Rosen OEM-like Navigation & Bluetooth

[Z71Texas06]

Thought I would update everyone on my experience with the Rosen OEM-like navigation I just bought, installed and returned to Crutchfield. My original decision to spend the ~$1600 was motivated by a desire to add bluetooth and a "real" ipod controller (have the Scosche controller right now which is spotty at best) without splicing wires or adding an ugly fob to the dash board (ie bluetooth screen). This unit was almost a homerun for exactly that until I discovered one fatal flaw during installation...it is NOT plug-n-play for the factory backup camera. Literally everything else was plug and play and worked great. The turns signals, the indicators, EVEN THE BACKUP SENSORS, just not the factory back-up camera. In the end, I wasn't willing to give up the camera, something I use every time the truck is in reverse, to add bluetooth and a better ipod controller. May sound ridiculous to those who don't have backup cameras and are perfectly comfortable with sensors (used to be that way with my 02 Tahoe), but once you have a camera you will NEVER go back.

Is this the end of the world for the Rosen unit or for others out there looking for a better system? Nope. There are options to fix the camera issue. First would be to tap into the video signal wire in the factory harness and make a custom RCA jack that will plug into the Rosen unit. I was turned off by this because I don't want to splice into the factory wiring and I was worried about video quality. Second option is to run a new camera to the back door and I wasn't excited about that for obvious reasons.

The Good:
**Very nice, OEM-like look to the unit. Even the button lights match the factory
**Built in Bluetooth giving you what GM failed to. If you already have Bluetooth because you were lucky enough to wait for the 2009 model year, the Bluetooth on this unit can be disabled so that you can continue using the factory option
**iPod control functions as it should, just like an iPod (ie: 4-point controller, buttons for artist, genre, etc.
**Navigation is better (how could it not be)
**Lots of add on abilities through different video sources, customization options, etc
**Two SD card slots in the front (one is dedicated to the navigation) and a mini-USB jack
**Have the option to disable the speed-sensitive disabling of features
**ALMOST plug and play

The Bad:
**Doesn’t play nice with the factory backup camera rendering the unit not truly plug-n-play
**Factory harnesses plug into another harness that then plugs into the Rosen unit. Sounds find except there is such limited space behind the dash that it is nearly impossible to get all the wires clear to mount the Rosen unit. In fact, I was never able to get it properly seated after 90 minutes of trying
**For vehicles equipped with rear-seat entertainment systems, the audio controls on the back of the center console will no longer work with the Rosen, everything will have to be controlled from the Rosen unit (didn’t seem like too big of a deal to me at the time)
**Some might complain that the SD slots are limited to 2 GB in size, but that doesn’t bother me as I was planning to use the iPod exclusively

Would I recommend this unit? IF any of the following apply, then I would absolutely recommend it:
**You do not have a back-up camera from the factory
**Your factory backup camera is integrated into the rear-view mirror, not your nav screen. (This is where I got false comfort. A Buick Enclave forum that had helpful install information about the Rosen unit had posts about their users deciding to leave the camera in the rear-view mirror, I just didn’t realize that it wasn’t plug-n-play.
**You don’t mind splicing the factory harness or running a new camera
**You don’t use the back-up camera (doubtful)

COMPATABILITY NOTE: There are two units sold by Rosen for the GM vehicles, the GM0710 and the GM0720. The GM0720 is for vehicles that are equipped with the Bose Centerpoint system. The tell tale sign for this is if there is a center channel speaker on the dashboard just above the center HVAC vents. If so, then you need the 0720. If not, you need the 0710. Most (but NOT all) Denali’s need the 0720, most (but NOT all) regular Yukons and Tahoes need the 0710
XM VS. IPOD NOTE: Some sites say that when you buy the GM0719 iPod control module for the Rosen that the XM radio functionality is disabled. That is NOT TRUE, the XM worked fine with the GM0719 and iPod installed.

Hope this research is helpful to others out there looking to decide on replacement units.

Some Links:
Rosen Unit at Crutchfield: Link (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-QFSW2jFvby8/p_135GM0720/Rosen-GM0720-Navigation-Receiver.html)
Buick Forum describing install: Link (http://www.enclaveforum.net/index.php?topic=5234.40)

ps: Would recommend doing business with Crutchfield as they were very helpful during the entire process.

[blaqout]

I think it would be more cost effective to go with an aftermarket such as a nice double din Pioneer or Kenwood. You wouldn't have to splice any wires as long as you buy the proper bypass module(s), that way if you ever had to go back to the factory unit it is truly "plug and play". You can retain rear controls and everything else that way. The most difficult part would be finding room to mount everything, but a nice cutting job with a jigsaw or Dremel could take care of that.

