2008 Navigation Display
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 171
Likes: 9
From: Morganville NJ
NJ Events Coordinator
2008 Navigation Display
I recently purchased a new coupe with the optional navigation package. I have noticed that the display quality of the screen seems inferior to the other displays within the dashboard or heads up. It seems inconsistent and wondered why GM would have designed it this way. I find it difficult to read both the map or radio display during a sunny day.
I did ask my salesman about it from Kerbeck and he said that the number of pixels was intentionally reduced to ensure that the driver would not use it to play a DVD movie which GM felt would be hazardous. This explanation seems a bit of stretch.
Has anyone else experienced this or have another explanation or solution?
I did ask my salesman about it from Kerbeck and he said that the number of pixels was intentionally reduced to ensure that the driver would not use it to play a DVD movie which GM felt would be hazardous. This explanation seems a bit of stretch.
Has anyone else experienced this or have another explanation or solution?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: Crab Orchard Tennessee
The sun is definitely a problem. I've driven many a mile and not been able to see anything on the display. Don't know about the reason for the selected resolution or if it is common for other vehicles but for the most part I find it satisfactory. The sun would be a problem even with an HDTV quality screen.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 129
From: Fairview Heights IL
The problem is not resolution. The problem is contrast. For best contrast, a Nav should use a plasma display. Unfortunately while a plasma display has excellent contrast and far better visibility in bright sunshine, it would draw a lot more current and generate much more heat than an LCD display of the same size. I've heard a new type of video display uses organic light emitting diode (OLED) arrays offering plasma-like brightness and contrast while drawing LCD-like currents and running cool. The catch is the cost: an 11" OLED television costs about $1,700 today. If OLED is really as good as they say, its costs will drop as production ramps up. Look for affordable automotive products by about 2010.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 6
From: Makena, Maui & NM
I did ask my salesman about it from Kerbeck and he said that the number of pixels was intentionally reduced to ensure that the driver would not use it to play a DVD movie which GM felt would be hazardous. This explanation seems a bit of stretch. Has anyone else experienced this or have another explanation or solution?
The Chevy Corvette isnt the only make that suffers from the same contrast problem. The only solution is to always drive into the sun and never behind it, or only drive on cloudy days
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,040
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From: North Liberty IA
St. Jude Donor '07
The solution is a better dash design. A Nav screen should be inset into the dash so that there is a panel above it blocking the sun. That was the design on my 335 and it worked flawlessly even with the top down.
I like the Nav and am thrilled it is integrated with the HUD as it is useless otherwise, particularly with the top down.
I like the Nav and am thrilled it is integrated with the HUD as it is useless otherwise, particularly with the top down.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
The problem is not resolution. The problem is contrast. For best contrast, a Nav should use a plasma display. Unfortunately while a plasma display has excellent contrast and far better visibility in bright sunshine, it would draw a lot more current and generate much more heat than an LCD display of the same size. I've heard a new type of video display uses organic light emitting diode (OLED) arrays offering plasma-like brightness and contrast while drawing LCD-like currents and running cool. The catch is the cost: an 11" OLED television costs about $1,700 today. If OLED is really as good as they say, its costs will drop as production ramps up. Look for affordable automotive products by about 2010.
The driver information center utilizes organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology. OLEDs make possible full-color, full-motion flat-panel displays with a level of brightness and sharpness not possible with other technologies and will be essential to the next wave of personal electronics such as PDAs, cell phones, and flat-screen TVs. Unlike traditional liquid-crystal displays OLEDs are self-luminous and do not require backlighting, eliminating bulky and environmentally undesirable mercury lamps.
The C6’s DIC expands to a two-line display, which gives the driver more information including trip computer functions, fuel economy, range, tire pressure, and oil life remaining. OLEDs enable improved readability for the DIC – even in bright sunlight – and establish pleasing visual harmony with the rest of the gauges, the radio, and the HVAC controls.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 2
From: Northern NJ
The only part of the car that was a disappointment to me was the Nav. I find it absolutely ridiculous that you cannot change the destination with out bringing the car to a stop. The screen does not bother me nearly as much as the fact that if I am on the highway with my wife in the car, and we want to find the nearest McDonalds, Starbucks or whatever, we have to pull off the highway and stop the car. The idiot screen is not enough for GM, they have to treat me like an idiot. 
As far as not getting the NAV is concerned, I have a couple of portable devices and have had one for a number of years. I have tried every mount known to man and they still, on occasion, fall off the wind screen.
With the angle of the Corvette wind screen I would not want to attach a portable. It is an option but not something I would want to do.
You would think that since GM can shut the passenger side airbag off when there is no occupant, they could tie the NAV to the seat sensor instead of the speed sensor.
I love the Corvette....but the nav is certainly a disappointment. Would it stop me from buying the Nav again?.....Nope I like the way it ties into the HUD.
As far as not getting the NAV is concerned, I have a couple of portable devices and have had one for a number of years. I have tried every mount known to man and they still, on occasion, fall off the wind screen.
With the angle of the Corvette wind screen I would not want to attach a portable. It is an option but not something I would want to do.
