DVD Navigation Option

[ShouldIbuyaSolara]

I'm trying to get a clear understanding of the Toyota DVD Navigation option for the Solara but the salespeople seem to be lacking in sales info/training.

Specifically

1: Does it come with or allow for a camera to be hooked up
2: Does anyone that has one like it or not and why
3: Do you think it's better than GPS
4: Is it comprehensive and easy to use

[LunarMistGray]

1) No, it does not come w/camera like the Infiniti FX45 and I doubt you can connect a camera.
2) I like the Navi. It's nice and easy to use and accurate for me. You do have to read the instructions, but once you do you'll love it.
3) It uses GPS.
4) For me yes, but I'm pretty sure there will be some that say it's not accurate or it's difficult to use.


I hope this helps.

[ShouldIbuyaSolara]

Wouldn't you know it those salespeople led me to believe it was not GPS, simply displayed a map from a DVD. Do you know if this unit is made by Garmin or Magellan or some other company? At one time I almost purchased a Garmin.

[slingshot]

It uses both a DVD and GPS. I forget the name of the company but it isn't Garmin or Magellan.

[erasat]

Check this Auction out, and also the seller website at www.oemvalue.com, I think is one of the best info you will find about this Navigation system from toyota.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... ename=WDVW

[seany]

Back-up CAMERA...

Yes, there is a back-up camera by Eclipse (model #BEC103) which is a simply plug&play which I have in my Sienna plugged into my 2004 Solara NAV (yes, I have solara nav in my sienna).
Eclipse is by Fujitsu-Ten who makes the Solara NAV unit.

[jsie]

3: Do you think it's better than GPS

I do not have Navigation, but I am familiar with it. Answering your question #3, the OEM navigation is utilizing the GPS technology together with the mapping comes in the DVD disk as well as utilizing your vehicle sensors. If you are reffering to compare with the stand alone GPS sold in electronic stores, my opinion is "yes" the OEM Navigation is better as I would say it gives better responsiveness to the direction as you are driving. Additionally the DVD gives extensive US map and easy to upgrade with newer map by just getting the newer DVD disk when newer revision is out.

[seany]

Just to further elaborate, all of Navigation systems use GPS technology, how else???

The map DVD contains the software to operate the NAV unit and the big database of map (street names, city, POI, phone #, etc.) of 48 US states & Canada so the NAV unit can display the map on the display.
The NAV uses it's GPS antenna to receive GPS satellite signals to figure out where you are on that map.

The major difference between one of those integrated (wired) NAV and the stand-alone handheld NAV units is the integrations with the car's speed sensor and the back-up sensor. So when the NAV loses it's GPS satellite signals, it still can, somewhat, figure out that you're moiving but this alone won't be very accurate once you're making turns.