[Z71Texas06]

I think it would be more cost effective to go with an aftermarket such as a nice double din Pioneer or Kenwood. You wouldn't have to splice any wires as long as you buy the proper bypass module(s), that way if you ever had to go back to the factory unit it is truly "plug and play". You can retain rear controls and everything else that way. The most difficult part would be finding room to mount everything, but a nice cutting job with a jigsaw or Dremel could take care of that.

Assume you are refering to something like the PAC modules or similar? It is definitely an option, but the install is tricky and it has a non-factory look that invites unwelcome window bashers. That said, there is no doubting the cool features of some of the Pioneer/Kenwood units. Was your install completely plug-n-play? Do you have a backup camera?

[blaqout]

My install was completely plug and play, but I did not have the factory back up camera. I installed an aftermarket Pioneer camera with my unit. I do understand about the "non-factory look" but if you have the factory navigation the double din stereos with screens tend to look very similar whether factory or aftermarket in my opinion.

---------- Post added at 01:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:05 PM ----------

Actually I take that back, I did have to splice into one wire for the Steering Wheel controls at the BCM module, almost forgot about that. It was a pain, LOL! **EDIT: I just replaced the Metra harness with the PAC harness and it has a place for the SWI on so it is compeltely plug and play.

[04silverL]

Got any pics? Hows the Rosen been since the original post?

[Eagle]

Thought I would update everyone on my experience with the Rosen OEM-like navigation I just bought, installed and returned to Crutchfield.
emphasis added.

[Z71Texas06]

Got any pics? Hows the Rosen been since the original post?

As highlighted above, I returned the unit after a small amount of actual testing. I spoke to Rosen about why I returned (to refresh, primary reasons were (1) that it doesn't integrate the factory backup camera and (2) I couldn't find a way to effectively stuff the added harnesses and boxes from Rosen behind the stereo chassis). Their response was basically that, while they understand my apprehension about the factory backup camera, most of their units are sold to customers who DON'T have navigation from the factory (and thus don't have a factory backup camera, or if they do, it is integrated into the rear-view mirror). Thus, there isn't much motivation for them to figure out how to integrate the video signal from the factory harness into their unit. It's hard for me to know how difficult this task would be, but I just don't see how it is a very big deal.

If the backup camera issue could be resolved (by Rosen or by another aftermarket supplier like PAC), I would try again to figure out a way to get it installed because I really think the features and factory look of the Rosen make it worth the investment.

[SabrToothSqrl]

that is a very factory looking sat nav... the buttons are opposite, but it's very close... does the bluetooth show the incoming ID on the Nav unit or dash? does it sync your phone book so incoming calls show as NAMES?

[Z71Texas06]

that is a very factory looking sat nav... the buttons are opposite, but it's very close... does the bluetooth show the incoming ID on the Nav unit or dash? does it sync your phone book so incoming calls show as NAMES?

I believe it shows the numebr on the screen, but it does not sync with your phone's address book. To be honest, I didn't have time to test the bluetooth system as I never drove around with it installed.

[04silverL]

Well damn. I was looking at this unit. I may end up going with it as I do not have the factory backup camera. Ive heard good reviews on the enclave forums.

[Z71Texas06]

Well damn. I was looking at this unit. I may end up going with it as I do not have the factory backup camera. Ive heard good reviews on the enclave forums.

I would go for it if you don't already have the factory backup camera. The install issue will be challenging, but worth the effort to get the upgrades IMO

[iboom4u]

Metra makes a harness for the rearview camera that converts the wiring into a rca connector that will allow your oem camera to work with any nav system


http://documents.victorytechnologies.com//documents/product/24214.pdf

part name is metra backupcam.

[07Denali]

Metra makes a harness for the rearview camera that converts the wiring into a rca connector that will allow your oem camera to work with any nav system


http://documents.victorytechnologies.com//documents/product/24214.pdf

part name is metra backupcam.

"Uhm Crutchfield, this is Z71Texas06, can you please send back to me that radio and this metra adapter?"

[Z71Texas06]

"Uhm Crutchfield, this is Z71Texas06, can you please send back to me that radio and this metra adapter?"

Haha, no kidding. Thanks very much for the reference to the video adapter. I want to track down the manual for it to make sure the harness will be friendly with each other, but definitely looks promising.

[ptwat]

Metra makes a harness for the rearview camera that converts the wiring into a rca connector that will allow your oem camera to work with any nav system


http://documents.victorytechnologies.com//documents/product/24214.pdf

part name is metra backupcam.

