Bob_F

I just bought a 1999 TL that came with the hard drive based navigation system. I'm thinking of replacing the entire trunk unit with the DVD-based unit used in the 2000 to 2003 models.

I understand that the benefits of the DVD system are full coverage of the USA, additional rural road data, the availability of newer road data and a "better" voice.

Can anyone comment on the real world benefits of these changes? I don't travel out of state too much and I'm rarely on rural roads. But the idea of having updated road information does sound like a big plus.

Is the voice really better? I saw a comment on this forum that the new voice was harder to hear.

Does the system itself work any better? Is it faster?

It would also be great to hear from 1999 TL owners that have made this upgrade.

Bob

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Well the one nice thing about going to the DVD is that the hard drive version is no longer supported. Meaning there are no more updates. Do you ever run into situations where the navi doesn't recognize certain roads?

Do you live in an area that is undergoing changes to the road system?

Bob_F

Yes, That's a great point.

The ability to obtain updated road data is a big draw. I'll probably end up upgrading to a DVD unit for that reason alone.

Can anyone comment on the clarity of the voice used with the DVD-based system?

And are the 2000-2003 DVD boxes true "Plug N Play" upgrades to the 1999 hard drive box. Would everything work perfectly?

Bob

MikePA

Exactly how would one comment on the clarity of the voice? The voice is understandable English, not hip hop or rap.

A search would have revealed; (1) This is an oft asked question and (2) Yes, it's P and P.

Bob_F

Thank for the help Mike,

I asked about the voice clarity because of the following comment regarding the navigation system made by "orcaatk" back in 2004:

"The only drawbacks (which are a matter of opinion in most regards) are the voice is a lower tone than before, so it sounds more life like, but you have to turn it up more to hear it (which results in a louder than usual "tone" prior to her verbal directions). ..."

That's from this thread:

https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/new-christina-pic-can-get-any-worse-102735/

The voice commands are very clear with my 1999 TL's nav system and I was curious if there was some sort of degradation with the DVD upgrade.

On the "Plug N Play" question I *thought* I read something about the nav system in a later model TL that used an RF link with the radio. But that might have been regarding the 3rd generation TL?

I have been using the search feature extensively but sometimes it's hard to find the right search terms to find the right topic. But I'll keep working on that. :-)

Bob

MikePA

1999 was the only year they used the disk based system. All other 2nd gen NAVs were DVD. If you can disconnect and connect Ethernet cables and use a screwdriver, you can do this upgrade. Don't worry about the voice. It's perfectly understandable. The hardest task will be finding a DVD unit.

fla-tls

She has a bit of a deeper voice, but it's perfectly understandable. I have mine set to the same volume as the earlier voice with no issues.

ou sig

I have never heard the new voice because I have had my stereo the whole time. But from someone who has done exactly what you are thinking about; the functionality is 100% better wioth the DVD navigation because of the added roads and POI and the ability to update.

AznWay

iTrader: (8)

BlackShadow

I don't remember the voice changing from 99 to 00-03 but I guess it's because its been over 5 years since I did the swap. Yea it is a simple plug and play.

FYI, I have a 99 TL and I did do the upgrade.

Bob_F

Thanks for all the great advice. This forum is great!

Bob

Comet2404

Well I do know that on my previous disk from 2001, the voice was an asian-american lady, which I was kinda fond of. When I recently purchased the newest 2.30 version, the voice had changed to an american woman, who sounds like a butch lesbian. I think she's trying to scare you into turning when she says turn! haha