You would think that since GM can shut the passenger side airbag off when there is no occupant, they could tie the NAV to the seat sensor instead of the speed sensor.
I love the Corvette....but the nav is certainly a disappointment. Would it stop me from buying the Nav again?.....Nope I like the way it ties into the HUD.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,038
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From: Amelia Island,FL ______ or DFW _________ Sold my 05 MS Coupe ____ bought 08 Vert Blk/JSB, 3LT, F55
Part of the problem is the nav in the vette is a 2004 design. GM chooses to not update the nav units in vettes as they do in the rest of their line.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 0
From: Streamwood IL
The only part of the car that was a disappointment to me was the Nav. I find it absolutely ridiculous that you cannot change the destination with out bringing the car to a stop. The screen does not bother me nearly as much as the fact that if I am on the highway with my wife in the car, and we want to find the nearest McDonalds, Starbucks or whatever, we have to pull off the highway and stop the car.
I know you can't enter addresses while moving, but I thought you could still pick points of interest displayed on the map.
Please correct me if I am wrong, I don't have the nav and am considering it on my upcoming order.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
Can't you use the voice commands to say: "I'm Hungry." and have it point out food along your route, then point to the icon you want to eat at?
I know you can't enter addresses while moving, but I thought you could still pick points of interest displayed on the map.
Please correct me if I am wrong, I don't have the nav and am considering it on my upcoming order.
I know you can't enter addresses while moving, but I thought you could still pick points of interest displayed on the map.
Please correct me if I am wrong, I don't have the nav and am considering it on my upcoming order.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
The solution is a better dash design. A Nav screen should be inset into the dash so that there is a panel above it blocking the sun. That was the design on my 335 and it worked flawlessly even with the top down.
I like the Nav and am thrilled it is integrated with the HUD as it is useless otherwise, particularly with the top down.
I like the Nav and am thrilled it is integrated with the HUD as it is useless otherwise, particularly with the top down.
OR, GM could do like they did on the Caddy, and have a toggle that allows the driver to change the angle of the screen to decrease the glare
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 112
Likes: 1
From: brighton colorado
I have a 2007 GMC pickup with NAV and rear seat DVD, when it is in park the DVD plays on the NAV screen. It is much better than the NAV screen in my 2007 Coupe. Format is completely different and far better than the Vette. Althought my truck cost about what the car did, I think GM really shorted Vette owners.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 6
From: Makena, Maui & NM
The only part of the car that was a disappointment to me was the Nav. I find it absolutely ridiculous that you cannot change the destination with out bringing the car to a stop. The screen does not bother me nearly as much as the fact that if I am on the highway with my wife in the car, and we want to find the nearest McDonalds, Starbucks or whatever, we have to pull off the highway and stop the car. The idiot screen is not enough for GM, they have to treat me like an idiot.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1732903
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Victoria BC
I had the NAV in my '05. Was dissapointed with the functionality of the OEM NAV, particulary screen resolution, having to stop to change destination and sun glare through the transparent roof. Audio was so so.
I have an '08 on order WITHOUT the NAV. Plan on adding an after-market unit with some better speakers. Right now leaning towards the Kenwood DNX7100 primarily because of the Garmin Nav, adjustable screen position and USB connector.
Final decision will be made after CES 2008 in Vegas.
I have an '08 on order WITHOUT the NAV. Plan on adding an after-market unit with some better speakers. Right now leaning towards the Kenwood DNX7100 primarily because of the Garmin Nav, adjustable screen position and USB connector.
Final decision will be made after CES 2008 in Vegas.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: St. Peters Mo
The only part of the car that was a disappointment to me was the Nav. I find it absolutely ridiculous that you cannot change the destination with out bringing the car to a stop. The screen does not bother me nearly as much as the fact that if I am on the highway with my wife in the car, and we want to find the nearest McDonalds, Starbucks or whatever, we have to pull off the highway and stop the car. The idiot screen is not enough for GM, they have to treat me like an idiot.
As far as not getting the NAV is concerned, I have a couple of portable devices and have had one for a number of years. I have tried every mount known to man and they still, on occasion, fall off the wind screen.
With the angle of the Corvette wind screen I would not want to attach a portable. It is an option but not something I would want to do.
You would think that since GM can shut the passenger side airbag off when there is no occupant, they could tie the NAV to the seat sensor instead of the speed sensor.
I love the Corvette....but the nav is certainly a disappointment. Would it stop me from buying the Nav again?.....Nope I like the way it ties into the HUD.
As far as not getting the NAV is concerned, I have a couple of portable devices and have had one for a number of years. I have tried every mount known to man and they still, on occasion, fall off the wind screen.
With the angle of the Corvette wind screen I would not want to attach a portable. It is an option but not something I would want to do.
You would think that since GM can shut the passenger side airbag off when there is no occupant, they could tie the NAV to the seat sensor instead of the speed sensor.
I love the Corvette....but the nav is certainly a disappointment. Would it stop me from buying the Nav again?.....Nope I like the way it ties into the HUD.
Well stated