Where can you get this part? I googled it and did not find anyone that sells it. I am interested in the Rosen also for a '09 Tahoe. (I hate the OEM GPS and no Ipod interface)

Update: For those who can read German:
http://www.discount-car-hifi.ch/shop/product_info.php?info=p41199_Axxess-BACKUPCAM.html

Btw, excellent review Z71Texas06!

[ptwat]

According to Crutchfield, neither the GM0720-N11 nor the GM0710-N11 fits my 2009 Chevy Tahoe. They also say that the new -N11 (2010) versions do not fix the backup cam incompatibility of the -M11 and that a new backup cam would be need to be installed. They are not aware of a problem with the rear seat controls and could not comment.
I sent an email to Rosen asking for that information and have not gotten a response after two days. Rosen does not take calls from consumers.
I will update if I hear anything new.
Tom

[synthmode]

hey, I stumbled on this site because I sell a lot of these systems and was trying to find where people were getting their information from.

If anyone has any specific questions on the unit I would be more than willing to help.

---------- Post added at 09:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:01 PM ----------

According to Crutchfield, neither the GM0720-N11 nor the GM0710-N11 fits my 2009 Chevy Tahoe. They also say that the new -N11 (2010) versions do not fix the backup cam incompatibility of the -M11 and that a new backup cam would be need to be installed. They are not aware of a problem with the rear seat controls and could not comment.
I sent an email to Rosen asking for that information and have not gotten a response after two days. Rosen does not take calls from consumers.
I will update if I hear anything new.
Tom



Is your radio now non-bose, bose, or bose with centerpoint?

There are 3 different Rosen model numbers that will correspond to your vehicle based on the answer to that question.

---------- Post added at 09:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:03 PM ----------

Where can you get this part? I googled it and did not find anyone that sells it. I am interested in the Rosen also for a '09 Tahoe. (I hate the OEM GPS and no Ipod interface)

Update: For those who can read German:
http://www.discount-car-hifi.ch/shop/product_info.php?info=p41199_Axxess-BACKUPCAM.html

Btw, excellent review Z71Texas06!



if you need one, I have them. please pm/email for more info.

[ptwat]

Synthmode,
This is not the only forum that you can get feedback on the Rosen units.
To answer your question, i have a '09 Tahoe with factory nav, factory backupcam and bose centerpoint. Thanks but I finally found a place to get the metra part.
IMO the problem with the Rosen unit is that it does not integrate with the oem backup cam and you lose some of the rear seat entertainment function. The metra harness brings out the oem backup cam but with the adapter you cannot plug the factory harness into the Rosen. I don't know what else is on that harness but seems it would be lost. One forum member on gm-trucks dot com said the -N11 version fixed the oem backup cam and the RSE issues but when I asked him to verify he did not respond.
I also sent an email to Rosen directly asking them about the -N11 and they did not respond.

[Z71Texas06]

Synthmode,
One forum member on gm-trucks dot com said the -N11 version fixed the oem backup cam and the RSE issues but when I asked him to verify he did not respond.
I also sent an email to Rosen directly asking them about the -N11 and they did not respond.

I found when doing all my original research that I had to call their number (not on their own website, but through business listings search...it is 951-898-9808) to get detail directly from Rosen.

If there is a new release / version of the unit that fixed the backup cam and RSE, PLEASE let me know as that would change the game!

[synthmode]

the n11 model supports RSE as far as the overhead monitor, but if you are referring to rear seat audio controls, then no it does not.

It also will not support the OEM camera without the metra part and you will also have to buy the dp-1010 harness separately as they no longer are shipping the extra harnesses with the unit.

[ptwat]

Thanks for clearing that up. Let me see if I understand, with the DP-1010 and the Metra Backupcam you can keep all the OEM features except the Rear Seat Entertainment control of the audio source- correct? (I suppose one could splice into the OEM harness to bring out the OEM backup cam on a RCA jack, but is there any advantage to that? In other words if the harness that has the OEM backup is plugged into the Rosen is any function gained over using the Metra adaptor?)
I also have read that there is still separate control of the rear audio through the HU or remote.
What is the difference between the -M11 and the -N11?
One last thing, are you an authorized dealer for these Rosen units?

[Z71Texas06]

(I suppose one could splice into the OEM harness to bring out the OEM backup cam on a RCA jack, but is there any advantage to that? In other words if the harness that has the OEM backup is plugged into the Rosen is any function gained over using the Metra adaptor?)


I talked to the Rosen guys about this. I am generally uncomfortable splicing the factory wires for fear that if anything gets messed up, the dealer will tell me it's all my fault since there are cut wires. Keeping things plug in play is both an advantage for install and to preserve the option to quickly restore to factory.

