I have the RES system. I could not find any information about decoding Dolby digital but after testing it I believe that it does. If it turns out that it doesn't then it does something beyond surround sound. I used a DVD called AVIA which I also use on my home theater system. In one test you can hear a noise fade from one speaker to the next in a circle around the car. I don't think you can do that with just Dolby Surround Sound. Overall I'm impressed with the sound system and the playback of DVD's. If you have a Dolby Digital System at home I don't think you will be disappointed with the Pilot's Audio. The bass is also very good. As they say, it's all good.
RES - DVD Rear Entertainment System
Does anyone know much about the RES? I've never been able to actually see it function in person. I guess my biggest question is does it decode Dolby Digital (or the wimpier Dolby Surround Sound)? I know it have plenty of speakers in the Pilot....but does it use them the way a home DVD system would? I'd be surprised if it does...to be honest. They don't seem to advertise it that way.
1 - 20 of 53 Posts
Thanks!!!
Thanks alot Steve for doing a sound test. I sure can't get my dealer to do that for me!!! What you've told me sounds like good news...or at least better than I was expecting. When you heard the sound travel in a circle....did it sound like the rears had separate sound as well...or was it more like a triangle ( Front-Right, Center???, Rear, Front Left.....or vice versa). Just a quick refresher (from what I can remember) in the differences between Dolby Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby DTS.
Dolby Surround was the first...and it's used mostly with VHS tapes and broadcast television. It's done with "stereo wiring"....with additional info decoded into those two channels. There is Front Left, Front Right, Center, Surround (one channel only), and a subwoofer (not a separate channel...but done through a band pass filter). Most setups would actually have two rear speakers...but they would be sent the exact same signal from the amplier. And that signal was quite weak compared to the superior Dolby Digital and DTS. Hence the reason that the early Surround Sound setups useds small speakers for surrounds. Most current setups that used Dolby Digital and DTS use the same type speakers for the surrounds as they do for the front left and right speakers. But don't knock it....it was a pretty good surround effect considering that all the broadcast and video storage setups were designed t present audio in stereo only.
Dolby Digital (5.1) was next....and it requires a digital signal such as a DVD, Digital Cable, or higher end DBS (direct broadcast satellite) setups. If decoded with the proper equipment, it will give 6 distinct channels. They are Front Left, Front Right, Center, Rear Left, Rear Right, and Subwoofer. They now have Dolby Digital (6.1) that adds a Rear Center channel.
DTS (5.1) is very similar to Dolby Digital (5.1). It used the same speaker configurations. The only big difference is that DTS is totally uncompressed. It takes up more room on a DVD...hence the reason it was slow to be adopted to DVDs. With the higher end methods of DVD burning becoming more affordable, most DVDs not offer both Dolby Digital AND DTS on the same DVD.
My dealer's service manager has been digging into the Pilot's manual and he concluded that it probably didn't have surround sound...just dolby noise reduction. But he said that he wasn't done yet...and wanted to check a few sources. If the RES actually does decode Dolby Digital...or even Dolby Surround....shame on Honda for not advertising that. Almost all aftermarket systems are stereo sound only.
Thanks alot Steve for doing a sound test. I sure can't get my dealer to do that for me!!! What you've told me sounds like good news...or at least better than I was expecting. When you heard the sound travel in a circle....did it sound like the rears had separate sound as well...or was it more like a triangle ( Front-Right, Center???, Rear, Front Left.....or vice versa). Just a quick refresher (from what I can remember) in the differences between Dolby Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby DTS.
Dolby Surround was the first...and it's used mostly with VHS tapes and broadcast television. It's done with "stereo wiring"....with additional info decoded into those two channels. There is Front Left, Front Right, Center, Surround (one channel only), and a subwoofer (not a separate channel...but done through a band pass filter). Most setups would actually have two rear speakers...but they would be sent the exact same signal from the amplier. And that signal was quite weak compared to the superior Dolby Digital and DTS. Hence the reason that the early Surround Sound setups useds small speakers for surrounds. Most current setups that used Dolby Digital and DTS use the same type speakers for the surrounds as they do for the front left and right speakers. But don't knock it....it was a pretty good surround effect considering that all the broadcast and video storage setups were designed t present audio in stereo only.
