Stock audio

[f5fstop]

Originally Posted by HummerNewbie

Any aftermarket double din head unit will fit in the H3. You will need to use an install kit but it will fit just fine. Here are a couple of shots of my D1 in the H3.
Nav Display


XM Display

How is that D1 in bright sunlight, especially with a sunroof; if you have one? When you hooked it up, did you keep all the Onstar functions via the radio, and did you keep the stock XM module?
Also, I take it the Nav only works with the DVD in the slot.
Looking seriously at the D2, but want to keep XM and Onstar (as well as the Monsoon).

[HummerNewbie]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

How is that D1 in bright sunlight, especially with a sunroof; if you have one? When you hooked it up, did you keep all the Onstar functions via the radio, and did you keep the stock XM module?
Also, I take it the Nav only works with the DVD in the slot.
Looking seriously at the D2, but want to keep XM and Onstar (as well as the Monsoon).

I really like the D1 and went with it because I was able to get it real cheap from a buddy that had only used it about a month or so. So far I really haven't had any issues with sunlight and I do have the sunroof. Yes, there have been a few times were I needed to shade it with my hand to see but that also happened with the stock 6 disc head. I did retain all the OnStar capability and am still getting the benefits of the Monsoon. The one thing my truck did not come with that I wanted was XM so I had to run a new antenna and go with a new tuner. I probably would have done this anyway because I wanted the XM Traffic. I know that you can get the D1s on Ebay pretty cheap these days so you might want to check it out.

[Mark805]

How is that D1 in bright sunlight, especially with a sunroof; if you have one? When you hooked it up, did you keep all the Onstar functions via the radio, and did you keep the stock XM module?
Also, I take it the Nav only works with the DVD in the slot.
Looking seriously at the D2, but want to keep XM and Onstar (as well as the Monsoon).

Direct Sunlight: I've personally never had a problem in direct sunlight since the screen tilts if you need it. But it does wash it out a bit when its directly on the screen. (Yes I have a sunroof)

OnStar via radio: It works through the radio with the proper adaptor.

Nav with DVD in slot: In regards to the Avic-D1 (and i could be wrong on this but i think the D2 is the same), the nav only works with the dvd in the unit but it only uses the dvd unit to read the nav disk (it doesn't play dvd movies) The D1 has a second cd drive that plays music and mp3 cds. Th newer Avic-Z1 can play movies on its DVD player and the nav information is on the hard drive.

Keeping XM: You will not be able to use the factory XM unit. You'll need the Pioneer XM module. I picked up the one with traffic nav. On the plus side, you CAN use the factory xm antenna (shark fin) after pulling off the red/orange end on the antenna cable. (not the end itself... just the snap) This saves you from installing another antenna.

The additional perks to the Z1 over the D1(and D2 i think):

Z1:
adds bluetooth cell phone connection with proper pioneer adaptor
adds a pretty reliable voice control
plays movies without extra DVD controler
DVDs can be played while driving (using the simple by-pass at vehicle start-up... not in manual btw)
Ipod intergration is much better then on the D1. I mean HUGE difference.


Dont get me wrong on this... both systems are great but if you can swing it, I'd spend the extra $500 and go with the Z1, you'll be happy in the long run.

I put the pioneer backup camera on my system as well and LOVE it. This is my first backup camera and the only flaw I can really see is it shows a flare when the sun is on it or if the sun is directly reflected off an object (very rare in Washington so not a problem ) I never realized how much I use it until I got a loaner H3 from the dealership for a few days.

[marin8703]

hey I just wanted to add something to the Z1 description, other than the fact that it is a great system it has one bad feature, well it really is that it doesnt have one good feature, which would be HD radio.
The Z1, and i think all the pioneer systems dont offer HD Radio compatibility. If you care about that. But the XM or Sirius satelite radio takes care of the fact that no HD radio is offered.

I just found this out the other day and i was kinda shocked cauze it had everything imaginable except the HD Radio fature, so i wanted to share.

Im still getting it though!

[f5fstop]

Just checked the XM Traffic and from what I can determine in my area, it is basically worthless, so I would opt for the standard XM tuner. Might also include the wireless remote that attaches to the steering wheel.
Did anyone install the Pioneer backup camera, and if so, where did you mount it? I would assume in the middle, but would it not show the rear tire?

[Agriv8r]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

Just checked the XM Traffic and from what I can determine in my area, it is basically worthless, so I would opt for the standard XM tuner. Might also include the wireless remote that attaches to the steering wheel.
Did anyone install the Pioneer backup camera, and if so, where did you mount it? I would assume in the middle, but would it not show the rear tire?

W are install "bullet" cameras. We mount them flush into the rear bumper with a little wedge to get the tire out of the picture. Also using hitch cams.

[Mark805]

F5fstop:

I have the pioneer camera on mine. I have it mounted just to the right of the trailer hitch. I can take a picture if you want to see where I put it.

I like the position for backing but if you are going to use it to watch your trailered stuff its not going to show you much.

[Agriv8r]

post the pic

[HummerNewbie]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

Just checked the XM Traffic and from what I can determine in my area, it is basically worthless, so I would opt for the standard XM tuner. Might also include the wireless remote that attaches to the steering wheel.

Check around on pricing but I would go ahead and get the XM Traffic tuner instead of just the standard XM Tuner. As I recall it only cost me about $20 more than a standard one and you have the option. Just don't sign up for the $2.95/mo traffic service until it is worth it. If it never become worth it, you only spent an extra $20 but it will probably retain resale better than a standard tuner. Just my $0.02 on it.

[f5fstop]

Actual price is higher than $20.00. I won't be leaving it in when I trade next year, I will take it with me.
However, one last question, and maybe I have to go up to the store to find out, but how about viewing the screen with polarizer sunglasses. I have seen some screens impossible to read with these sunglasses.

[Mark805]

screen reads fine using Polarized Oakley Romeo 2.0s.

Camera pictures inc when i get home from work

[HummerNewbie]

Originally Posted by f5fstop

Actual price is higher than $20.00. I won't be leaving it in when I trade next year, I will take it with me.

If you are looking at a retail location they will be more that $20 higher but I got my tuner new off Ebay. As far a resale, I was talking the tuner itself, not helping the resale/trade value of the vehicle. So what are you trading for next year, a new H3?

[HummerNewbie]

Originally Posted by Mark805

Dont get me wrong on this... both systems are great but if you can swing it, I'd spend the extra $500 and go with the Z1, you'll be happy in the long run.

I would have to agree that they are both great systems and that the Z1 has some features that are great and is overall a better system. What I have to disagree with is it only being $500 more. I have not checked in a few months so maybe it has changed but the best price for the Z1 I could find at the time was about $1K more than the average price I could get a D1 for. I could certainly swing it but just could justify it on my first NAV system. I am going to run the D1 for a while and then depending on how much I utilize it and how the other features would benefit me, I might bump up to the Z1.