HUs with DVD-ROM but no video playback?

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infamis - 20 Feb 2006 19:58 GMT

Anyone know of any HU that has these features:

1. Supports DVD-/+R discs. Just the DVD spec for optical drives, not DVD as in
a screen playing movies. Just think of it as a normal HU but instead is a
DVD-ROM drive instead of a CD-ROM drive. Of course those with screens have
DVD-ROMs, but are there any HUs that have a DVD-ROM but NO screen. No TV is
watched in my car. I need a head unit that knows what DVD is but doesn't know
what "video" is. I can see myself buying a head unit with a DVD player, come
to find out when I throw 4gigs of mp3s on a DVD, when the HU loads it, it
might say "no videos found" or something of that nature.

2. Supports MP3 & OGG formats on a DVD or data-mode CDR/RW. When I bought my
current HU, 100% of my music was MP3. Now 80% of my music is Vorbis/OGG and
the rest, MP3. Vorbis is not a must (as it is very uncommon in HUs). However,
if #1 is met, you can skip the OGG support - I'll just have to transcode.

3. Has an RCA aux-input (1 pair).

4. Separate sub & mids/highs preamp outputs. (So 2 pairs minimum)

I'm not looking for any HU with all the bells & whistles. My current HU
(Clarion DXZ545MP) was pretty decent. It supported #2, #3, and #4 of what I
just listed minus the OGG support (but WMA was supported, which I hate). I use
my mp3 player hooked to the aux-in 95% of the time, but since I just had to
return the mp3 player 'cause of a bad hard drive, I'm forced to use the CD.
Now the CD drive won't eject CDs unless I physically assault the drive til the
disc comes out. And when I finally get a CD in, an audible noise that
corresponds with the turning of the disc is heard.

And recommendations? Budget is less than $200.

My current setup, if it matters, [all installed by me] is a clarion dxz545mp
HU, usx4065 bridged 160Wrmsx2 amp for mids/highs [feeding cdt hd62ef 6.5s in
custom-made kick panels with IETs on dash] and an ED nine.1 1200Wrmsx1
[feeding a 12" IDMax v2].

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Brandonb - 20 Feb 2006 21:46 GMT

There are DVD headunits out there without a screen. Problem is, I don't
know of any under $200. Alpine has 3 currently with their newer models.
I don't see any that do OGG though. Here's a synopsis from Alpine's site
(in decending price):

1) The DVA-9965 is designed for DVD, CD, MP3, and WMA playback. Why
listen to radio when the choice of music is this good? This head unit is
packed with features: iPod® compatibility (KCA-420i), Bluetooth™,
built-in HD Radio, Dolby Digital and DTS for multi-channel sound,
PlaysForSure compatibility, and so much more. Simply glide your finger
across the ergonomic GlideTouch™ mechanism to control your music. As if
that weren’t enough, note that the DVA-9965 is the only 2006 head unit
equipped with MX, MediaXpander™ for sound quality enhancement. For a
true bass lover, the DVA-9965 also comes with amplifier link to expand
your system with multiple amps. Check out the crisp colors on the only
color Biolite™ display as you view your source information. Play around
with the multicolor illumination and choose from 256 colors to match
your dash. The DVA-9965 is the real deal, think you can handle it?

2) Got a disc? Will play! The new DVA-9861 is the best sounding head
unit in its class. Able to play virtually any shiny disc format:
DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, DVD-MP3, Video CD, CD-DA, MP3/WMA, DVD/+R/RW, take
your pick! The DVA-9861 is the perfect unit to add to a multi-channel
set up! Fully loaded with Full Speed™ Connection for iPod®, SAT Radio
ready, built-in HD Radio, Bluetooth™, 3 Pre-Outs, and Versatile Link to
ensure you can get the most out of sound – the DVA-9861 is the unit for you.

3) The most affordable way to start a multi-channel music and DVD Rear
Seat entertainment system. With the DVA-9860 you get DVD, CD, MP3, WMA
playback, plus you can hook up to your iPod (KCA-420i compatible) and/or
Satellite radio(subscription from either Sirius or XM required). Quick
Search™ makes it easy to find all your songs with ease. Equipped with
optical output, add the PXA-H701 processor and listen to music in its
pure digital form. Get ready to enjoy the best of entertainment in your car!

Basically the middle is your best bet, but it does a LOT more than you
want. It will only play the video if you have a separate monitor(s)
connected. It is nice that they specifically state DVD+R/RW, and DVD-MP3.

Brandonb

> Anyone know of any HU that has these features:
>
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
> custom-made kick panels with IETs on dash] and an ED nine.1 1200Wrmsx1
> [feeding a 12" IDMax v2].

Reply to this Message

infamis - 21 Feb 2006 17:46 GMT

>There are DVD headunits out there without a screen. Problem is, I don't
>know of any under $200. Alpine has 3 currently with their newer models.
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
>Brandonb

Thanks for all the recommendations. I guess DVD (without a concern on video
playback) is too expensive for me. I'll just stick with MP3-CDs I guess. Why
can't they make simple HUs anymore...always have a crapload of features I'd
never use that increase the price. However, anyone know what it would take to
"switch" out a CD-ROM drive for a DVD-ROM drive? What problems would that
bring up? Or what about just swapping the [broken; aka
non-loading/non-ejecting] CD-ROM drive?

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