Dolby Digital (5.1) was next....and it requires a digital signal such as a DVD, Digital Cable, or higher end DBS (direct broadcast satellite) setups. If decoded with the proper equipment, it will give 6 distinct channels. They are Front Left, Front Right, Center, Rear Left, Rear Right, and Subwoofer. They now have Dolby Digital (6.1) that adds a Rear Center channel.
DTS (5.1) is very similar to Dolby Digital (5.1). It used the same speaker configurations. The only big difference is that DTS is totally uncompressed. It takes up more room on a DVD...hence the reason it was slow to be adopted to DVDs. With the higher end methods of DVD burning becoming more affordable, most DVDs not offer both Dolby Digital AND DTS on the same DVD.
My dealer's service manager has been digging into the Pilot's manual and he concluded that it probably didn't have surround sound...just dolby noise reduction. But he said that he wasn't done yet...and wanted to check a few sources. If the RES actually does decode Dolby Digital...or even Dolby Surround....shame on Honda for not advertising that. Almost all aftermarket systems are stereo sound only.
I only did a quick test with Avia in the car. In the circular test it sounded to me like the noise traveled very well to each speaker. The system is able to fade sound to each area of the car. I'm not 100% sure each speaker is on it's own channel. Right now I'm thinking that the subwoofer is not on it's own channel. It appeared to be linked to the speakers. I'm not sure what that means if it's true.
After I tested the car, I went into the house and played around with that system. I found another test in which you hear a voice make an announcement on each speaker and the LFE(subwoofer) channel. That test showed very clearly that my Dolby Digital Home system was working properly. When I get home from work tonight I'll try that test in the car and report back what I find. This time I'll get my head down by the speakers and see if I hear the voice only on one speaker at a time. It's slightly more challenging in the car but I should be able to tell.
I can tell you that the DVD player does say Dolby Digital. Not sure about the radio.
Let me know if you would like me to look for anything else. I enjoy doing this so it's no problem.
When I played my DVD of The First Element, it sounded great. Good surround effects and the explosions sounded good. It did not sound like a cheap 2 way stereo system. I was satisfied with the performance and I'm used to Dolby Digital.
After I tested the car, I went into the house and played around with that system. I found another test in which you hear a voice make an announcement on each speaker and the LFE(subwoofer) channel. That test showed very clearly that my Dolby Digital Home system was working properly. When I get home from work tonight I'll try that test in the car and report back what I find. This time I'll get my head down by the speakers and see if I hear the voice only on one speaker at a time. It's slightly more challenging in the car but I should be able to tell.
I can tell you that the DVD player does say Dolby Digital. Not sure about the radio.
Let me know if you would like me to look for anything else. I enjoy doing this so it's no problem.
When I played my DVD of The First Element, it sounded great. Good surround effects and the explosions sounded good. It did not sound like a cheap 2 way stereo system. I was satisfied with the performance and I'm used to Dolby Digital.
Thanks again Steve
The test you're going to try tonight should tell me exactly what I wish to know. Regarding the subwoofer...when you're testing that....keep in mind that it's difficult to tell where the subwoofer sound is coming from. If you put your ear up to it....you'll be able to tell....and probably feel a good thumping on your face. When I get mine (hopefully by the end of this month), I'll be anxious to try a DVD-Music disc. I have two....one classical and one of the Police's first album. It sure is cool hearing music that's been re-mixed for the "newer" 5.1 technology. It'll also be cool playing my handful of Music Video DVD's. People in the back can watch and listen....and if you're up front....you'll still be able to listen to the music in 5.1.
