Question about DVD video in 2004 S430

HI,

      I had a question about the dvd video capabilites in the 2004 S430. I tried playing a DVD and on the screen a message saying that picture is faded out for eliminating driver distraction, but i can search through the scenes and menus of the dvd, i just can't see anything on the screen.

Obviously the manufacture has disabled the ability to view dvd video, yet the dvd still works in all other ways. Is there any way to view the actual dvd on the screen. I called the MB service and they said there must be a way to get around the disabled part, but they didn't know how.

Does anyone have any ideas as to how this could be done. It honestly makes no sense why there is dvd video capability if the video part does not work. They have relocated the dvd navigation rom in the trunk now, so the front dvd/cd player is open for use, yet the use of the dvd is essentially not functional.

What is the purpose of the dvd if you can't view video, please help.

Does it do this in park? Or just when in gear?

Mercedes disabled the function because the U.S. gov't made them

It is illegal to have screens which plays a video signal such as movies. The COMMAND on U.S. models also had the TV function disabled.

its very stupid as well

We need stupid laws to regulate stupid people. Stupid as in doing something other than driving when driving.

There is a way that you can watch DVD. Kleeman USA can get that to play, however you must buy a TV tuner anda wiring harness as well.($2500.00) It can work great if you are willing to pay that much. Your DVD is functional not only for video but as well as for sound. It holds much more info that a cd, so Mercedes offers it as a form of sound not video. Good luck

There must be a cheaper solution.  If its a matter of enabling the computer to allow the video signal, then we just need to find a dealer to enable that code.

There is a cheaper way. Some technicians in UAE ask for 300 Dhs to change the setting of the computer to allow the TV to work while driving. (300 Dhs is about 80 USD)

I was told by a technician friend of mine at Mercedes Benz that they dont see anyway through there computer to change the DVD display setting.  Could the computer they use be USA based and not allow that code to be changed?  Help!!!! He will do it for me if I give him instructions.

Beacause I'm having the same problem I want to unlock the safety aswell.

I did a lot of research over here (the Netherlands)

A lot of car-audio shops can unlock the system, for about EUR 100 - 150 (around USD 130 - 190)
it's a software issue which will unblock all video transmit.

BUT!

everytime your merc. will go for a service, the dealer will make sure your car runs on the latetst software, so they do an update. Everytime! Also for your washerfluid level indicator or whatever ... at least, that's the way they do it over here.
Now,
Everytime this is being done, the videosignal is blocked again during driving.

On guy says he does it with a computer and software and attaches it to the COMAND
another guy tels me it's on a readable CD-ROM that just loads into the COMAND and unlock it in that way.

Either way, I would really like to have one of the two, but this is something you have got to have for yourself.
Otherwise every visit at the dealer, wil ruin the fun again.


@ other remark on only drive when driving.
There are other people in my car who aren't driving and want to watch.
it's rediculous to therefor buy these rather expensive screens and installations just that they block the system.
I can't see the use either of watching a DVD only when you are parked somewhere.

BMW has this 'problem' as well

the dvd or tv can be enable during driving instead of picture off at more than 10km/h.

the settings can be done from COMAND... enable picture while driving.

First of all, there is a difference in US spec and Euro spec comand head units; the US specs will not be able to play DVDs (whether or not in motion), the Euro specs will be able.

Then, if I am not mistaking, the comand settings can be changed on a EURO spec comand through Stardiagnose! So you will be able to watch DVD in motion (or your passenger, that is... ). paQ, if your DVD while in motion gets blocked every time by the dealer, it means that they are plugging your comand head unit to their Stardiagnose system, which they should NOT need to do when the car is in for service...

In short, if you have a US spec comand, you would need to swap it for a Euro spec in order to be able to watch DVDs. If you want to watch TV as well, you definitely need an additional TV tuner. And... there is always a possibility to connect a rear screen in your S-class (no need for a TV tuner)... Pics of such a retrofit can be found here:

http://groups.msn.com/MBenzNL/installdetails.msnw?Page=1

greetingz,

BigSis

Just got a 2006 S500. You say video can be enabled through command? How?

Can anyone tell me where I can get my comand unit ( 2004 S500) reprogramed or switch to Euro version and get TV turner for the back. Also How much is it gonna cost me?

Thanks