My question to Rosen was, if you have done all this work, would it really be that difficult to also have your harnesses separate out an RCA feed for the camera? Their basic answer was that the majority of their customers don't have factory navigation, so it isn't an issue (i.e., most of their customers don't have the OEM camera, or if they do, its wired to the mirror). Understandable reasoning, but also seems like a lazy approach IMO

[ptwat]

I agree with you. How hard is it to create a harness to break it out? They could also just have a kit of the basic parts that the user could assemble if nothing else. I would do that if I knew where to get the connectors and the crimp connectors.
I also thought of doing the connection inside the radio from one connector to the other but that would obviously cause issues with the warranty.

[ptwat]

I have been looking on the net to see where there is a good place to get the 16 pin connectors (male and female) to make a breakout harness for the OEM backup cam. If anyone knows a good place to get the parts I think I will make one.
Still in general it is hard to get information on the pinouts for the gm nav unit. If anyone knows where to get it I would appreciate it. I would like to know what is on that connector besides the OEM backup cam.
Thanks ahead of time.

[synthmode]

Thanks for clearing that up. Let me see if I understand, with the DP-1010 and the Metra Backupcam you can keep all the OEM features except the Rear Seat Entertainment control of the audio source- correct? (I suppose one could splice into the OEM harness to bring out the OEM backup cam on a RCA jack, but is there any advantage to that? In other words if the harness that has the OEM backup is plugged into the Rosen is any function gained over using the Metra adaptor?)
I also have read that there is still separate control of the rear audio through the HU or remote.
What is the difference between the -M11 and the -N11?
One last thing, are you an authorized dealer for these Rosen units?


metra backupcam + dp-1010 gives you rear camera function on the Rosen.

you could splice the gm wires to achieve the same result, but for the nominal cost of the metra piece why hassle with it?

m11 was original system from Rosen. n11 was an update over the m11. The h11 is the newest model (not available for the gm unit, yet) which offers a high def screen among a few other things.

yes I am an authorized dealer for Rosen.

---------- Post added at 07:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:34 PM ----------

and you can control the "dual zone" audio on the Rosen which allows you to pipe audio and video signal to the rear.

[ptwat]

Synthmode, thanks again for your responses!


you could splice the gm wires to achieve the same result, but for the nominal cost of the metra piece why hassle with it?

I agree on the hassle factor. My thought here is- the backupcam adaptor only brings out the backup cam video. What else is on that connector that is not connected with the Metra adapter on? Another way of asking this is; if the OEM backup cam is not installed, is that OEM connector attached to anything on the Rosen?

m11 was original system from Rosen. n11 was an update over the m11. The h11 is the newest model (not available for the gm unit, yet) which offers a high def screen among a few other things.

What type of vehicle is it avail for (so that we can do a search and see what is new/different) and do you have a timeframe that it will be available for GM?

yes I am an authorized dealer for Rosen.

More questions on this when I get closer to purchase.


and you can control the "dual zone" audio on the Rosen which allows you to pipe audio and video signal to the rear.
Ok but not through the Rear Seat Entertainment controls. Not that this is that big of a deal...

[06whitess]

Sorry to revive a dead thread, but what would the bundle cost for the N11 and all necessary for the factory backup camera?

[stevek]

Sorry to revive a dead thread, but what would the bundle cost for the N11 and all necessary for the factory backup camera?

Happy you did, I never saw this before...

[06whitess]

Heads up... Only 7 head units left on Amazon, but their a whopping 1090 a pop, with 11 in shipping! http://www.amazon.com/Rosen-Video-DSGM0710N11-Display-Bluetooth/dp/B003SYSK6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299665048&sr=8-1

EDIT: This would be worth it depending on what Synth can do for the harness to incorporate the backup camera. If you watch the video they have, you can set the rse to dvd, and listen to the radio up front, or whichever else you'd like, while it still navigates the gps.

[ptwat]

My only advice is to do your homework on these units. For example, there is a GM0720 that fits only Bose Centerpoint systems. Lots of discussion about these units on the Buick Enclave forum.
Good luck.

[06whitess]

The 710, which is what our trucks utilize as factory replacement is what I linked. I don't think anyone got the HDD Centerpoint H-U.......

[ptwat]

I understand about the 710. What I am saying is that it depends on your system as to which HU fits. I have an '09 LTZ Tahoe with Centerpoint Bose and the 720 is the correct factory replacement for it. You can tell if you have Centerpoint by looking to see if you have a speaker in the center of your dash or not.