On a side note....what do you think of the quality of the video monitor? I've never seen it work...just pictures of it.
Thanks again Steve. Sure is great to have a forum like this where you can get answers from other users experiences.
The test you're going to try tonight should tell me exactly what I wish to know. Regarding the subwoofer...when you're testing that....keep in mind that it's difficult to tell where the subwoofer sound is coming from. If you put your ear up to it....you'll be able to tell....and probably feel a good thumping on your face. When I get mine (hopefully by the end of this month), I'll be anxious to try a DVD-Music disc. I have two....one classical and one of the Police's first album. It sure is cool hearing music that's been re-mixed for the "newer" 5.1 technology. It'll also be cool playing my handful of Music Video DVD's. People in the back can watch and listen....and if you're up front....you'll still be able to listen to the music in 5.1.
On a side note....what do you think of the quality of the video monitor? I've never seen it work...just pictures of it.
Thanks again Steve. Sure is great to have a forum like this where you can get answers from other users experiences.
Well my lunch plans got cancelled so I went home to play with my Pilot Audio system. I'm sorry to say that I don't think it does Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.
Test revealed.
Center = Play all speakers
Left Front = All speakers on left
Right Front = All speakers on right
Left Rear = All speaker on left
Right Rear = All speakers on right
Subwoofer = I'm not sure.
The Avia test DVD did not direct sound to each speaker like it does on my home system. I assume this means it's not Dolby Digital. Other test on the DVD do give you the feeling that the sound is moving from front right, to front center, to front right. The rear left and the rear right always played at the same volume. I never got a sense that sound was moving from right rear to left rear. I could notice the sound moving from back to front.
After finding this out I played a DVD thinking this time I would not like the sound as much, however I still think it does a pretty good job of making it sound like things are flying around you.
Sorry to get your hopes up thinking that it was Dolby Digital. I do still think it sounds good.
The screen is pretty good quality. Of course any screen that I see I think should be bigger and this one is no exception.
I hope that helped. I wish they just stated in the manual what the audio/dvd system is capable of doing. I guess some day we will be driving around with Dolby Digital audio and High Definition TV. Just not yet.
Test revealed.
Center = Play all speakers
Left Front = All speakers on left
Right Front = All speakers on right
Left Rear = All speaker on left
Right Rear = All speakers on right
Subwoofer = I'm not sure.
The Avia test DVD did not direct sound to each speaker like it does on my home system. I assume this means it's not Dolby Digital. Other test on the DVD do give you the feeling that the sound is moving from front right, to front center, to front right. The rear left and the rear right always played at the same volume. I never got a sense that sound was moving from right rear to left rear. I could notice the sound moving from back to front.
After finding this out I played a DVD thinking this time I would not like the sound as much, however I still think it does a pretty good job of making it sound like things are flying around you.
Sorry to get your hopes up thinking that it was Dolby Digital. I do still think it sounds good.
The screen is pretty good quality. Of course any screen that I see I think should be bigger and this one is no exception.
I hope that helped. I wish they just stated in the manual what the audio/dvd system is capable of doing. I guess some day we will be driving around with Dolby Digital audio and High Definition TV. Just not yet.
Let me make it clear that I wanted to get the RES (and leather) but the higher power (wife) nixed it :3:. However, upon mentioning this fact to my salesman as I was signing the papers on my EX (w/no leather & no RES), he indicated that I could get an aftermarket RES/DVD that included a TV tuner and 13" monitor for about the same price. (Still wanted to be driving out the EX-L RES, tho.)
Steve01 said:The screen is pretty good quality. Of course any screen that I see I think should be bigger and this one is no exception.
Hmmmm.....
