skicrave

Well, in case anyone else stumbles along this thread and has the same question, the unknown connector above is a standard "M" sides coaxial DC power connector. You can get a solder on plug for it at Radio Shack that will allow you to connect power and ground.

Any one will work with the Z1, so basically you just need to decide which features you want. Things to consider are size (obviously), built-in DVD playback, wireless transmitter for headphones, etc. Once you know which things are important start looking at the major brands. Any high quality panel will give you good picture quality.

Are you moving? Unless you bypass the lock out you'll need to be sitting still. Assuming you're not trying to do it while in motion, I'm not sure what it could be.

Install the OEM nav piece, it will cost you about the same, but the integration will be 10 times better in a car like your Avalon.

The above post is a good solution if you want to use the remote or have steering wheel controls. Another option that I've stareted using is to leave the AV screen up, and turn on AV interupt. You get voice commands along with the map screen when you need it, and the rest of the time you get all the song info. I would have to agree that the UI is one of the biggest holes in the Z1, it's like Pioneer ran out of time and didn't have a chance to finish anything other than the main menu screen. Compared to OEM systems (Lexus and Acura), the look and interface are a complete joke.

There's nothing special to see on the antenna, it's just your standard GPS reception dot, about 1.25" x 1.25" and with a magnet in the base. You can see a picture of it on the Z1 box in real size compared to the headunit.

There is no way a built in spectrum analyzer or "visualization" can replace a real scope for system tuning. Further more, once the system is properly EQ'd for vehicle you shouldn't need to adjust it anymore, which makes the visualization a bit unecessary. Then again, maybe I'm the only one that thinks it looks cheesy (I even hate the buttons and "look" that Pioneer used on the Z1).

The Z1 is designed to be ISO mounted and does not include the double DIN sleeve and trim ring that the D1 and D2 use. You will need to purchase Pioneer's accessory installation kit for double DIN headunits (ADT-VA133) if you're installing in a 2DIN dash opening.

I guess I'm on the minority, but why would you want a cheesy looking dancing light show on your dash? I could see where it might make sense in a dance club, but in your car? :shock:

I wouldn't exactly say they're losers just because Pioneer hasn't been able to supply the ND-BT1. That judgement is a bit extreme for something they have no control over.

There was another thread that had a top and back view of the Z1 fresh out of the box. I agree though, that's not Toslink.

No, it doesn't tell you the direction, but you can always hit the map button to SEE where it is before you actually add it as a destination or way point.

Assuming your camera is connected to a switched 12v source, press the hard map button to get to the nav screen. Then press the map button again and select the split screen view to show the camera on the left and nav info on the right. Whatever source you were previously listening to will still be playing.

So I posted this in one of the other forums, but apparently no one looks there. Take a look at my thread on [url=http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1031]back-up camera connections[/url]. I'm trying to find the appropriate connector for the power lead on my camera.

What thread was that with pictures of the back of the unit (it's one of the HDD threads)?

I prefer the Z1 as well, but it's tough when Pioneer could have just spent a couple more months refining things and had a fantastic setup.

What bars are you talking about (I know, get out the manual)? I haven't seen what you're talking about, but I only have

Well, I can tell you that there certainly isn't a toslink out on the back of the unit, and no such adapter box is included, so it would seem that the connection from the headunit (if there is one, I'm starting to question that) would have to be Coax.

That's the thing that is strange is that Pioneer didn't make the connections polarized. Data communication on the Bus is passed down from one component to the next, with each one only "listening" to what they need (commands directly to them from the headunit), but audio only goes one direction. I don't even want to think about how many people have made that same mistake, and the warranty claims and customer service nightmares that have ensued. All they had to do was make the connectors different, besides the color and they wouldn't have a problem. Oh well.

No problem, sorry for the confusion at the beginning.

I'm sure Pioneer fills back-orders based on the date, so it depends entirely upon when they got the order in. I know Crutchfield hasn't received an ETA on their next shipment, so either 6Ave is lying, Crutchfield isn't being honest, or Pioneer ships to which ever dealer has the oldest open order.

That's actually a pretty cool idea if you can stomach what they charge. Let us know how it turns out when you get it installed.

I would have to look, but I'm almost positive it's not toslink. Venturing a guess I would say it's a standard co-ax. Let me go check though.

Or maybe it's not tilted, and that extra space allows for the slide mechanism at the bottom? Regardless, from the normal vantage point actually sitting in a seat, I highly doubt that would be visible.

Cool, was that an off the shelf kit or did you have to make the trim ring yourself?