hard drive. True, due to copyright laws and the ?Sony? software used on the Z1. (SONY???? That?s what the man said.)

There is a large buffer built into the D2 for the NAV screens to allow a seamless flow of NAV data (different MAP sets) between them while the system is tracking. Per the Pioneer rep, who drives this vehicle over 50K miles a year, there is no problem with the D1 accessing the NAV system, and it appears as flawless as the Z1. (The Z1 in the Escalade had a D1 until the Z1 was installed, he stated the D2 operates the same and has the same buffer as the D1.) He stated the only thing the HD gives you is a bit faster access to the screen when the initial setup is performed or loading if starting the vehicle with the NAV screen On. Once a route is loaded, the required MAP sets are loaded and as a MAP set is no longer needed it is deleted from the buffer, a new MAP set is loaded (if required) into the buffer. He said if there were no buffer, the DVD would have to be spinning at all times; too hard on the drive. Possibly, if going faster than the buffer could handle would cause jerkiness to the NAV, but we all know that is not a problem in the H3.

He also recommended the Soundgate adapters versus the Peripheral; didn?t specify why, but stated in all their GM vehicles, they had Soundgate's installed.

Things I learned about ABC appliances for those in the MI area, after talking with the Pioneer guy outside for a few minutes:
Salesperson insisted the D2 had two components. One, the double din receiver; two, a second box that had to be mounted under the seat or in another location. I had him check with his installer and he confirmed there is only one unit.

Installer stated I would void my warranty if I did the install. I actually pulled out my cell phone and gave him Pioneer?s technical help, which confirmed on Friday, the warranty is not void, and cannot be voided for this fact, so long as you connect it correctly.

Installer stated only peripheral devices would keep the chime. Told him to go talk with the Pioneer guy and go on Soundgate?s website to learn the real truth.

Their price for the unit, with Pioneer paying the install (up to $200.00) was $1499.99 (plus 6% MI taxes), and they would not budge on penny.

I walked!

Prices from Amazon.com that I have for the two different units:
AVIC D2 - $995.00
Rear Camera (Pioneer) ? $183.00
XM Module - $94.99
Remote ? $28.96
Faceplate - $17.95
TOTAL $1319.89 (plus shipping?No taxes)

AVIC-Z1 - $1571.00
Rear Camera (Pioneer) - $183.00
XM Module - $94.99
Remote ? $20.00 (this is full retail, could not find this on Amazon)
Faceplate - $17.95
TOTAL: $1886.94 (plus shipping?no taxes)

Prices do not include the Digistar adapter which is $132 from Soundgate?s website, or the GM to Pioneer FM adapter. Not sure why I need this, since I have not listened to FM since I have had the vehicle.

This makes the Z1, $568.05 more expensive. So, I sit here still debating which is the better deal, and if I want the hassle at this time.

Thanks to everyone for all your input.