Given my requirements, I was limited to the units designed for RVs. I researched a lot of the automotive head units, and not a one has an HDMI(ARC) port. Many of them have analog video inputs for backup/side/etc cameras, but that's not acceptable for my application.
No one on this board or on ForestRiverForums could provide a brand & model of an automotive unit that met my requirements, though I received similar responses on both boards much like some of these replies.
I ultimately purchased an iRV32V2. This unit is currently in production and has up to date specs, and has fit the requirements nicely.
The only issue I've had so far is finding the random function when playing music CDs. Other than that limitation, everything is easy to use and easily accessible, with a couple of exceptions.
While researching this unit, there were three main objections:
1) Reliability, both infantile and adolescent failures
2) Very poor remote functionality
3) No adjustments for base, treble, balance
While I don't yet have a track record for the reliability, everything worked fine out-of-the-box, with the exception of the remote. More on this later, however...
If this unit fails over the next year or two (as did my Jensen JWM6A within a few months of life), I'll respond to this posting.
Regarding the remote, it was easy to determine the cause of poor performance. The aperture for the IR receiver was obscured with a small hole containing a tiny pink plastic filter. This filter was mounted on the finishing fascia, but if the remote was used any time the fascia was absent, all worked well, and from quite a distance. The issue is not the remote, it's poor fascia design.
As far as the lack of tone/balance adjustments, while the manual doesn't really mention how, it alludes to the fact that the volume knob is also used to select and adjust treble, base, L-R and F-R balances.
In fact, this is actually on of those multi-function knobs. To adjust other functions, just push it in momentarily. Initially, it appears not to do anything, other than change the display to say Volume:n (where n is the current level). Rotate the knob to reveal the next function - Base, then Treble, then Left-Right, and finally Front-Rear. Easy!
Changing the mode via the Mode button never displays the DVD or audio CD selections. Instead, just insert a DVD or CD, and the function and display changes to serve that function. The unit never searches for a missing CD or DVD if there's not one in the drive, unlike the Jensen.
While in DVD function, the "Menu" button on the remote is supposed to bring up the DVD menu, but I always get "invalid key" in that function. This is the second of two puzzlers, the other being the lack of a randomizing function for music.
Enough about the unit. You want installation pictures!
Bench testing:
New unit perched in opening designed for the Jensen:
New filler that was a dinette drawer face in it's previous life:
IR receiver fascia hole and removed filter:
Modification:
Unit mounted, facia not yet installed. The unit is in stand-by mode, clock displayed, but fairly dim:
I had to do some other work on the fascia to get it to mount correct, and snap into place. Once those minor mods were complete, then it all snapped together and looks good. Again, in standby with a dim clock display:
When on, this has a lot of blue lamps, which seems to be the current fad for automotive head units. Blue is the worst color in the world for night vision, but I guess they expect the cool kids with a billion blue lumens lives in the heart of the city - where it takes a lot of light to be seen....
This may be a minor distraction from that 32" TV a few feet away...
More pictures, as always: Entertainment Center
(Note, I also posted this reply on ForestRiverForums.com, in case you visit that site and thought you'd already seen this post!
No one on this board or on ForestRiverForums could provide a brand & model of an automotive unit that met my requirements, though I received similar responses on both boards much like some of these replies.
I ultimately purchased an iRV32V2. This unit is currently in production and has up to date specs, and has fit the requirements nicely.
The only issue I've had so far is finding the random function when playing music CDs. Other than that limitation, everything is easy to use and easily accessible, with a couple of exceptions.
While researching this unit, there were three main objections:
1) Reliability, both infantile and adolescent failures
2) Very poor remote functionality
3) No adjustments for base, treble, balance
While I don't yet have a track record for the reliability, everything worked fine out-of-the-box, with the exception of the remote. More on this later, however...
If this unit fails over the next year or two (as did my Jensen JWM6A within a few months of life), I'll respond to this posting.
