DVD Navigation System

Folks,

I have an emergency situation that I desperately need your help with.

Two weeks ago I ordered a Gold Mist Metallic Enclave AWD with Luxury, Drivers Confidence, Ent Package #4, Chrome Wheels, Cargo Net, Sunroof and Trailer Package. Just this evening I found the exact same car 30 miles away with everything I ordered except the Ent Package is #3 instead of #4. Now I need to figure out if I should go buy that vehicle or wait for my order with Ent Package #4. Please help me decide what to do. I’m so torn….

The question is do I want Ent Package #3 or #4??????????

Here are a list of pro's and con's for each package. Please let me know if I left out anything or have misinterpreted the features.

Ent Package #4:

You can watch video on the Nav screen up front (only in park mode, could be enabled with a GMX 320 lockpick for driving).
8" Screen
$1295 Premium over package #3.
DVD can be heard over radio or headset.
Can you be listening to XM upfront while the kids listen and watch a DVD over the head sets in the back????
Comes with head sets. Are the headsets comfortable or worth a dam? Sound quality?
DVD player is hard connected into the car stereo for superior sound when playing through car speakers. NO FM modulation. Correct?
Aux inputs are built into the front console. Easy to hook up Wii or game device that sits on the floor board for play on DVD screen.
5.1 Surround built into radio to take advantage of DVD 5.1 soundtrack when playing through DVD system. Don’t believe this is available in Ent #3.
Who manufactures the DVD screen and player for Buick? Is the quality any good? Better than aftermarket or worse?

Ent Package #3:

No built in DVD but I can purchase 3rd party system.
Could easily install 10.2" Alpine system into ceiling like Pack #4. I get an extra 2.2 inches of screen in replacement of the factory unit.
Ent Pack #3 with Alpine DVD would save ~$400 over GM DVD System.
Sound would have be FM modulated when playing through car stereo or can I direct connect the Alpine into the Buick's radio? Does the Buick have a direct connect AUX input inside the dash?
Can you plug a video connection into the AUX connection to see video on the NAV screen when the vehicle is parked like the DVD feature in Ent Package #4?
Is there an AUX in the dash as well as separate AUX behind front row console?
How would I connect my Wii to the Alpine without having to run wires to the overhead player? Can I use the front console AUX? Probably not….
I really don't like FM Modulation.
Advantage, this setup would allow me to listen to CD's and XM if the kids were listening to the Alpine DVD via headsets.
The Alpine headsets are great. I currently have three headsets and they're very nice.
If I can and do hardwire the Alpine into the factory radio do I loose the ability to add a future AUX device like an ipod? Not a huge deal today but could be in the future.
Other advantages?????? I’m trying…..


Entertainment Package Summary:

I save money with Ent Package #3 and get a larger screen. The screen could potentially be better. I probably get better headphones as well. I probably don’t get hardwired sound, no 5.1 and loose my only AUX connection.

With #4 I get full integration, 5.1 surround sound, no FM modulation like in #3 with Alpine scenario, and the passenger sometimes gets to watch the video. The passenger situation seems like a big deal. Is it really not? Will I ever really use the Nav screen for DVD?

Deal Summary: If I go with #3 I can get the car tomorrow versus waiting 8 weeks. I'm not desperate for the car but it would be nice to get it. The car currently has the $1000 chrome discount. I'm not sure if that's going to be available when I get my ordered car. Lastly if I can get the dealer to waive the advertising fees I might be able to save my self another ~$600.

What do I do? I can't make up my mind. I really like the integrated DVD but at the same time I like the idea of a bigger screen and better headphones. What would you people do? Did I forget anything? Please respond as soon as you can, I have to make a decision in the morning.


Thanks for all the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

greenj3 said:

What do I do? I can't make up my mind. I really like the integrated DVD but at the same time I like the idea of a bigger screen and better headphones. What would you people do? Did I forget anything? Please respond as soon as you can, I have to make a decision in the morning.


Thanks for all the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Click to expand...

On the factory unit ... The unit is hard wired. All audio options are available while watching a DVD except for CD's (XM, FM, AM, AUX - iPod). The 5.1 provides a home theatre feel and does make a difference sound wise. The headphones have good sound, but not the greatest design as there is an on-off button for the kids to forget to use and a screwdriver required to change batteries. The unit is made by Panasonic and the remote is so-so.

On an aftermarket ... A professional installer can give you everything the factory unit has except 5.1. But, there will be a big cost with doing that. Likely 2x the factory cost if not more. Aftermarket can be hard wired, can play on the LCD in the dash, have AUX input under the passenger seat, etc. A cheaper install would use FM modulation.

One more item to consider is the warranty. Having the factory unit tied to the 4 year/50,000 warranty or GMPP should not be discounted entirely. I have replaced DVD head units under warranty and it can be costly.

I would pick Ent #4 because I would want the extras in an aftermarket (more $$$) and the warranty. Having to wait for 8 weeks, my wife would likely choose Ent #3 and make me figure out getting the aftermarket installed.