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From: www.EXOTICVETTE.com - FL Cruise-In VI, VII, & VIII
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude's Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Factory Nav differences?
Is there any difference at all in the factory Nav radio from 2006 to 2012? (HD Radio, better circuitry, reception, etc) If so, what year did it change or was it software that's updated from the Nav disc?
There was issues in 2008-09 with the screen going blank, but there was a program flash update that cured it. I think the only difference over the years is updated DVD's that may of added newer roadways and more Points of Interests. The operation has not changed from year to year. The C7 looks like a new design, much like the current aftermarket NAV systems.
To each his own... my OEM Nav with HUD interface has worked fantastic for all my road trips. Unfortunately it always found the way home, and back from my vacations
From: Currently somewhere in IL,IN,KY,TN,MO,AR,MS,AL, or FL
Originally Posted by B-Vette
$200 to $300 for an upgraded nav disk? Are you kidding me?
The reason they are so expensive is someone has to pay the development cost of the updates and there is very little demand since most people don't need to know about the new McDonalds that opened up in Bumtussle AK. Low volume means high cost. Garmin and such have a different marketing strategy. They now include free updates and roll the cost into the hardware they continue to sell. But 15 years ago when volume was much lower they were also charging $200 for an update. If GM could sell 125 million new nav units every year they could also afford to give away free updates.
The reason they are so expensive is someone has to pay the development cost of the updates and there is very little demand since most people don't need to know about the new McDonalds that opened up in Bumtussle AK. Low volume means high cost. Garmin and such have a different marketing strategy. They now include free updates and roll the cost into the hardware they continue to sell. But 15 years ago when volume was much lower they were also charging $200 for an update. If GM could sell 125 million new nav units every year they could also afford to give away free updates.
But they can't and there are better alternatives for the consumer.
From: www.EXOTICVETTE.com - FL Cruise-In VI, VII, & VIII
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude's Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Best part, for me, about factory nav is integration into HUD. With a quality digital audio convertor you can run a hi-fi system as good as any aftermarket head unit. I will be going to the new Kenwood next month that is, by far, the best double-din to come to market ever (so far). I was going to use my Pioneer 8400 in the mean time but I really like the HUD intergration. Showing directions on nav and station info. Steering wheel controls are nice but can be workable with the right aftermarket unit and adapters.
All NAVs have their pros and cons. I had a portable Garmin and a Kenwood in my 08. Currently have the OEM in my 11 GS Vert.
The main argument against the OEM NAV is that it is not traffic capable if that is what you desire. Portable Garmin's traffic was free, Kenwood's was free but with ads flashing every few min. To be honest traffic features tend to be wrong a lot as google maps on a cell is more accurate.
Paul has done a tremendous job making the NAV easy to use.
Regardless of what NAV I have I would still bring updated maps with you and look at them before. Every single NAV I mentioned above was wrong more than once. The Kenwood thought the quickest way from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque was via Cheyenne/Denver was the worst though when it is actually a 550 mile trip thru the 4 corners. I did not have interstates only or whatever selected. I actually programmed in a way point near the 4 corners and it worked fine then.
GM could copy Chrysler's UConnect technology and be so much better as my wife's system in her 300C puts them all to shame as well does the Alpine sound system.
The main argument against the OEM NAV is that it is not traffic capable if that is what you desire. Portable Garmin's traffic was free, Kenwood's was free but with ads flashing every few min. To be honest traffic features tend to be wrong a lot as google maps on a cell is more accurate.
GM could copy Chrysler's UConnect technology and be so much better as my wife's system in her 300C puts them all to shame as well does the Alpine sound system.
All that is available in the GM HDD system. It's hit and miss as to what vehicles it shows up in. My wifes 2012 Acadia Denali does not have it but my 2012 Sierra Denali HD does. It also has the ability to store 8000 songs, actually a pretty nice piece.
All that is available in the GM HDD system. It's hit and miss as to what vehicles it shows up in. My wifes 2012 Acadia Denali does not have it but my 2012 Sierra Denali HD does. It also has the ability to store 8000 songs, actually a pretty nice piece.
I heard Caddy's new CUE isn't getting that great reviews, at least what is available in the ATS. I also read you won't see many HDD systems in the future because of piracy concerns such as borrowing a CD or another IPOD, transferring the songs to the HDD system.