Lexus Offers Very Ugly, Very Expensive Rear Seat Entertainment

I'm not sure what the guys over at Jalopnik are thinking, stating that "Lexus Does Backseat Entertainment Systems, Gets It Right"... This has got to be one of the ugliest rear-seat entertainment systems I've ever seen. And how much does it cost to add this eye-sore to your $40k+ plus grocery getter? And additional $4300!! Do you know what kind of Rear Seat Entertainment system (RSE) you can get for that kind of cheddar at an aftermarket car stereo shop? And do you realize how much better it will look?

The Lexus system looks like an unfolded laptop computer mounted to the back of each seat. The systems feature a wide WVGA screen and integrated slot-loading DVD player, and each "tablet" offers an A/V RCA input for game systems or additional sources, as well as USB and an SD card slot for MP3s and pictures. The screens can share a source if the passengers want to watch the same movie, or each screen can feature separate sources - movie on one, game system on the other. The system also includes a pair of infrared headphones (dual source I'm assuming).

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Product Test Drive: Griffin RoadTrip

We recently received a box of Griffin iPod accessories in the mail to test out and give you guys our opinion. Griffin is kind of new to me, and my first experience with their products was at CES this year. My initial impression from CES was that they had simple and clean designs, and looked to have a relatively high build quality. Griffin's product offering is quite large, so we thought we'd start out with the most common iPod devices for the car: the charger and the wireless FM transmitter.

Our first test drive is the Griffin RoadTrip, a slick-looking iPod charger and wireless FM transmitter combo. This little guy features a very bright white display, simple design, fully adjustable gooseneck and swivel display, and an audio/video output jack. The RoadTrip is compatible with the iPod Classic (80GB/160GB), Touch, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation iPod.

I was fairy impressed with the functionality and simplicity, and the swireless transmitter's sound quality was pretty strong and clear. Check out the full review after the break for detailed product photos, installed photos in a couple different cars, and our thoughts on the functionality and features.

 

Video: Scosche iPod Adapter for OE Toyota Tundra Radio

If you want to add iPod functionality to your Tundra's factory radio, Scosche's AXIPTA is an easy-to-use, great sounding solution. According to Scosche:
"The AXIPTA will work with all 2005-up Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles. Offering an auxiliary interface, the unit creates an auxiliary input on a factory stereo for an iPod player and integrates full iPod controls at the factory radio. These step-by-step instructions demonstrate functionality and product use."

Check out the video:

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RetroSound's Model One is a Modern Classic Solution

If you have an old school muscle car or retro-rod and you've tried to upgrade the audio system to something a bit more modern, then you're already familiar with your painful choices: either put the new radio in the glovebox, an underdash or custom-built console, or *gasp* cut the dash to fit a modern radio. Mounting a radio in the glove is fine, but controlling it can be complicated. An underdash shroud can look hokey if not done right. Custom built consoles can look really hokey if not done well. And cutting the dash... Well, for most that's simply NOT and option.

Old school radios use a shaft-mount system where the radio mounts from behind the dash panel and is secured in place using the shafts from the volume and tuning knobs. And sometimes the shaft opening is not a standard size, requiring even further modification to the dash panel. Modern radios use a standard DIN opening and requires a rectangular opening (approx 2" x 7") to accept a new radio.

But don't fret! If you want to respect your elder and maintain the classic OEM interior, better options are available! Take RetroSounds Model One radio for instance. I've seen a few modern shaft radio solutions, but this example is by far the most advanced yet. Get the details, pics, and check out some videos after the jump!

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Video How-To: Aux-In Interface Installation in Chevy Silverado

The guys at Scosche recently uploaded a bunch of video to their CarDomain video page, and there is quite an informative collection available, with information ranging from cool 'How-To" videos like the one below, to basic informational videos on things like their BlueLife line of Bluetooth products and walk-through of the demo/show cars. We'll continue to post up videos in the blog as Scosche makes them available, but feel free to check out the entire Scosche library over at CarDomain video.   

The following video gives a quick run-through of what's involved with adding its AXIPGMLAN auxiliary input interface in a 2007 Chevy Silverado. The AXIPGMLAN works with all 2007-up GM vehicles with LAN. Offering an auxiliary interface, the Scosche piece offers complete iPod control through the factory head unit. The video walks through installation and functionality.

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