2018 Navigator - Reserve trim - Aftermarket rear seat entertainment suggestions?

[ResidualJinx]

Don’t remember seeing this video when I was initially researching the Voxx products:

 

[Strumbgkng]

Has anyone installed that Advent Product touch screen system that was discussed above? Seems like what I am looking for with both DVD playing capability AND the iPad/iPhone connectivity.

 

[Ifer924]

Can you share a link with me for the after market mounts you found? Im in the same situation. thanks!

 

[Ifer924]

Do you have any info on the console mounted DVD touchscreen? On a side note, the Voxx manufacture (second screen you posted) also makes the OEM system. Voxx actually has a custom hardware to mount their screens to our Navigator seats. Best part about those screens is the built in FM modulator, dvd playback, app support(Netflix) and phone control which solves all of the issues with the OEM system.

Hey, any idea where to find those after market custom hardware mounts for the Navigator seats?

______________________________

 

[ResidualJinx]

Sorry man I missed this: Voxx SBK-LINC Accessory brackets for select Lincoln vehicles with Perfect Position Seating & Active Motion Massage at Crutchfield

Just search for the part #: Voxx SBK-LINC if you dont like Crutchfield. Here is the installation instructions from Voxx.

 

[Husker4theSpurs]

Just remember ... one thing to keep in mind is the DVD player is NOT a Blu-Ray so you won’t be able to play Blu-Rays. Another downside some of us are finding is the way they tend to be wired in makes them shut off when your car re-starts from the stop start system.

 

[Black Label]

I have to say...well, I guess I don't HAVE to, but I will, that we just did a Chicago to Galveston and back drive. Daughter and wife used ipads and the wifi. I think that was better. We could download any movies/TV shows and they could hold the iPads themselves and be comfortable not having to look up at the seat all the time. Small thing I guess, but it really worked well for us.

 

[Husker4theSpurs]

Yep I agree that makes more sense ... especially if older.

______________________________

 

[Z737]

I have the factory rear seat entertainment system and I'm satisfied with it. I'm only going to have the vehicle for another 18 months so Im not going to put very much energy into making changes or having add-ons installed. I trade on a 24 - 36 month cycle and my Navigator is a secondary vehicle.
I did make one change after I had my Navigator for a few months. I changed the Hankook tires out to Michelin and the ride is significantly better.

 

[ResidualJinx]

I’ve started a project I think I’m going to regret lol. I’m going to try to replace the ultra useless CD player (Lincoln decided we’ve moved past Blu-Rays but not CDs?!?!?!?!?) with a vehicle grade blu-ray player. I found a random player called an Autopro BD1208, I’m going to try to put it in the same spot as the CD player. I pulled the center console from the center row and that was my inspiration to see what it would take. I fully expect to fail lol

 

[Ashers]

Before we purchased our Navigator, I nearly opted out of the Rear Entertainment system because of all the negative reviews. I'm so glad we didn't....Once I sat down and really dug into the system, I have grown to love it. it's FANTASTIC and here's why... First, in response to only one monitor having the SD slot, that's all you need. The 2nd monitor can access the SD card as well AND play a completely different movie. Screen A and Screen B are interfaced together so that Screen B can access everything on Screen A simultaneously or independently. I have about 30 movies loaded onto our SD card (loaded in Screen A) and sometimes the kids watch the same movies and sometimes they watch different movies at the same time. If the other child decides to join the movie being watched on screen A, he can easily switch and now both screens are playing the same movie at the same time in unison. He can even watch the same movie but start it from the beginning so same movies on both screens but not playing in sync. It really is that intuitive.

In addition to all those movies on the SD card, I purchased a Roku stick and that is inserted into the HDMI port of Screen A. It is powered by the USB cord, which also is plugged in to Screen A. And FYI, the USB power for the Roku stick from Screen A is more than enough. The kids have used it on a 7+ hour trip before. Screen B can also access Screen A's HDMI port simultaneously or independently. So if Screen A is displaying a SD card movie, Screen B can access the Roku stick. And with the Roku stick, there's Netflix, Google Play movies, Vudu, Amazon Prime videos and much, much more. You of course need subscriptions to Netflix and Amazon prime and some others but I would imagine most have both or at least one. You don't have to pay additional to access these if you already have a subscription. Just simply sign on just as if it was another TV in the house. That's an additional thousand or more titles to select from. I set the kid restrictions on all of them so they only have access to kid's content.

