Installation
Installing a navigation system in any vehicle is always at least a little bit tricky because of the extra connections that have to be made.

As far as the AVIC-N1 goes, I've installed an in-dash navigation system in my car before, and I didn't find this one any more difficult than the first one.

The essential connection is the one you make from the navigation unit to your vehicle's speed sensor (VSS). The VSS sends critical information about the speed at which you're traveling, which the AVIC-N1 uses to perform its functions and monitor your position. The position of this sensor lead varies from vehicle to vehicle; I found it easiest to tap in under the hood, then run the lead through the firewall.

In order for the system to know when you're going backwards, you also have to connect a lead to your reverse light, but that's not so difficult. I simply ran a lead back to the car's trunk, tapped in right at the reverse light, and was ready to go.

Finally, a lead has to be run from the AVIC-N1 to the vehicle's emergency, or parking, brake. Watching videos in the car is illegal when the vehicle is in motion; the connection to the parking brake lets the system know when the brake is engaged and the vehicle isn't in motion, which unlocks video playback capability.

Pioneer provides wires for connecting to the VSS wire, parking brake, and reverse light. They've got plenty of length, which made the wiring go that much more smoothly, cutting down on total installation time.

The main unit installs just like any in-dash receiver; in this respect, no special connections have to be made.

The AVIC-N1 sits in your dash like a standard receiver. You'll need to install a hideaway box, too (typically under the passenger seat). When the monitor's retracted, the 10-character secondary display and faceplate controls let you keep operating and enjoying the system.

The other critical component is the "hideaway" box; here, most of the inputs and outputs can be found (leaving room in the in-dash piece for critical components and monitor retraction). The manual was careful to warn me to mount the box either parallel or perpendicular to the front and rear of the vehicle to keep it aligned with the car's primary direction of travel. I found the ideal spot for it under my passenger seat.

The speaker and power wires extend from the back of the in-dash component. Another cable connects the receiver to the hideaway box. This I was able to route this cable under the carpet on the passenger side for a clean-looking installation.

The hideaway box also features the audio/video inputs and outputs, the backup camera input, the preamp outputs, and more, so it's essential to install the box in a spot that has enough room for all these connections to be made.

The last essential component to the operation is the GPS antenna, which keeps the system in contact with the navigation satellites at all times. I installed mine only temporarily, without taking the time to hide the lead, knowing that (sadly) it won't be in my car forever. Mounting it permanently, however, wouldn't have posed much of a problem. The antenna has an extremely low profile, which makes it ideal for mounting on the roof. Its magnetic base is extremely strong (surprisingly, given its size), so you won't have to worry about it getting knocked off.

Truth be told, installing a navigation system can be a bit intimidating. The in-dash installation isn't too bad, and if you feel comfortable with or have experience installing a receiver, you won't have a problem in this area. But finding and working with the VSS wire can be a different story (after all, this is what keeps your speedometer working properly). If you feel at all uncomfortable with any of the special connections, by all means, take it to a professional. Or, if you buy one from Crutchfield, call one of our Tech Support specialists to walk you through the process. As they say, it's better safe than sorry.

But once you've got the AVIC-N1 installed, you're in for a treat. As an audio receiver, it's spectacular. As a DVD video receiver, it's thrilling. And as a navigation receiver, it's almost impossible to top. Whether you're embarking on a journey across Middle Earth, or just trying to get back to your cozy Hobbit-hole, you can count on the AVIC-N1 to get you there ... and back again.