Video Inputs on the factory rear entertainment.

[Jesse]

I just picked up my new H2 about a week ago and I have a question about the rear entertainment.

I have a factory installed entertainment system. This includes a dvd player and FM modulator in the center console and two head rest screens.

Problem...
I want to add in a play station or Xbox to the rear screens. The remote control for the screens shows that there are 3 inputs - but I believe these inputs are on the screens themselves and not on the main DVD player. Does anyone know how I could add more inputs so that I could hook up either a TV tuner, Xbox or anything else?

I have searched the forums and I have not seen much talk at all about the factory installed rear entertainment system.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Jesse]

I just picked up my new H2 about a week ago and I have a question about the rear entertainment.

I have a factory installed entertainment system. This includes a dvd player and FM modulator in the center console and two head rest screens.

Problem...
I want to add in a play station or Xbox to the rear screens. The remote control for the screens shows that there are 3 inputs - but I believe these inputs are on the screens themselves and not on the main DVD player. Does anyone know how I could add more inputs so that I could hook up either a TV tuner, Xbox or anything else?

I have searched the forums and I have not seen much talk at all about the factory installed rear entertainment system.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[VTSTOMPER]

check here!

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/6706011751/m/6...591018641#6591018641 (http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/6706011751/m/6591018641/r/6591018641#6591018641)

[Jesse]

VTSTOMPER

Thank you for showing me that link. Quick question - my setup looks very similar to yours but in my center console I also have the FM Modulator module.

Where did you find the control box for the extra inputs? I did not see anything that resembled extra inputs. I only have one cable coming from my dvd player and my dvd player does not have any extra input controls. The only input controls I have are on the monitors themselves.

[kodiakz]

Locate the control box for the headrests (I am assuming they are Vizualogic), and there will be a pigtail coming off that module that you can use for auz input.

[Jesse]

I am not sure what I have. The brand name is HUMMER.

I have attached pictures.

Looking at the pictures - I noticed there is AUX mini jack on the dvd player and screens. Is there where audio and video would come in? That seems a little weird.

Any more ideas?

[Jesse]

Here is a picture of the dvd player

[VTSTOMPER]

WOW! HUMMER labeled them, huh?

[VTSTOMPER]

I am pretty sure that is the same thing I have - just without the hummer badge. i think my headphones are not using a mod though....

[Nixxxster]

That center console look great. Is that a factory console insert?

[Jesse]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Nixxxster:
That center console look great. Is that a factory console insert? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes - this is the factory center console when you get the factory rear entertainment system. I just want to figure out how to add a 2nd and 3rd source to the factory system. I would like to have xbox hookup and tv tuner. I opened up this up and can't figure any of it out.

[kodiakz]

That is the special edition setup that Viz made for Hummer. There is definitley a control box with aux inputs somewhere (likely in the center console). Shouldn't be too bad to figure out. I would skip the tv tuner though--I always tell people that it is like taking your 1970's tv with rabbit ears on top and walking around the house with it. The reception will be like (got this from vstomper) "asscheese"!!

[Jesse]

What would the control box look like. There are a bunch of wires that lead to something that feels like a circuit board (I can't see where they go - I was just feeling around). If that is where the other inputs are the connectors are certainly not like any RCA jacks I have ever seen.

[4churchill]

I had an ipod jack installed on the side of the consol mtd. dvd player, and Im going to have RCA's installed there too.....I think thats the best bet

[Jesse]

HELP......say it ain't so!

I just talked to Vizualogic and they told me they do not make the screens or dvd player in the factory setup.

They then told me the horrible news that the system is entirely enclosed and there is no way to tap into it to add another video input. They said that there is an AUX port on the dvd player that will allow me to pass through video - but that port it on top of the dvd player and there is no way to plug a cable into it and close the lid.

Anyone have any suggestions? I don't want to rip out the whole system.

[rocketw19]

the only thig i can think of is add a switcher with extra inputs. or even better go to a good stereo shop not the dollar install guys either. and they have seen it all a hundred times they can show you if they are cool or just let them do it. im kinda goin threw the same thing right now but i want dvd on one side and ps2 on the other while a different source is up front (music ipod or dvd) my stereo shop knows what to do just gotta figure out what size screens i want 7 or 9.

[Jesse]

OK - I found the control box. Can anyone tell me what I can do with this? i don't see any inputs or places to plug stuff in

[kodiakz]

Jesse, Viz definitely mads your unit! My rep even called me a few weeks back to warn me that I might start seeing some of their systems as oem installed units, but that it was just a promotion (yeah right!!). Anyway, what happens when you press the source button? Kind of silly to have that button if it does nothing. I could try to contact viz for you and see if I can get a pinout of that module for an input, or you could take the dvd apart and solder on a set of rca jacks to the inside of the aux in jacks. Is that box in the center console?

