Pioneer Car Entertainment System

SRT Metro · **September 12, 2009, 11:00:27**

Has someone installed either one of these two Car Entertainment System in his car?
If so, what did you think about it and is it worth the money they cost?

Pioneer AVIC-F900BT - Multi-sensor GPS, Entertainment & Communication System (DVD, CD, SD Card, USB & iPod playback).

Pioneer AVIC-F310BT - Navigation CD Audio System with Detachable Screen.

Cheers!

Waja · **Reply #1: September 12, 2009, 12:18:18**

hey srt, I was looking at installing the F900BT previously but then reconsidered after realising the security on the i30 is really sh!t at this time...and won't consider a headunit upgrade until i upgrade the security system..

but I had done some research on the F900BT before and can help you a bit with that choice?

Supposedly the unit has a really bad shuffle sequence for randomizing songs (unless you are using an ipod and shuffle on that), takes anywhere from 1min -> 3min for start up when not using just audio from usb/SD, the GPS tends to recalculate, drop out and take long round-about routes ALOT of the time, bluetooth is hit and miss, unit freezes at times, voice recognition is fail, and alot of glare off the screen in day time driving and the text isn't that dark so using the unit in the sun is very difficult. Also, the touch screen responsiveness is 2-3sec.

after this I had considered the kenwood options..but they seem to have problems themselves..some people prefer the kenwood units and say they are better overall, but they are priced alot more heavily..

in the end, if you weigh up the sound quality and the cost, overall the unit is a pretty good unit if you don't get frustrated at the faults

also, I rather not using the unit that require the navigation discs and prefer using onboard/sd card for navigation thus, i would choose the F900BT over the F310BT (and the 900BT has a bigger screen and the layout looks better)

that was my 2cents and seems like I left you back where you started XD

but try give avic411.com a read and that covers alot of the faults and probs with the units

SRT Metro · **Reply #2: September 12, 2009, 12:41:22**

Hi link_1111!

Thank's for your comments and the research that you have done on the F900BT....
I also thanks for the link. Seems to have a great forum with lot of tips and ideas....

Cheers!

2i30s · **Reply #3: September 13, 2009, 01:49:45**

sounds like you dont get much for a lot of $$$$$.

BUT THEY LOOK GOOD.

SRT Metro · **Reply #4: September 13, 2009, 08:04:24**

Quote from: 2i30s on September 13, 2009, 01:49:45

sounds like you dont get much for a lot of $$$$$. BUT THEY LOOK GOOD.

Yes, they look really good!
But unfortunately, it seems to be much problem with them.

stkman · **Reply #5: September 17, 2009, 21:02:19**

Hi SRT,

I'm wondering if the front cover and mounting brackets can be bought seperately? That would allow any standard 2 din stereo/DVD/navigation unit to be fitted.

Andrew

SRT Metro · **Reply #6: September 18, 2009, 00:10:09**

Quote from: stkman on September 17, 2009, 21:02:19

Hi SRT,
I'm wondering if the front cover and mounting brackets can be bought seperately? That would allow any standard 2 din stereo/DVD/navigation unit to be fitted.
Andrew

Hi Andrew!
I've been thinking about this too...
Yes, it can be bought seperately.... Pioneer part number: 12.301142-08, 2 DIN fascia plate, Grey.

Sven-Erik

stkman · **Reply #7: September 18, 2009, 04:40:52**

That's excellent Sven-Erik! I looked up that part number and found a pdf with part numbers thatPioneer do for lots of vehicles. Pioneer in NZ didn't know what I was talking about but their parts guy way away. Will phone next week. Some of the Alpine double din units are quite nice ... they use Parrot bluetooth technology and display all GPS data nicely. Also have interfaces to connect to most steering wheel controls and well sorted out iPod control. And cheaper than Hyundai stereos (the i30 stereo is $5500 in NZ!).

Andrew

SRT Metro · **Reply #8: September 18, 2009, 08:32:15**

Quote from: stkman on September 18, 2009, 04:40:52

That's excellent Sven-Erik! I looked up that part number and found a pdf with part numbers thatPioneer do for lots of vehicles. Pioneer in NZ didn't know what I was talking about but their parts guy way away. Will phone next week. Some of the Alpine double din units are quite nice ... they use Parrot bluetooth technology and display all GPS data nicely. Also have interfaces to connect to most steering wheel controls and well sorted out iPod control. And cheaper than Hyundai stereos (the i30 stereo is $5500 in NZ!).
Andrew

Hi Andrew!
Alpine is really nice.....
Have also found this Kenwood DNX5220BT which seems to be fine...

stkman · **Reply #9: September 18, 2009, 09:54:42**

Hi Sven-Erik,

Looks great! A local car stereo place told me "Alpine have always had the best amplifiers but now Panasonic is as good." Don't know how true this is (have always had Alpine and always been impressed) but I do like the Panasonic CQ-VW220W ... and it is so well priced! Large screen and very capable - iPOD, rear camera. GPS, bluetooth.