Regarding the remote, it was easy to determine the cause of poor performance. The aperture for the IR receiver was obscured with a small hole containing a tiny pink plastic filter. This filter was mounted on the finishing fascia, but if the remote was used any time the fascia was absent, all worked well, and from quite a distance. The issue is not the remote, it's poor fascia design.
As far as the lack of tone/balance adjustments, while the manual doesn't really mention how, it alludes to the fact that the volume knob is also used to select and adjust treble, base, L-R and F-R balances.
In fact, this is actually on of those multi-function knobs. To adjust other functions, just push it in momentarily. Initially, it appears not to do anything, other than change the display to say Volume:n (where n is the current level). Rotate the knob to reveal the next function - Base, then Treble, then Left-Right, and finally Front-Rear. Easy!
Changing the mode via the Mode button never displays the DVD or audio CD selections. Instead, just insert a DVD or CD, and the function and display changes to serve that function. The unit never searches for a missing CD or DVD if there's not one in the drive, unlike the Jensen.
While in DVD function, the "Menu" button on the remote is supposed to bring up the DVD menu, but I always get "invalid key" in that function. This is the second of two puzzlers, the other being the lack of a randomizing function for music.
Enough about the unit. You want installation pictures!
Bench testing:
New unit perched in opening designed for the Jensen:
New filler that was a dinette drawer face in it's previous life:
IR receiver fascia hole and removed filter:
Modification:
Unit mounted, facia not yet installed. The unit is in stand-by mode, clock displayed, but fairly dim:
I had to do some other work on the fascia to get it to mount correct, and snap into place. Once those minor mods were complete, then it all snapped together and looks good. Again, in standby with a dim clock display:
When on, this has a lot of blue lamps, which seems to be the current fad for automotive head units. Blue is the worst color in the world for night vision, but I guess they expect the cool kids with a billion blue lumens lives in the heart of the city - where it takes a lot of light to be seen....
This may be a minor distraction from that 32" TV a few feet away...
More pictures, as always: Entertainment Center
(Note, I also posted this reply on ForestRiverForums.com, in case you visit that site and thought you'd already seen this post!
So far, all I've found is either the above mentioned RV units, or when reviewing the specs for automotive head units, I find many play DVDs if they have a physical slot, but they play it on the built in screen. Many have A/V in/out, but it's all analog. The inputs are primarily for rear/side/front view cameras, and the output is, perhaps, for that big screen in your buzz rocket...
Many units are sans CD/DVD player, and I can understand that, for those who are always connected.
I've not found a single automotive unit that has HDMI.
In the home entertainment space, I've found lots of units, but they are designed to set on/in your furniture and connected to other devices, including a CD/DVD/Blueray player. I've yet to find one with a built-in physical player, but I've yet to really explore this area.
It may very well be that I cave and buy an iRV or something similar, much like what LJAZ did. I certainly need to replace the Jensen.
Anyone have the iRV 31 or 32v2 unit? Thoughts?
I'll update this thread when I decide what to do/what I've done...
BTW, I've already replaced the speakers with a nice set of Yamaha units:
and I'm nearing completion of the new entertainment center setup:
More pics, if you haven't already seen them.... New cabinet for TV in overhead.
Many units are sans CD/DVD player, and I can understand that, for those who are always connected.
I've not found a single automotive unit that has HDMI.
In the home entertainment space, I've found lots of units, but they are designed to set on/in your furniture and connected to other devices, including a CD/DVD/Blueray player. I've yet to find one with a built-in physical player, but I've yet to really explore this area.
It may very well be that I cave and buy an iRV or something similar, much like what LJAZ did. I certainly need to replace the Jensen.
Anyone have the iRV 31 or 32v2 unit? Thoughts?
I'll update this thread when I decide what to do/what I've done...
BTW, I've already replaced the speakers with a nice set of Yamaha units:
and I'm nearing completion of the new entertainment center setup:
More pics, if you haven't already seen them.... New cabinet for TV in overhead.