[Jesse]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by kodiakz:
Jesse, Viz definitely mads your unit! My rep even called me a few weeks back to warn me that I might start seeing some of their systems as oem installed units, but that it was just a promotion (yeah right!!). Anyway, what happens when you press the source button? Kind of silly to have that button if it does nothing. I could try to contact viz for you and see if I can get a pinout of that module for an input, or you could take the dvd apart and solder on a set of rca jacks to the inside of the aux in jacks. Is that box in the center console? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Here is what I have found out. This control box is in the center console between the storage compartment and the shifter. On the screens there are 3 video inputs. Aux1=DVD player
Aux2=Auxiliary port on the headrest screens
Aux= The mini din port on the front of the DVD player.

Coming out from the DVD there is a cable that has 12 wires.
A Red and Yellow (power)
Two black wires (I assume ground wires)
Three multi color blue wires – Blue/yellow, Blue/white, and blue/red (I believe this makes up video and left and right audio channels for either AUX1 or AUX3.
Three multi color green wires – Green/yellow, green/white, and green/red (I believe this makes up the video and left/right audio channels for either AUX1 or AUX3.
Two brown wires – I assume these must be the ground wires for the AUX1 and AUX3 – not sure which is which.

This leads me to conclude that if I can figure out which of the 2 sets of 3 are for the AUX3 input – I should be able to splice into that set and create one set on RCA inputs for an xbox or whatever.

I am also going to add the USA Spec smart DVD interface – the one found here – I was told that will add one audio input to the head unit and it will be displayed as RSE (rear seat entertainment) – this will be one of the cycle of inputs on the head unit. Now to somehow get the audio out of the rear seat entertainment system – I think I will have to examine the wires going to the FM modulator – this part I will need help.

I am also adding the PAC Audio VCI-GM2 adapter to hookup a rear camera and bring video to the nav screen. I don’t know how I will be able to have all the different video displayed so I am just going to tap into the video coming out from AUX1 on the dvd player. This will at least bring dvd video to the front.

I also plan to add an Ipod adapter and hands free Bluetooth unit before it is all said and done. I think when I am done I will create some sorta post here explaining how everything works and how I did it. Seems like this could be a hot topic.

Kodiakz – I would greatly appreciate it if you were able to find out what wires were what on the back of the dvd player and especially the ones leading into the FM modulator adapter.

[kodiakz]

That system came with a modulator?!?!!?!?!? That seems very odd, and almost like it was an afterthought. If you do have an fm mod, it will be easy to get the audio out from the dvd right there. As you examinge the module, you will notice groups of wires bunched together in 2's or 3's with one wire being a shield--these will be your audio and video signal paths. I am not familiar with that pac piece--does it allow for switching of 2 separate video inputs? If not, easy to just add a switch. I will call viz tomorrow and see if I can get a schematic for you.

[Nixxxster]

Vizualogic did make the screen and dcd player for Hummer I even have the brochure.

[Jesse]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by kodiakz:
I am not familiar with that pac piece--does it allow for switching of 2 separate video inputs? If not, easy to just add a switch. I will call viz tomorrow and see if I can get a schematic for you. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The PAC VCI-GM2 will bring video to the touch nav screen. They also make an adapter for the 1st generation NAV screens (VCI-GM1). There are two video inputs - one for rear camera - it will auto switch to the camera any time the truck is in reverse. The 2nd input can be activated with a switch. I will let everyone know how it works once I get it all setup.

I hope to add video to the nav screen, backup camera, extra inputs for the rear dvd entertainment, IPOD adapter with touch screen control on the factory nav unit, hands free bluetooth cell phone adapter that will auto-mute the system and use the onstar speaker system.

I want to do this all without any visable changes to the factory setup. Once I get it all working I will be happy to let everyone know the results.

I really appreciate everyone's help so far. I know I am at least heading in the right direction.

[Jesse]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by kodiakz:
That system came with a modulator?!?!!?!?!? That seems very odd, and almost like it was an afterthought. If you do have an fm mod, it will be easy to get the audio out from the dvd right there. As you examinge the module, you will notice groups of wires bunched together in 2's or 3's with one wire being a shield--these will be your audio and video signal paths. I am not familiar with that pac piece--does it allow for switching of 2 separate video inputs? If not, easy to just add a switch. I will call viz tomorrow and see if I can get a schematic for you. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Kodiakz.... Any word from vizualogic?

[kodiakz]

Jesse, looks like you will need to do the surgery to the dvd player. There is not an extra input on the module and the screens cannot feed off each other. Just take the dvd player apart and solder a 3 way rca cable directly to the port on top of the player.

[Jesse]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by kodiakz:
Jesse, looks like you will need to do the surgery to the dvd player. There is not an extra input on the module and the screens cannot feed off each other. Just take the dvd player apart and solder a 3 way rca cable directly to the port on top of the player. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

could I just tap into the wires coming out from the back of the dvd player? It would take some small trial and error to figure out which was the ground and which set of the 3 were the audio and video lines. I called vizualogic today too and they just said it is a simple pass through. Makes sense to me... hopefully that is all I will need to do.

[kodiakz]

If you are able to tap into the wires cooming out of the dvd, you will need to install a dual input a/v switcher. I still believe that it would be easier to tie into the existing aux input on the top of the dvd and utilize that. The only bummer is that both screens will have to watch the same thing all the time.