Well....I'm less sold on the RES system now. I'm not convinced I can do any better with an aftermarket for the same price (or even a little more)....but I think I'll hold off for now. OK...to be honest...if I could choose between an EP (Evergreen Pearl) EX-L and an EP EX-RES.....I'd probably still go with the RES. However, I can get an EP EX-L now....and would have to wait another 4 weeks for an EP EX-RES. So.....it looks like I'll be calling my dealer tomorrow morning to put my name on the EX-L. I may not be sold on the RES....but I am sold on Evergreen Pearl....great color. I also saw my first HB (Havasu Blue) Pilot last night. I liked it too....but it was an EX (no leather)....so I didn't spend much time drooling over it. Thanks again Steve for all your research.
Well....I'm less sold on the RES system now. I'm not convinced I can do any better with an aftermarket for the same price (or even a little more)....but I think I'll hold off for now. OK...to be honest...if I could choose between an EP (Evergreen Pearl) EX-L and an EP EX-RES.....I'd probably still go with the RES. However, I can get an EP EX-L now....and would have to wait another 4 weeks for an EP EX-RES. So.....it looks like I'll be calling my dealer tomorrow morning to put my name on the EX-L. I may not be sold on the RES....but I am sold on Evergreen Pearl....great color. I also saw my first HB (Havasu Blue) Pilot last night. I liked it too....but it was an EX (no leather)....so I didn't spend much time drooling over it. Thanks again Steve for all your research.
Reply from rearseatvideo.com
I posted some questions to rearseatvideo.com regarding putting their "Honda Odyssey" VHS/DVD kit in the Pilot. Here is there response. Keep in mind it's a question posted to the sales department...so take it for what it's worth. It does include a few bits of useful info.
"We have no doubt that the Odyssey kit will work in the Pilot. Like you
said the video source unit will be mounted differently I assume. The
Pilot just came out here so no news for a while. The Odyssey kit has
instructions that would get you by on the installation I am sure.
The factory in dash Odyssey DVD player has no RCA (Audio/Video) jacks so
it can not be used with our systems. The Pilot DVD player may be
different we do not know yet.
The 10.4" screen is big but the perfect size. You will only loose about
2/3 of the vision out the rear mirror with the screen down. When it is
up you will not loose any vision. (This is going off what we found on
the Odyssey) The mirror can usually be adjusted around the screen to get
more view. The 10.4" is everyone's favorite screen that has seen it
installed."
I posted some questions to rearseatvideo.com regarding putting their "Honda Odyssey" VHS/DVD kit in the Pilot. Here is there response. Keep in mind it's a question posted to the sales department...so take it for what it's worth. It does include a few bits of useful info.
"We have no doubt that the Odyssey kit will work in the Pilot. Like you
said the video source unit will be mounted differently I assume. The
Pilot just came out here so no news for a while. The Odyssey kit has
instructions that would get you by on the installation I am sure.
The factory in dash Odyssey DVD player has no RCA (Audio/Video) jacks so
it can not be used with our systems. The Pilot DVD player may be
different we do not know yet.
The 10.4" screen is big but the perfect size. You will only loose about
2/3 of the vision out the rear mirror with the screen down. When it is
up you will not loose any vision. (This is going off what we found on
the Odyssey) The mirror can usually be adjusted around the screen to get
more view. The 10.4" is everyone's favorite screen that has seen it
installed."
13" screen ? Wouldn't it block the rear-view if installed on the ceiling ? I know there was some thread discussing about this issue over on our sister-site acuramdx.org.
Great to read all the informative postings by WNY and Steve. Thanks guys. This is what makes this forum such a nice place to hang out.
Great to read all the informative postings by WNY and Steve. Thanks guys. This is what makes this forum such a nice place to hang out.
pjl56 said:Let me make it clear that I wanted to get the RES (and leather) but the higher power (wife) nixed it :3:. However, upon mentioning this fact to my salesman as I was signing the papers on my EX (w/no leather & no RES), he indicated that I could get an aftermarket RES/DVD that included a TV tuner and 13" monitor for about the same price. (Still wanted to be driving out the EX-L RES, tho.)
