el1117

Well, I was the one who originally started this thread. I have used the Kenwood for 2 days now. It took about 4 hours to get everything done and wires hidden the way I wanted. It turned out to be a real clean install. I have pics and will post them later tonight or tomorrow.

I agree about the UI. I think Pioneer's UI looks a little more friendly, but once you spend a little time playing around with it, it's a cinch.

Besides the fact it has dual zone for the kids, the USB option is great. I have a 1.0GB thumbdrive I'm going to use for MP3's, pictures, etc. The SD slot will be great for those ($175 cheaper than Pioneer) map updates. It still has the IPod option, plus a TV tuner option.

As for the Garmin navigation. Come on, it's Garmin....need I say more?

Again, I am by no means knocking the Pioneer. I just love some of the extra features the Kenwood has, probably number one...not having to put in a navigation disc. After using the Garmin navigation today while still listening to cd's and XM I am sold!! Pics to follow......

Last week I ordered a D3 from CF on the advice of the salesman. I was really ignorant of the in-dash DVD/Navigation world at that time. Since I just learned yesterday it will be another 3 weeks until I will possibly receive the unit, I have since questioned my purchase for something else that might be in stock. Not only the ship date, but the MAJOR factor is the fact the D3 does not have dual zones. I would really like to play MP3's or XM up front, while the kiddie's watch a movie on their wireless headphones on headrest monitors in the back. The free camera offer with the D3 was a killer deal, but the fact the D3 was not dual zone capable was a deal breaker for me. The D3 is a great product and I'm still questioning my decision, as I have not called CF to change my order yet. The other factors I considered are the Garmin GPS from 2GB HD as opposed to the DVD disc on the D3. I can simply update the Garmin maps for $75 instead of the $250 for the Pioneer discs. The SD option for the USB cable gets big bonus points with me.

I'm really torn, but the more I think about it....I think the Kenwood suits my needs better. I'm not flaming the D3 by any means. I thought I would bring these points to light in case anyone else is in the same boat I am in.

This is a great forum, by great people with great info. Special thanks to cntrylvr79 and MisFit.

On a side note, before anyone asks....yes (from what I have gathered through web research) the Kenwood DNX7100 can be by-passed. Easier than the D3 actually. All you have to do (again, according to the web research) is just ground the e-brake wire. That's it. cnrtylvr79 or MisFit, can you confirm this?

I hope this info helps someone.

I plan on calling CF at 08:00 and canceling the D3 and ordering the DNX7100 with UPS Next Day Air. Hopefully I will have everything and can install on my days off on Fri/Sat. If anyone would like pics, let me know.

Eric

yes, you can do multiple things at once. the headphones always transmit no matter what your doing up front. if your installing a d3 you dont need the rf mod for the dvd. thats only for interfacing with stock stereos. you hook it right to your d3 inputs and outputs, and if you want you can even have both screens playing the same thing and the sound thru your speakers, whatever you want

Can you listen to something up front and have monitors hooked up to the rear so the kids can watch a movie while the wife and I listen to music?