[Ashley]

Hi

I can confirm the 2006 i saw in CA last week looks IDENTICAL to this, HUMMER Screens and DVD in the box WITH an FM modulator (now i know what it does, not even the rep knew).

Just to clarify, there are 3 inputs, one is the DVD player, one is the input on the screen and another is the input ON the DVD player AND this input is DVD controlled so the DVD only has one output which will either be THE DVD DISC or THE INPUT ON THE DVD PLAYER?

So, are there any other setups that will look so "factory" with the inner cenre box or can i then obtain this (as a part) and fit another into it?

Can you enclose a pic of the HUMMER remote control AND the VIZ boxes as well please i would like to see those, if i can install a VIZ in the head rests with a nice remote AND then install a HUMMER centre box with a VIZ DVD it sounds like you get the HUMMER LOOK with a very versatile entertainment system???

I’m British so if you cant read this its not my fault http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[kodiakz]

I don't believe that system will be available as a separate purchase yet--it must be ordered from the factory. If you want that look, but more utility, just get the Viz A1000 system with a dvd in EACH headrest and extra aux input.

[Ashley]

If your on about the HUMMER DVD and screens the UK dealer says he can order it....

Can someone please send a link of the viz screens and DVD

[Ashley]

Hi

I have to admit, ive just looked at this product "http://www.vizualogic.com/headrest_prod/a1000_a2000/a2000.html" that looks nice, has anyone had this installed?

DVD in each headrest, i assume there connected to each other as you can have an input that says "what DVD thats on other screen"?

Whats the physical video quality like on the screen compaired to the Hummer units?

Shame its modulator sound to the radio, anyway of getting around this (i know its means 2 sound inputs to the radio, once for each head rest.......... but youk now!!!

[kodiakz]

The A2000 only has one dvd located in the passenger headrest. The physical video quality is identical to the hummer one as that is made by vizualogic as well. You can interface the single audio input with the radio directly with a variety of interfaces by Peripheral, Soundgate, BlitzSafe etc. The transmitter that comes with the A1000/2000 actually works very well and most people are happy with it.

[Ashley]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by kodiakz:
The A2000 only has one dvd located in the passenger headrest. The physical video quality is identical to the hummer one as that is made by vizualogic as well. You can interface the single audio input with the radio directly with a variety of interfaces by Peripheral, Soundgate, BlitzSafe etc. The transmitter that comes with the A1000/2000 actually works very well and most people are happy with it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is odd, there website says "Consumers can select different video options via the remote control (OSD viewable), such as the driver side DVD headrest, the passenger side DVD headrest or an auxiliary port for games."

This says BOTH have DVD players in them????

I assume they are connected together somewhere for this to be able to happen?

[RiverRacerX]

There are two versions available. You can get the monitor with or without the DVD player. I have the version where each monitor has the built in DVD player. You can have a different DVD playing on each side or have either side show on each monitor. There is also a third AUX input on each monitor, so you could have an XBOX hooked up on the right and a Playstation on the left.

They both also have video out, so you can send the signal to any additonal monitors: dash, visor, etc.

The FM audio works well with the headphones, but I have had some feedback issues with the stereo speakers, and also if you are in a heavy metropolitan area your FM frequency may have to be changed to find an open station. I have found on long trips I can come across FM frequencies that outpower my audio forcing me to switch channels.

[kodiakz]

You cannot get the A2000 (9" version) with dual dvds. The 7" A1000 is available with either single or dual. With the A1000 and its game port, you basically have your chioce of 3 sources, but only 2 with the A2000.

[Ashley]

Hi

According to their website you can with the A2000, i have sent them an email, I have zero tolerance on incorrect website information. Will get this resolved.

[kodiakz]

I have installed many of these kits and I am here to tell you that they only have ONE ONE ONE ONE 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 uno uno une une, that means not 2 dvd palyers!!! YOu are misreading the website. If you go to their site and download the user manual in pdf, it discusses using the integrated dvd PLAYER not players. The SINGLE dvd player is located in the passenger headrest and loads/ejects toward the driver. They don't make one in the driver headrest because it would eject into the a pillar and they don't yet want to alter their manufacturing to make one that exits out the right side of the driver's headrest.

[Ashley]

I'm not saying you are wrong BUT how can you misread this from their site...

"Consumers can select different video options via the remote control (OSD viewable), such as the driver side DVD headrest, the passenger side DVD headrest or an auxiliary port for games."

I have emailed them about this, if you are correct then the word "DVD" should be replaced with the word "MONITOR".

[kodiakz]

We have sold and installed hundreds of the A1000 and A2000 kits; I have never seen nor have I been offered a dual dvd in the A2000. Every time I order an A1000, I know that I have a choice of 1 or 2 dvd players. I think their advertising may be slightly confusing here, or perhaps they were/are planning to introduce a dual dvd system but it does not exist today.

[Jesse]

In case you are still following this thread... I started a new post that follows up on what I was able to accomplish.

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/6706011751/m/6711052941