Video Entertainment System Description and Operation Non-Headrest DVD Systems

Each item in the list below represents topics covered in detail below.

Rear Seat Entertainment Circuit Operation

RSE Power

The rear seat entertainment (RSE) uses a switched battery voltage feed circuit for power moding. The radio outputs power to this circuit via the entertainment remote enable signal circuit.

RSE Grounds

The vehicle harness provides a ground for the RSE circuits.

RSE Data Link Communication

The RSE does not communicate with serial data.

RSE Outputs

At minimum volume, the plus (+) and minus (-) audio signals are approximately half battery voltage, measured to vehicle ground. These audio signals are sent from the radio to the Infrared Module, most systems have a common minus (-) signal.

Rear Seat Entertainment Components

The RSE system includes:

DVD Player

The DVD player is interated into the radio, and will display on the rear screen. The DVD player can be controlled by both the buttons on the DVD player and by the buttons on the remote control. The DVD player power may be turned on when the ignition is in the run, accessory, or retained accessory power (RAP) power modes. DVDs are manufactured with different region codes based on the country in which they are sold. Therefore, the RSE system DVD player is only compatible with the region code where the vehicle is sold. The DVD region code is printed on the jacket of most DVDs. Home recorded CDs, CD-R or CD-RW formats, may not play in the DVD player.

Playing a Disc

To play a disc, gently insert the disc with the label side up, into the loading slot. The DVD player will continue to load the disc and the player will automatically start if the vehicle ignition is in an enabled power mode. If a disc is already in the player, press the play/pause button on the face of the DVD player or on the remote control. Some DVDs will not allow the user to fast forward or skip the copyright or previews. Some DVDs will automatically begin to play after the previews have finished. If the DVD does not begin to play the main title, refer to the on-screen instructions, and press play on the DVD player buttons or on the remote control.

DVD Messages

The following errors may be displayed on the video screen monitor.

Disc Format Error: This message will be displayed if a disc is inserted upside down, the disc is not able to be read, or if the disc format is not compatible with the DVD player.

Load / Eject Error: This message will be displayed if the disc is not able to properly load or eject.

Disc Play Error: This message will be displayed if the DVD player cannot play the disc. Severely damaged discs will cause this error.

Region Code Error:  This message will be displayed if the region code of the DVD media is not compatible with the DVD player.

No Disc: This message will be displayed if the play button is pressed and there is no disc in the DVD player.

Parental Control

The RSE system may have a Parental Control feature, depending on which radio the vehicle has. To start Parental Control, press and hold the radio power button for more than two seconds to stop all system features such as: radio, video screen, RSA, DVD and/or CD. While Parental Control is on, a padlock icon displays. The radio can be turned back on with a single press of the power button, but the RSE system will remain under Parental Control. To turn Parental Control off, press and hold the radio power button for more than two seconds. The RSE returns from where it was previously left and the padlock icon disappears from the radio display. Parental Control can also be turned off by inserting or ejecting any disc, pressing the play icon on the radio DVD display menu, or changing an ignition position.

Video Screen

The rear display screen shows video from either DVD movies, or an AUX input device, such as a video game console or camera. Each video screen has a dedicated video signal circuit to the radio.

Remote Control

To use the remote control, aim it at the infrared window below the video screen and press the desired remote control button. Direct sunlight or very bright light may affect the ability of the entertainment system to receive signals from the remote control. If the remote control does not seem to be working, the batteries may need to be replaced. Objects blocking the line of sight may affect the function of the remote control.

If the remote control is to be stored for a long period of time, remove the batteries and keep them in a cool, dry place. Do not store the remote control in heat or direct sunlight. This could damage the remote control. Keep the remote control stored in a cool, dry place.

Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones are optional and allow for rear seat passengers to use the RSE or RSA functions without disturbing the listening of front seat passengers. The wireless headphones receive audio signals from the infrared (IR) transmitters on the overhead console. This transmission is line of sight only, so audio quality will be degraded if anything blocks the transmitter signal from reaching the headphones. On some models, the infrared transmitter will have red LEDs illuminated when the RSE is activated.

The wireless headphones include 2 channels. This allows rear seat passengers to utilize both RSE and RSA functions without disturbing one another. The toggle switch on the right side headphone earpiece switches between channel one and channel 2. RSE is broadcast on channel one, and RSA on channel 2.