I guess some of you guys aren't old enough to remember the conversion vans where a rear mirror-view was a moot point. Ditto, if you've ever driven a delivery truck, etc. Kind of like doing without a sun roof or a moon roof, somehow we survived .
Ditto, props to Steve and WNY.
.Ditto, props to Steve and WNY.
03pilot said:13" screen ? Wouldn't it block the rear-view if installed on the ceiling ? I know there was some thread discussing about this issue over on our sister-site acuramdx.org.
Great to read all the informative postings by WNY and Steve. Thanks guys. This is what makes this forum such a nice place to hang out.
Here's an aftermarket install with Navi conversion, not Pilot, I know, but close, very close
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5662&pagenumber=4
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5662&pagenumber=4
10.4" upgrade kit for Pilot w/ RES/DVD
I have seen a 10.4" screen demo at CircuitCity. It didn't look that obstructive to the rear view mirror. 13" may present a problem.
Any way I received a reply from RearSeatVideo, and they will try the 10.4" screen on a Pilot and migh develop an upgrade kit for Honda factory installed RES/DVD.
Cheers,
"We do not have a specific kit for the Pilot yet. Soon! As far as we can tell the Universal 10.4" will work. We expect a Pilot to be in our shop soon for testing and developing. The direct link to the site is at... http://www.rearseatvideo.com/101.htm ( click on link ) We might be able to link the 10.4" screen assembly to work with the rest of your RES components, we are not sure yet. Otherwise you will have to purchase the complete universal kit.
If I can be of further assistance, please let me know. "
Regards,
Mike Petrie
National Sales Manager
www.RearSeatVideo.com
[email protected]
:6: :6: Mike! Hurry up! We're waiting...
I have seen a 10.4" screen demo at CircuitCity. It didn't look that obstructive to the rear view mirror. 13" may present a problem.
Any way I received a reply from RearSeatVideo, and they will try the 10.4" screen on a Pilot and migh develop an upgrade kit for Honda factory installed RES/DVD.
Cheers,
"We do not have a specific kit for the Pilot yet. Soon! As far as we can tell the Universal 10.4" will work. We expect a Pilot to be in our shop soon for testing and developing. The direct link to the site is at... http://www.rearseatvideo.com/101.htm ( click on link ) We might be able to link the 10.4" screen assembly to work with the rest of your RES components, we are not sure yet. Otherwise you will have to purchase the complete universal kit.
If I can be of further assistance, please let me know. "
Regards,
Mike Petrie
National Sales Manager
www.RearSeatVideo.com
[email protected]
:6: :6: Mike! Hurry up! We're waiting...
You guys can also try three other sites:
www.theautoaccessories.com
www.savinglots.com
www.millionbuy.com
The 10.4 and 13.3 are much cheaper than anywhere else I could find info on.
I used www.five-stars.com for my 7 inch flip-down. They claim it's the smallest 7 inch flip down in the world. It could be true.
www.theautoaccessories.com
www.savinglots.com
www.millionbuy.com
The 10.4 and 13.3 are much cheaper than anywhere else I could find info on.
I used www.five-stars.com for my 7 inch flip-down. They claim it's the smallest 7 inch flip down in the world. It could be true.
How much did installation cost?
For those of you who bought aftermarket RES, how much did installation cost? If you did the install yourself, how much was the level of difficulty? Do you have step-by-step pictures of your install?
Also, does anyone know what brand Honda uses for their RES?
For those of you who bought aftermarket RES, how much did installation cost? If you did the install yourself, how much was the level of difficulty? Do you have step-by-step pictures of your install?
Also, does anyone know what brand Honda uses for their RES?
Rearseatvideo
I'm betting rearseatvideo is going to be the cleanest "do-it-yourself" solution available for awhile. Everybody that's interested should email them with questions so they realize this is something the market wants.