Is good to have options

Andrew

Waja · **Reply #10: September 18, 2009, 18:35:12**

after a bit of looking, the Eclipse AVN726EA seems to be a really good contender! http://www.eclipse-web.com.au/Site/Product/Product.aspx?ProductID=f7525562-7e92-102c-afa9-8fd06794b0b4&CategoryID=04031090-406c-102b-b5be-3e5906103f0c

Nav, BT, ipod compatibility, usb, options for rear view camera, 7" screen and suposedly has about 3-4sec boot up time and really easy to navigate! sweet! now i just need to look for a good alarm system! possibly a viper remote start/security maybe..

SRT Metro · **Reply #11: September 19, 2009, 08:25:12**

Good choice!

bobbyd · **Reply #12: January 26, 2010, 05:17:54**

Anyone know if there is a pioneer or other brand fascia to suit the SX dash ?

**Reply #13: March 30, 2010, 08:58:20**

So has anyone actually installed a new media player?

I'm interested in getting something to replace the stock unit, largely due to comments on MP3 playback and iPod connectivity.

Will they work with a factory Bluetooth unit, outside temperature display, and steering wheel controls?

Dazzler · **Reply #14: March 30, 2010, 09:43:20**

Quote from: FixedR6 on March 30, 2010, 08:58:20

Will they work with a factory Bluetooth unit, outside temperature display, and steering wheel controls?

I think that would be unlikely particularly the outside temp display and the steering wheel controls...

Most of us find the MP3 playback and the ipod connectivity works well on the standard unit.....

syecadelic · **Reply #15: March 31, 2010, 23:17:13**

Hey guys, loving the thread, i'm getting a new JVC headunit tomorrow, and hopefully installing it within the next week, hopefuly get pictures of it, involved cutting the existing dash, if i miess up about £110 to replace :O ..

2i30s · **Reply #16: April 01, 2010, 12:43:33**

Quote from: FixedR6 on March 30, 2010, 08:58:20

So has anyone actually installed a new media player?

I'm interested in getting something to replace the stock unit, largely due to comments on MP3 playback and iPod connectivity.

Will they work with a factory Bluetooth unit, outside temperature display, and steering wheel controls?

fixed r6 there is a guy in noble park that fits this sort of stuff,he did my sunroof and mentioned he also does alarms,satnavs,stereos,cruze control and more.he fits for dealers but also does personal owned cars. he is called the sunroof center,opposite McDonald's on the princess highway in noble park. I've got his phone number if you need it.

**Reply #17: April 01, 2010, 23:31:45**

Quote from: 2i30s on April 01, 2010, 12:43:33

fixed r6 there is a guy in noble park that fits this sort of stuff,he did my sunroof and mentioned he also does alarms,satnavs,stereos,cruze control and more.he fits for dealers but also does personal owned cars. he is called the sunroof center,opposite McDonald's on the princess highway in noble park. I've got his phone number if you need it.

Googling now!

bfc_xxx · **Reply #18: April 02, 2010, 10:10:14**

I want to buy a new stereo with bluetooth and gps. Can I buy also a a new mask to fit the new stereo or do I have to cut the old one?

mantaray · **Reply #19: April 25, 2010, 09:19:06**

Just in case anyone is interested JB have a deal on the Pioneer AVIC310BT here is alink:
http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/car-sound/car-cd-tuner/pioneer-avicf310bt-navigation-entertainment-system/451011
Not a bad price $488.
Also some fitting guides are available here:
http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/products/25/38/18216/391143-30-BA/index.html
and here:
http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/products/25/38/18211/CA-R-PI.083/index.html
Download the Install Manual on both products. have good dash disassembly pictures

Dazzler · **Reply #20: April 25, 2010, 09:33:15**

Thanks Man taray... looks like a very good price for something like that...

reecho · **Reply #21: April 25, 2010, 13:25:39**

Hmm wonder if Pioneer do a fascia for manual AC controls...

dctyke · **Reply #22: April 29, 2010, 07:20:23**

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Car-DVD-Player-GPS-SWC-BT-RDS-Hyundai-I30-/300421328322?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Audio_TV_Electronics_In_Car_Entertainment_GPS_In_Car_Audio_Players_PP&hash=item45f281adc2

Really cheap and comes complete with either facia......... but is it any good? Any brave person bought one?

Waja · **Reply #23: April 29, 2010, 08:29:53**

I'd love to get one of those units, and have had decent experience with an aftermarket unit like this before (installed one in my sister's yaris). The main problem with these is that the audio quality is compromised compared to the stock headunit or other aftermarket branded headunits. Love to see how someone else finds this unit if they do buy one!

reecho · **Reply #24: April 30, 2010, 05:02:46**

The good thing about the chinese units is that you can use the GPS software of your choice.....not limited to one type.

jay · **Reply #25: December 22, 2010, 22:48:23**

Any one upgraded theirs? I would consider a cheap one if I still had the steering controls and gps was ok.

DJHARRY73 · **Reply #26: December 22, 2010, 23:19:52**

Take a look at my pics I have the Pioneer AVH 4200 , It all depends on what u want out of it , I care much for Ipod Video display since I have 2500 video clips , but if you just care to hear music then its fine, the AVH 4200 its upgradable for bluethooth , navigation, rear view cam, satellite radio and wheel controls as well