Yesterday I returned my dealer loaner car, a 2010 TL w/tech while they were installing my new steering wheel and multiplexers. I noticed that the nav graphics were sharper on this TL, a bit better defined. My 05 RL has the original DVD and I was wondered whether the graphics, (as well as the POIs of course), would improve by me upgrading the disc. Has anyone that has upgraded recently noticed this difference?

 

I've upgraded mine about a year ago (05 RL original disc) and don't recall seeing any difference in the graphics. Just more roads and more choices for PoI. Under restuarants, there's now an entry for Coffee Shops!

 

The graphics aren't any better. I have a 2010 MDX aslo and the graphics are great on it but its hard drive based not dvd. I believe the new TL is the same.

 

There will be no graphical difference with the disk upgrade. The newer models have an entirely upgraded system etc., hence the better appearance.

 

Coffee shops are nice! I might wait until next fall to upgrade because the Tampa Bay interstate system is going through alot of changes and I'd like to capture as many as possible.

 

Indeed. Other than updated ZAGAT and a few POIs, Tampa Bay has had no updates in the maps for over 3 years. Every major artery is under some construction, destruction and re-routing. I will await the fall release and see if there are updates pertinent to Tampa Bay. That said, Tampa Bay has very good NavTraffic updates.

Concerning the graphics and resolution...the disc does not change the graphics, other than icon updates, which has had none in 3 years. The menus / graphic interface are tied to the version of the NAVI system and a replacement of NAVI hardware (DVD Drive) would be necessary. Even do, the 2005-2008 RLs have an older version LCD display and is not quite the resolution of the 2009+ RLs, or current gen TL, TSX, ZDX and 2010 MDX & 2010 RDX.

 

Yep, what you were seeing is the higher resolution display in the TL....we are on older technology, but I have to say, the NAV system in these cars still beats most of the out there. Pretty impressive for something that was created in 2004/2005.

 

and.... we can use it while in motion, unlike Lexus and infiniti.

 

I had this naive hope that the update would have some sort of interface lift. With that said, in order for me to update the Navi Maps, apparently i need more than just the map DVD as I'm also missing some vital software updated DVD?

 

If you have an '05 RL with the original 4.13 DVD, then you need to update your entire Nav system firmware with a seperate update DVD. Navteq will automatically send you that DVD with the Map Disc as well. You will need to insert the update dvd first and allow it to update your nav system and then you insert the new map disc 4.81 (or whatever you have). This is only required on '05 Rls. I had to do this on my RL back in January when I updated my maps from the original 4.13 to 4.81. You will lose a few features, like the male voice and a few colors on the map will change. This has to be done if you are upgrading from 4.13 to 4.73 or 4.81. However, even with the software update disc, the user interface will still look the same...As if a 3 year old drew the maps. Only '09+ Acuras had the interface updated where the maps are better looking with a "crispier" and sharper screen.


What year is your RL? What version map disc do you have and where did you buy it from?

 

Navteq has the 2 disc upgrade for the 05 RL on sale for $149 until the end of June.