I'm betting rearseatvideo is going to be the cleanest "do-it-yourself" solution available for awhile. Everybody that's interested should email them with questions so they realize this is something the market wants.
Re: How much did installation cost?
DVD player: $190
Tuner: $199
7 inch screen: $280
Backup camera: $145
Power inverter: $45
AVC-RGB1 Decoder: $120
So about $1000 for parts and $800 for install.
Here are the details:
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5662&pagenumber=1
I did the Navi conversion, DVD/VCD/mp3 player, TV tuner, rear 7 inch flip-down, backup camera, rear center console A/V inputs and power inverter with full install by the installer all for $1800.crikey said:For those of you who bought aftermarket RES, how much did installation cost? If you did the install yourself, how much was the level of difficulty? Do you have step-by-step pictures of your install?
Also, does anyone know what brand Honda uses for their RES?
DVD player: $190
Tuner: $199
7 inch screen: $280
Backup camera: $145
Power inverter: $45
AVC-RGB1 Decoder: $120
So about $1000 for parts and $800 for install.
Here are the details:
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5662&pagenumber=1
this is very nice. The price is very reasonable as well.
I am looking in getting a Pilot EX-L. The DVD is a $1,500 option.
Since I am not getting the Nav part I only care about the DVD/Entertainment. I would like to get the ~10 inch screen.
My concern is not the parts. I can get them around on the net. (all off you guys/gals are great help). It is the installer that I can trust not to mess things around into a vehicle he (the installer) has not experience with.
I have been to Best buy and Cicuit city and somehow their sales/installers do not strike me as people I can trust.
Anyone knows of an installer in the SF Bay area that know what they are doing in the DVD/Entertainment install?
Cheers
Nick
I am looking in getting a Pilot EX-L. The DVD is a $1,500 option.
Since I am not getting the Nav part I only care about the DVD/Entertainment. I would like to get the ~10 inch screen.
My concern is not the parts. I can get them around on the net. (all off you guys/gals are great help). It is the installer that I can trust not to mess things around into a vehicle he (the installer) has not experience with.
I have been to Best buy and Cicuit city and somehow their sales/installers do not strike me as people I can trust.
Anyone knows of an installer in the SF Bay area that know what they are doing in the DVD/Entertainment install?
Cheers
Nick
this is very nice. The price is very reasonable as well.
I am looking in getting a Pilot EX-L. The DVD is a $1,500 option.
Since I am not getting the Nav part I only care about the DVD/Entertainment. I would like to get the ~10 inch screen.
My concern is not the parts. I can get them around on the net. (all off you guys/gals are great help). It is the installer that I can trust not to mess things around into a vehicle he (the installer) has not experience with.
I have been to Best buy and Cicuit city and somehow their sales/installers do not strike me as people I can trust.
Anyone knows of an installer in the SF Bay area that know what they are doing in the DVD/Entertainment install?
Cheers
Nick
I am looking in getting a Pilot EX-L. The DVD is a $1,500 option.
Since I am not getting the Nav part I only care about the DVD/Entertainment. I would like to get the ~10 inch screen.
My concern is not the parts. I can get them around on the net. (all off you guys/gals are great help). It is the installer that I can trust not to mess things around into a vehicle he (the installer) has not experience with.
I have been to Best buy and Cicuit city and somehow their sales/installers do not strike me as people I can trust.
Anyone knows of an installer in the SF Bay area that know what they are doing in the DVD/Entertainment install?
Cheers
Nick
I was recently at a Circuit City installation center to have a radar detector hard-wired inside my Pilot. I watched as they were also installing an Audiovox DVD/TV RES in a Toyota Sequoia. The tech showed me the basic set-up which was similar to the Honda OEM except the player was mounted behind the third row seats; I thought it looked very nice. Approx $1800 installed, he said.
With two children under age 6 and another on the way, I'm tempted.
With two children under age 6 and another on the way, I'm tempted.
1 - 20 of 53 Posts
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