Each set of headphones has a rotary volume control. To adjust the volume, adjust this control. The headphones may automatically turn OFF if they lose the infrared signal from the system for approximately 4 minutes in order to preserve their battery power. The signal may be lost if the system is turned off or if the headphones are out of range of the infrared signal transmitters that are located near the video display screen.

AUX Inputs

The AUX input jacks are standard color-coded RCA-style jacks. Video is yellow, right audio is red, and left audio is white. The jacks are located on the rear of the center console. A number of devices may be plugged into the AUX jacks, including, but not limited to video game consoles, digital cameras, camcorders, or other devices. Audio only sources can be played through the AUX jacks from portable audio devices. Turn on the RSA, press the SOURCE key repeatedly until AUX is selected or touch the AUX screen button. An auxiliary device must be connected for the AUX screen button to appear as an option to select on the radio.

Rear Seat Audio (RSA)

The RSA is integrated into the rear HVAC control module. Audio, video source are controlled by the radio through serial data communication. Some sources are; radio (AM/FM), XM™ (if equipped), CD, and if the vehicle has these features, DVD, front auxiliary, and rear auxiliary.

The rear speaker channels pass through the RSA. The rear seat audio can be muted by the RSA when in use. The RSE system includes a radio with a DVD player, a video display screen, 2 wireless headphones, and a remote control.

Audio Outputs

Audio from the DVD player or auxiliary inputs may be heard through the following possible sources:

The RSE system will always transmit the audio signal by infrared to the wireless headphones, if there is audio available. The RSE system is capable of outputting audio to the vehicle speakers. Once the RSE system is selected as an audio source on the radio you may adjust the speaker volume on the radio to control the volume of the audio to the speakers.

The RSE system is capable of outputting audio to the wired headphone jacks on the rear seat audio controller if the vehicle is so equipped. The RSE system may be selected as an audio source on the Rear Seat Audio controller if the RSE system power is on.

Wired Headphone Jacks

The RSA controller is equipped with two 2.5 mm jacks for wired headphones. The headphones can be used to listen to either the RSE or RSA functions. If both RSE and RSA are used at the same time, the wired headphones may receive only RSA audio.

To use the wired headphones, plug the headphones into the jacks. The left knob controls the left headphones and the right knob controls the right headphones.

Video Entertainment System Description and Operation Dual Headrest DVD Systems

Each item in the list below represents topics covered in detail below.

Dual Headrest DVD Circuit Operation

Dual Headrest DVD Power

The Dual Headrest DVD uses a switched battery voltage feed circuit for power moding.

Dual Headrest DVD Grounds

The vehicle harness provides a ground for the Dual Headrest DVD system.

Dual Headrest DVD Data Link Communication

The Dual Headrest DVD system does not communicate with serial data.

Dual Headrest DVD Outputs

The Dual Headrest DVD system can only output video to each screen and through the AV output for external devices such as a camcorder.

Dual Headrest DVD Components

The Dual Headrest DVD system includes:

Dual Headrest DVD Player

The DVD players are integrated the display screen. The DVD player can be controlled by both the buttons on the DVD player and by the buttons on the remote control. The DVD player power may be turned on when the ignition is in the run, accessory, or retained accessory power (RAP) power modes. DVDs are manufactured with different region codes based on the country in which they are sold. Therefore, the DVD player is only compatible with the region code where the vehicle is sold. The DVD region code is printed on the jacket of most DVDs. Home recorded CDs, CD-R or CD-RW formats, may not play in the DVD player.

Playing a Disc

To play a disc, gently insert the disc with the label side facing the back of the vehicle, into the loading slot. The DVD player will continue to load the disc and the player will automatically start if the vehicle ignition is in an enabled power mode. If a disc is already in the player, press the play/pause button on the face of the DVD player or on the remote control. Some DVDs will not allow the user to fast forward or skip the copyright or previews. Some DVDs will automatically begin to play after the previews have finished. If the DVD does not begin to play the main title, refer to the on-screen instructions, and press play on the DVD player buttons or on the remote control.

DVD Messages

The following errors may be displayed on the video screen monitor.

Disc Format Error: This message will be displayed if a disc is inserted upside down, the disc is not able to be read, or if the disc format is not compatible with the DVD player.

