AV Upgrade extra DVD Screen

[Tprozac]

Hi, I am new to the forums. Just purchased a 2011 Qx57 4wd, touring, tech, and theater package. Black on Gaphite. Love it. Electronics are sweet, but never enough for me. Looking for a clean way to install headrest monitors into the 2nd row headrests for the 3rd rows viewing pleasure. If anyone has experience or recommendations here, it would be greatly appreciated. If there are no responses, I will document my research here on a go forward basis. So far, I have added the Prestige Society module, that allows the passenger to enter gps data while in motion. I know that there is a DIY hack and performed on on my old GX470, but didn't want to hack the harness of my new QX. I must be getting old!

I am researching Vizualogic, Invision, and Audiovox for the third row video combo DVD and monitor units. Recommendations appreciated.

The trick is how do you get front row source video and sound to the third row. I have not found a plug and play A/V switching unit so far. (Any help here would be greatly appreciated).

From deductive reasoning, it looks like the center console has some a/v switching built into it which mediates between the front display, front aux, and rear aux routing to the second row seats. It would appear that front row source vid/sound is making it here at least. Certainly the front and rear aux is making it here as well. If front source vid/sound is getting here in composite, it should be reasonably easy to splice out. RCAs and split signals for the third row video, run cables etc.... But I have not taken the console apart yet. Anyone done this yet? If I do not hear back, I will probably perform exploratory surgery next weekend. The good news is that the front Aux in drives the front screen as well as the 2nd row monitors and sound throughout the vehicle. So.... Any external sources such as an iPad or ps3 can easily be integrated here. I am thinking about adding a passive a/b+ switch to allow multiple concurrently connected devices. The bad news is that the rear aux ins do not route sound or video to the front. The manual states definitively that vid does not get routed to the from monitor. I assume sound is the same as well. Anyone correct me if I am wrong.

Let me know if I can leverage on anyone else's efforts before I recreate the wheel. And wish me luck as I try to manage my wife's horror as she watches me rip apart our new $80k car.

Cheers,

T

[Timmbo]

Cheers from the staff here at NICOclub! Glad to have you here in the QX56 Forum! LOL, but where in the world did you find a QX57? Just teasing a bit!

That is quite a project! Are the headrests in the 2nd row large enough to fit a monitor? I am sure this can be done, but personally I do not know, and I don't think there is anyone that has performed such a mod on the 2011 QX56 yet. I certainly want you to keep us posted as to your progress and results, this is very interesting.

In the mean time, make you perform the mod so your front Nav screen also plays the DVDs! AND YES, GOOD LUCK!

[Nuggett76]

I wonder if it's possible to get an answer on this one- I have the same exact question/dilemma. If anyone has an answer, I'll still be happy to take it. Thanks!!

[Tprozac]

Performed 5 years ago. 2 DVDs in rear seats. Can play movies separately or from head unit. Hack to play up front as well while in motion. AppleTV with wifi router and hot spot. AirPlay to AppleTV.

[Nuggett76]

That's very much how I want to run my setup. However, I don't need the hack. Could your setuo exist without the hack? I'm pretty mich wondering if they have a 'simple' video out from the existing unit. I want to put in 4 headrest players and perhaps a sunvisor monitor.

[marctronixx]

just so i know you want to put some displays in the second row for the third row?

your best option is aftermarket. the hotspot approach (google chromecast also works) is boss.

[Nuggett76]

I'm looking at aftermarket players for the second and third row viewing (total of 4). I'm sure I'll need a video amp, but my biggest concern was getting video piped out of the the main player to the headrests, primarily without the hack. Tprozac indicated it was possible- just wanted to verify if he was able to achieve his setup without the hack.

[Tprozac]

Yes it us possible without the hack. Full disclosure, I hav a set of second row monitors stock. So was easy as those are already wired. There are no Composite out plugs coming out of the head unit. U will have to trace back or be good with am ohm meter to find the right wires. The hack just over rides the park and parking brake sensors. The after market screens work great, just be warned in the third row, once installed, do not use the auto 3rd row open button as the screens will break.

Chrome cast/appleTV it's all god and state to me. It is sick streaming from anyone's iPhone to the car. The dlink portable router is awesome. Supports AC wifi standard.

[Tprozac]

Ok one more geeked out thing. I run an old MacBook air in the back with a huge drive that streams my iTunes movies to the applets. My QX56 has all my apple media on the go. :-)

[Nuggett76]

You sir, have said everything I like to hear! Thanks for the info- I'llbe starting this in the next few weeks. I'll check back in with my progress. I've seriously thought about adding an apple tv before- but the tech to do it easiest didn't exist as it does today. Thanks again!

[taylorfromtyler]

tprozac,,.

I'm trying to accomplish the same thing you did.

I purchased a used 2012 QX56, deluxe touring. It has factory headrest monitors on the back of first row seats for 2nd row viewing. The previous owner also installed replacement headrests, brand name Rozen, that each have their own DVD player in them, and you can also view screen A on screen B (referring to A and B of the aftermarket screens). They are controlled and powered by a audio/power box under the 2nd row seat. This box has aux rca inputs, which are currently unused.

What I'm wanting to do, is somehow splice in, or run existing video from the front unit and screens to this control box, so that the rear screens can view the same as the 2nd row.

Can you explain how to do this?

Also, if you would rather call me (which may be easier for both of us), my cel is 903-752-2975