The best thing, it's a clean interface. We don't have tons of DVD movies cluttering up the vehicle anymore and on those nice big screens, the backseat passengers love it. So with the SD card and a Roku stick alone, you literally have thousands of shows/movies to select from. And if you have a Slingbox at home, there's a built in Slingbox app integrated into the system, so now add in all your live TV and DVR access on top of the other thousand selection of titles!

FYI, for the Roku stick, a Mobile hotspot or the vehicle hot spot is required to access content on the Roku stick apps. We are fortunate to have unlimited data hotspots through work, so this is what is used to provide WiFi to the Roku stick.

Now the only hurdle we ran into was our older 3rd child who sits in the 3rd row. Since there is not a screen for him, he uses his tablet which has all the same Roku apps. So he can access Netflix, Amazon prime, Vudu etc on his tablet. There was another post where someone asked which tablet mount was good for the 2018 and up Navigator. I made a reply post with some info on what I used. You should note that the distance between the the two post in the headrest, is not that wide. You'll be hard pressed to find a tablet holder that can fit in that space. I had to find a holder that latched on to one post. And I searched relentlessly looking for the one that spring loaded into the two post. If anyone that found one that does fit the newest Navigator model, please post here.

I know this has been a long post but I'm hoping this helps some folks that are on the fence about the Lincoln OEM rear entertainment system. I think most of the negative reviews was mostly due to the fact that so many people couldn't figure out how to use the system. Even the Lincoln sales rep don't have a full understanding. But once you do figure it out, the options of all the content that's available, is incredible. Every in vehicle entertainment system I've had before, was always limited to the number of DVD we had in the car. Now, our choices are endless!

Rich

Hi Rich,
I am the new owner of a 2018 navigator reserve with DVD screens the same as yours. I was under the impression it had a DVD player but as you know, SD and USB only. I was so excited to show the kids and that totally flopped on me! Hahah. I’m so not technically inclined and was wondering if you can help me out and let me know how you get movies and/or kids shows onto a USB or SD card. Thanks in advance!
Ashley

 

[Black Label]

I

Hi Rich,
I am the new owner of a 2018 navigator reserve with DVD screens the same as yours. I was under the impression it had a DVD player but as you know, SD and USB only. I was so excited to show the kids and that totally flopped on me! Hahah. I’m so not technically inclined and was wondering if you can help me out and let me know how you get movies and/or kids shows onto a USB or SD card. Thanks in advance!
Ashley

I noticed recently in my Lincoln Way app there is a link to "App Catalog" under the More tab. The description seems to indicate it is a way to control the rear entertainment through the infotainment screen. I dint have that system, but you may want to check that out. The app will tell you if it is compatible with your vehicle.

______________________________

 

[richbatl]

Hi Rich,
I am the new owner of a 2018 navigator reserve with DVD screens the same as yours. I was under the impression it had a DVD player but as you know, SD and USB only. I was so excited to show the kids and that totally flopped on me! Hahah. I’m so not technically inclined and was wondering if you can help me out and let me know how you get movies and/or kids shows onto a USB or SD card. Thanks in advance!
Ashley

Hi Ashley,

Congratulations on the new Navigator! I personally prefer to use an SD card for the movies on our entertainment system. What I do is take my movie files and copy them to the SD card. I use different type of movies files, (.mov, .mp4 etc) both of which will play on the entertainment system. FYI, many computers do not have an actual SD card slot reader, so I use an SD card USB adapter. Basically, it's a device where you can insert an SD card into the device and then that device gets plugged into any of the USB slots of the computer you will be using to transfer the movie files. Here's a similar type of device I found on Amazon - It's only $6.99 as of this posting. https://www.amazon.com/Vanja-Adapte...379391&sprefix=sd+card+us,aps,187&sr=8-3&th=1. The cheapest one should be sufficient for what you're trying to do. The option that is a few dollars more has the USB C type of plug on one side which will be good for more recent Android devices but isn't necessary to transfer the files from your computer. You'll be using the USB side of the adapter for the transfer.