Load / Eject Error: This message will be displayed if the disc is not able to properly load or eject.

Disc Play Error: This message will be displayed if the DVD player cannot play the disc. Severely damaged discs will cause this error.

Region Code Error:  This message will be displayed if the region code of the DVD media is not compatible with the DVD player.

No Disc: This message will be displayed if the play button is pressed and there is no disc in the DVD player. If the disc is inserted wrong, the DVD player automatically ejects the disc and No Disc displays.

Parental Control

Part of the SETUP MENU lets users control the type of movie rating content (from G to Adult) that can be viewed and is only accessible when no disc is loaded. The parental control feature limits viewing to the selected preference. If a disc is inserted into the DVD compartment slot and it exceeds the Parental Setting, the following message appears on display: "The Parental Setting of this player prohibits play. Would you like to allow this disc to play?"

If yes if selected, the six digit password must be entered for the disc to play. If the wrong password is entered, the following message appears: " This movie will not play due to the Parental Setting of the player. To create a six digit password, use the numeric keypad on the remote control. Press the ENTER button to confirm." The default password is 136900.

Video Screen

The rear display screen shows video from either DVD player, or an AUX input device, such as a video game console or camera. Each video screen has a dedicated video signal circuit to the DVD control. If the vehicle is equipped with rear seat entertainment, there is no way to source the movie from the rear seat entertainment to the Dual Headrest DVD screens.

DVD Control Module

The two video screens are linked together by the DVD Control Module. This module allows screen 1 to source the media being played on screen 2. Video, audio, power, and remote signals are sent from the DVD Control Module, to each of the video screens. Video and audio signals are sent from the screen to the control module, and then to both screens.

Remote Control

To use the remote control, aim it at the infrared window above the video screen and press the desired remote control button. Direct sunlight or very bright light may affect the ability of the entertainment system to receive signals from the remote control. If the remote control does not seem to be working, the batteries may need to be replaced. Objects blocking the line of sight may affect the function of the remote control.

If the remote control is to be stored for a long period of time, remove the batteries and keep them in a cool, dry place. Do not store the remote control in heat or direct sunlight. This could damage the remote control. Keep the remote control stored in a cool, dry place.

Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones allow for rear seat passengers to use the Dual Headrest DVD player without disturbing the listening of front seat passengers. The wireless headphones receive audio signals from the infrared (IR) transmitters on the overhead console. This transmission is line of sight only, so audio quality will be degraded if anything blocks the transmitter signal from reaching the headphones, or if the headphones are placed in the front of the vehicle. On some models, the infrared transmitter will have red LEDs illuminated when activated.

The wireless headphones include 2 channels. This allows rear seat passengers to utilize both screens individually without disturbing one another.

Each set of headphones has a rotary volume control. To adjust the volume, adjust this control. The headphones may automatically turn OFF if they lose the infrared signal from the system for approximately 4 minutes in order to preserve their battery power. The signal may be lost if the system is turned off or if the headphones are out of range of the infrared signal transmitters that are located near the video display screen.

AUX Inputs

The AUX input jacks are standard color-coded RCA-style jacks. Video is yellow, right audio is red, and left audio is white. The jacks are located on the front of the monitor. A number of devices may be plugged into the AUX jacks, including, but not limited to video game consoles, digital cameras, camcorders, or other devices. Audio only sources can be played through the AUX jacks from portable audio devices.

Audio Outputs

Audio from the DVD player or auxiliary inputs may be heard through the following possible sources:

The Dual Headrest DVD system will always transmit the audio signal by infrared to the wireless headphones, if there is audio available. The Dual Headrest DVD system may be capable of outputting audio to the vehicle speakers via the FM transmitter. Once the correct FM frequency is selected as an audio source on the radio you may adjust the speaker volume on the radio to control the volume of the audio to the speakers. Only one audio source can be heard through the vehicle’s speakers at a time. The audio source being used is specified by the A/V (audio/video) source selected on the driver side head restraint monitor.

The Dual Headrest DVD system is capable of outputting audio through the wired headphone jacks on the monitors.

Wired Headphone Jacks

Each headrest monitor is equipped with a 2.5 mm jack for wired headphones. To use the wired headphones, plug the headphones into the jacks. The headphones can be used to listen to any source the Dual Headrest DVD system can source.