i thought blu-ray players can read standard dvd's? :confused:

$5k is steep. You can go the aftermarket route and get two screens installed with wireless headphones for half the price.

the nice thing about the factory system is the integration. You can control so much through your head unit and steering wheel controls. As for the entertainment center itself, I highly recommend it. It saved me so much stress as a driver over the years.

The point here really isn't about what it reads. It comes down to its limitation as a screen that just plays videos versus more interactive tablets every kid seems to have these days. Would kids choose to sit there and watch and not play with their tablets?

Oroginalhypa, how did entertainment system save you from stress over the years?

Had ours for little over a year now, tech package was a must for us. I loaded up an sd card with paw patrol and super why, won't hear a peap out of them on the way to whistler this weekend, same with around town, but try not to leave the screen down regularly. Nice having the big screen too for the backup cam, push button start, cross traffic alert is actually pretty helpful, first vehicle I've had with it.

Nice having nav, but actually prefer the system in my 5 year old Jeep over the Sienna's.

Good point, however my kids being 1&2, are very prone to dropping the tablet if I have them in the Jeep. The 2 year old has figured out loading videos, youtube, but nothing really interactive yet, however I can see in a couple years both kids using tablets over the rear dvd...

I don't let the kids use tablets in the van. Entertainment system is a must, either factory or after market. It all boils down to convenience, do you want to control it from the headunit/steering wheel or separately? Also factory units come with a pair of wireless headsets a definite sanity saver after hearing kids show after kid show on long drives.
I have two sets of twins, 8years and 2 years old.... :okay:
Before getting the van we used to hang those portable dvd players between the front seats for the older twins when they were only a couple of years old :lawl:
The older twins always bug me to bring the xbox1 with us because there's a hdmi and power plug integrated in the 3rd row :denied:

WOW. Two sets of twins. Haha I can't imagine how that's like. Well we have a second one coming soon and our first one is almost two. Looks like entertainment might really be some good use. May I ask why you don't let kids use tablet in the van? I suppose shaking won't be good for their eyes.

Also, wickedxj, you mentioned loading up SD card. I didn't know you can use that for Sienna. I just thought it plays discs.

Really appreciate everyone's input. I might consider tech package. Still have some time before they put in the order.

I think I picked up our sienna se about the same time as wicked, and yes, the tech pack is definitely worth it with kids. I have a 2 yr old and 8 month old, and the TV screen distracts them from all the yelling and screaming they would have given me if I never had that tech pack lol. On a plus side, yes it reads sd cards, DVDs, and Blu rays. And HDMI slot!! Gaming for when they are older, or on roadtrips! Plus, if you factor in the cost of the tech pack, compared to the Odyssey package, you get the best of both navi and entertainment for $43k, whereas the Honda you only get one or the other for that price.

Yes, I agree with that point about tech package offering more than Odyssey at lower price. Just wish Toyota had better rates. Honda has 0.99% now vs. Toyota's 4.49% at 60 months. Quite some differences.

Looks like I will be getting the tech package :).

or you can drive like this like the rest of us without video
https://media.riffsy.com/images/f8b5...d85901f490/raw

I'd look into the reviews of both vehicles. Honda is not the same Honda that we remember. I hate to harp on it, but my Odyssey has had issues that would make my old GMC look reliable in comparison. Plus the service dep't is a joke. Everything from oil leaks, to power steering pump issues, to battery issues, my Odyssey has been a pain.

That's why I'm trading it in for a Toyota Highlander. I hate dropping $45k on a "reliable" minivan, only to have nothing but problems with it.

Its probably just me, but for one they're always asking toto connect to wifI hot spot (from phone) and since I already paid for the tech package they better dam well use it :lawl:
Also they're on the dam tablets or other electronics at home so I want them to see the sites and views when we drive, especially since they're getting older if they recognize landmarks and such it'll be easier for them to get home if I ever lose my mind and kick them out of the van :pokerface:

:rofl:

And originalhypa, yes I'm getting Sienna for that reason. A friend of mine who owns a mechanic shop was adamant in recommending me to go with Sienna.

#growingupflip

I have an older oddssey touring which the RES saved me from going crazy even 8n a short commute. But the new van with HDMI would be even better...chromecast and hot spot with unlimited data


You are golden!

I have an older oddssey touring which the RES saved me from going crazy even 8n a short commute. But the new van with HDMI would be even better...chromecast and hot spot with unlimited data


You are golden!

That rate is ridiculous. Aren't there any 2015 models left? :badpokerface:

These Vans are never in stock... always ordered in advance and waiting months to come in... ^

Yes... all out of stock across lower mainland. 4-5 months of wait. Plain stupid.

good things are always worth waiting for :joy:

You guys should have ~9 months notice before you need a van, 4-5 month wait should be fine.

haven't heard much talk of mazda5's in this thread. is it b/c lack of cargo room or they are POS. they seem like a good bang for buck van for 6.

Mazda5's have been discontinued after 2015.

really? but they still show 2016 on mazda's website
http://www.mazda.ca/en/vehicles/2016-mazda5/overview/

I've been looking for a used Odyssey or Sienna and Siennas are keeping their value much more so than an Odyssey.

Honda's rates are so low cause they have a new model coming out next year to entice those people waiting for 2017. As for Toyota, when you have a 4-5 month wait list, you can charge 4.99%.