Car Stereos: Aftermarket DVD player, lexus rx 330, wireless headphone

Question
Hi Brian

I just purchased a 2004 Lexus RX 330 which came with an aftermarket Boss 2500 DVD player.  The DVDs will play but we can't figure out how to get the audio to come on.  There's no aux setting on the stereo of the car - just tape/cd/am/fm.  Can you help?  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Barbara,

One common way to use an after-market DVD player with a factory stereo is to use an FM modulator.  This converts the player's audio signal to an FM radio signal that can be tuned in through the factory radio.  Sometimes the FM modulator automatically turns on when it senses a signal; in other cases, there's a toggle switch.  You might look around for a switch in some hidden area; if you find one, turn it on, then play a DVD and use the radio's "seek" button to search for the audio on an FM radio frequency.  Usually the frequency will be on the low end of the dial: 87.9 or 88.3 for example.

It's not certain, though, that the DVD player is connected to the factory audio system at all.  For example, if the DVD player works through an overhead video screen, the audio may be connected to the screen for use with wireless headphone; or through a separate connection box, placed somewhere in the rear, with headphone jacks.  

There's really no set standard for after-market mobile video installations, so it's hard to say exactly how the system in your Lexus works.  However, if necessary you can take it to any car audio installation shop; they should be able to inspect the system and determine how it's connected (although they will probably need to do some disassembly, so you should expect to pay a labor fee).  

Hope this helps!

Brian