You can also have the movie files on a USB stick and just plug in the USB stick into the entertainment system but then you have a USB sticking out, which is more prone to getting bumped/hit by the kids. With the SD card, it'll be a cleaner look and doesn't stick out so it won't get hit by the kiddos. I personally use the USB outlet on the system for a Roku stick but we don't keep the Roku stick plugged in all the time for the very reason of it getting hit by the kids.

Good luck and hope you're enjoying the new ride!

Rich

 

[Z737]

Before we purchased our Navigator, I nearly opted out of the Rear Entertainment system because of all the negative reviews. I'm so glad we didn't....Once I sat down and really dug into the system, I have grown to love it. it's FANTASTIC and here's why... First, in response to only one monitor having the SD slot, that's all you need. The 2nd monitor can access the SD card as well AND play a completely different movie. Screen A and Screen B are interfaced together so that Screen B can access everything on Screen A simultaneously or independently. I have about 30 movies loaded onto our SD card (loaded in Screen A) and sometimes the kids watch the same movies and sometimes they watch different movies at the same time. If the other child decides to join the movie being watched on screen A, he can easily switch and now both screens are playing the same movie at the same time in unison. He can even watch the same movie but start it from the beginning so same movies on both screens but not playing in sync. It really is that intuitive.

In addition to all those movies on the SD card, I purchased a Roku stick and that is inserted into the HDMI port of Screen A. It is powered by the USB cord, which also is plugged in to Screen A. And FYI, the USB power for the Roku stick from Screen A is more than enough. The kids have used it on a 7+ hour trip before. Screen B can also access Screen A's HDMI port simultaneously or independently. So if Screen A is displaying a SD card movie, Screen B can access the Roku stick. And with the Roku stick, there's Netflix, Google Play movies, Vudu, Amazon Prime videos and much, much more. You of course need subscriptions to Netflix and Amazon prime and some others but I would imagine most have both or at least one. You don't have to pay additional to access these if you already have a subscription. Just simply sign on just as if it was another TV in the house. That's an additional thousand or more titles to select from. I set the kid restrictions on all of them so they only have access to kid's content.

The best thing, it's a clean interface. We don't have tons of DVD movies cluttering up the vehicle anymore and on those nice big screens, the backseat passengers love it. So with the SD card and a Roku stick alone, you literally have thousands of shows/movies to select from. And if you have a Slingbox at home, there's a built in Slingbox app integrated into the system, so now add in all your live TV and DVR access on top of the other thousand selection of titles!

FYI, for the Roku stick, a Mobile hotspot or the vehicle hot spot is required to access content on the Roku stick apps. We are fortunate to have unlimited data hotspots through work, so this is what is used to provide WiFi to the Roku stick.

Now the only hurdle we ran into was our older 3rd child who sits in the 3rd row. Since there is not a screen for him, he uses his tablet which has all the same Roku apps. So he can access Netflix, Amazon prime, Vudu etc on his tablet. There was another post where someone asked which tablet mount was good for the 2018 and up Navigator. I made a reply post with some info on what I used. You should note that the distance between the the two post in the headrest, is not that wide. You'll be hard pressed to find a tablet holder that can fit in that space. I had to find a holder that latched on to one post. And I searched relentlessly looking for the one that spring loaded into the two post. If anyone that found one that does fit the newest Navigator model, please post here.

I know this has been a long post but I'm hoping this helps some folks that are on the fence about the Lincoln OEM rear entertainment system. I think most of the negative reviews was mostly due to the fact that so many people couldn't figure out how to use the system. Even the Lincoln sales rep don't have a full understanding. But once you do figure it out, the options of all the content that's available, is incredible. Every in vehicle entertainment system I've had before, was always limited to the number of DVD we had in the car. Now, our choices are endless!

