Yesterday I installed my new radio, when I purchased the car, it already had a after market radio, a Sony MEX-BT2500. There was nothing wrong with the Sony unit, and it performed quite well. I had a Pioneer DVD unit in my previous Boxster, which I really enjoyed. The remote and touch screen capabilities makes it easier to navigate through the unit's menu, even though I don't really use the remote, it's more for the passenger if they choose to play DJ when I'm not up to it.
The new DVD players restrict you from viewing any DVDs while the car is in motion, but I bypassed that system, and installed a toggle switch to the left of the player to enable me to view movies while I'm driving (I really only use it while I'm on long trips). As of right now I have the basic setup, I will be adding my hook-ups for my iPod, satellite radio, reverse camera, and navigation in the weeks to come. I think I'll also change up the toggle switch so that it blends in more with the interior.
I spent about an hour last night configuring the setting for the Pioneer unit, there is so much you can do with it, and it sounds really nice even with the factory speakers. I'm planning on adding the rear speaker kit some time in the future, with the extra speakers blasting from behind my ears it should really have a nice sound effect.
On my previous Boxster I had the a similar Pioneer unit (Pioneer AVH-6500DVD) mounted in the din right below the temperature control. This is a good eye level position, but the problems you run into are, with the screen open, it will overlap your AC vents, plus any vehicle behind you can see what you are playing. Also during daylight hours, it can be hard to see the screen if you are playing a movie. Mounting the unit in the lower din, all the controls are much easier reach, you can't see the screen from outside of the car from behind or beside you. I am not sure about viewing the screen during daylight hours with the top down yet since it was too cold outside yesterday.
(Please forgive the crappy pictures, it was too cold to drop the top for me to set the camera on my tri-pod behind the car)
Old Sony head unit
Pioneer box
Pioneer in closed position
Radio
Some options
No video viewing
Press OK, and you can view the video
DeJa Vu
