Pics of new sound/video system

[stumppuller08]

Finally made time to take some pics of the Alpine W505. Everything went in fine. Still am waiting on the backup camera. Had the speakers replaced too. Very happy with the sound and video. Steering controls work fine too.

You can switch the colors of the screens and styles. I selected amber (matches my interior really well). I had an overhead player put in for the kids. It had a built in DVD player as well. I can send video from the W505 to the rear overhead or vice-versa. Overhead player came with 1 set of wireless headphones. Has audio/video inputs too.

Blackbird syncs with my phone (Motorola Razor) just fine. Also tested it with the wife's Iphone. Imported my phonebook easily. Phone will take over if a call comes in while listening to radio/ipod/sirius. I am using an ipod touch connected through the usb. Fast and user-friendly.

The only negatives so far are that while in navigation, you can't listen to Sirius, Ipod, radio. The blackbird has a SD card slot that you load mp3's on and listen that way. Currently can only watch video through a nano or classic ipod. Hopefully future updates will allow video through the itouch. The other downer is that the ability to load your own wallpaper is undermined by the fact that you can only see that wallpaper on the DVD source. Kind of moot because on the DVD source, you're watching something and it's not the wallpaper.

*** NOTE - The DVD style 1 pic shows the wallpaper that I downloaded to test (some brick picture). IMHO, too much trouble to hassle with.

Sirius menu - style 1


Sirius menue - style 2


Ipod menu - style 1


Ipod menu - style 2

[stumppuller08]

DVD playing on W505


Rear seat view


Source menu


DVD menu - style 1

[stumppuller08]

DVD menu - style 2


Blackbird nav


Blackbird playing SD card


Phone menu

[stumppuller08]

Phonebook menu


Received call list

[stumppuller08]

I stand corrected. You can use the nav while listening/watching other sources. You just select the source that you want to hear/view. Then use the Visual button to select nav. Route guidance will mute out the sound when you're getting close to a turn, etc.
Also was able to get my wallpaper up on a source other than the DVD. Select the source and then select Disc under Visual.

[fireplug45]

Is this a new unit........ I was looking to get the Kenwood's DNX7100....... Im not a radio expert....... just want a good unit for my 08...... can you tell me why you went this one....... pros and cons....... The one thing I like with the kenwood they are in bed with Garmin...... I like the feature that allows...... tks ART

[stumppuller08]

The W505 is new for '08. I wanted a unit that had built-in controls for the ipod. I took my entire CD collection and converted it to mp3's. The cable for the ipod is usb also, so i can hook up another mp3 player if I choose.

Also wanted to stay with the same brand for all the different accessories - they seem to 'talk' with each other better. I liked the fact that I can remove the blackbird nav piece and use it in another vehicle. I am pleased with how easy it is to control my overhead unit for the kids while driving. The unti is touch-screen sensitive and also has a remote. That is a plus.

I looked at the Kenwood, Pioneer, Eclipse, and Alpine. I would take any of them without hesitation. I guess in the end, the Alpine and its broader range of accessories (overhead monitor, blackbird, etc.) sold me.

FYI - I also liked that fact that you can buy a pac TR-7 that defeats the video-while-driving function. The TR-7 comes pre-programmed to work with Alpine units. Just wire in and presto! The other units have hacks too - I just liked the ease of the TR-7.

[08Lariat250]

How easy was it to install?

[Brad777]

I bought the stereo system for my truck that included the subwoofer and 6 disk CD player. What system did you start with? How does the sound of the Alpine compare? Did you change speakers? Sorry for all the questions. I'm also considering the same stereo and appreciate all the information I can get.

Thanks

BTW, very nice looking setup. Great job on the install.