Rich

You had mentioned in an earlier post using a Slingbox. Sling Media discontinued supporting the Slingbox on 11/09/2020.

 

[Tracie04]

Before we purchased our Navigator, I nearly opted out of the Rear Entertainment system because of all the negative reviews. I'm so glad we didn't....Once I sat down and really dug into the system, I have grown to love it. it's FANTASTIC and here's why... First, in response to only one monitor having the SD slot, that's all you need. The 2nd monitor can access the SD card as well AND play a completely different movie. Screen A and Screen B are interfaced together so that Screen B can access everything on Screen A simultaneously or independently. I have about 30 movies loaded onto our SD card (loaded in Screen A) and sometimes the kids watch the same movies and sometimes they watch different movies at the same time. If the other child decides to join the movie being watched on screen A, he can easily switch and now both screens are playing the same movie at the same time in unison. He can even watch the same movie but start it from the beginning so same movies on both screens but not playing in sync. It really is that intuitive.

In addition to all those movies on the SD card, I purchased a Roku stick and that is inserted into the HDMI port of Screen A. It is powered by the USB cord, which also is plugged in to Screen A. And FYI, the USB power for the Roku stick from Screen A is more than enough. The kids have used it on a 7+ hour trip before. Screen B can also access Screen A's HDMI port simultaneously or independently. So if Screen A is displaying a SD card movie, Screen B can access the Roku stick. And with the Roku stick, there's Netflix, Google Play movies, Vudu, Amazon Prime videos and much, much more. You of course need subscriptions to Netflix and Amazon prime and some others but I would imagine most have both or at least one. You don't have to pay additional to access these if you already have a subscription. Just simply sign on just as if it was another TV in the house. That's an additional thousand or more titles to select from. I set the kid restrictions on all of them so they only have access to kid's content.

The best thing, it's a clean interface. We don't have tons of DVD movies cluttering up the vehicle anymore and on those nice big screens, the backseat passengers love it. So with the SD card and a Roku stick alone, you literally have thousands of shows/movies to select from. And if you have a Slingbox at home, there's a built in Slingbox app integrated into the system, so now add in all your live TV and DVR access on top of the other thousand selection of titles!

FYI, for the Roku stick, a Mobile hotspot or the vehicle hot spot is required to access content on the Roku stick apps. We are fortunate to have unlimited data hotspots through work, so this is what is used to provide WiFi to the Roku stick.

Now the only hurdle we ran into was our older 3rd child who sits in the 3rd row. Since there is not a screen for him, he uses his tablet which has all the same Roku apps. So he can access Netflix, Amazon prime, Vudu etc on his tablet. There was another post where someone asked which tablet mount was good for the 2018 and up Navigator. I made a reply post with some info on what I used. You should note that the distance between the the two post in the headrest, is not that wide. You'll be hard pressed to find a tablet holder that can fit in that space. I had to find a holder that latched on to one post. And I searched relentlessly looking for the one that spring loaded into the two post. If anyone that found one that does fit the newest Navigator model, please post here.

I know this has been a long post but I'm hoping this helps some folks that are on the fence about the Lincoln OEM rear entertainment system. I think most of the negative reviews was mostly due to the fact that so many people couldn't figure out how to use the system. Even the Lincoln sales rep don't have a full understanding. But once you do figure it out, the options of all the content that's available, is incredible. Every in vehicle entertainment system I've had before, was always limited to the number of DVD we had in the car. Now, our choices are endless!

Rich

Hi OP,
That's a bummer to learn it can't be retrofitted but good info for those that may be reading this thread. I looked for a nice aftermarket system for the 3rd row before we settled on going the tablet route. There were a few I found on Amazon and I spoke to the place that installed my dash cams. They had experience in doing a hardwire install on some of those aftermarket systems and recommended not to buy them because they heard numerous complaints from those they installed them for. Basically quality and reliability issues. I called a second similar type place and heard the same thing.

There are some high end ones but priced out around $1500, so I wound up upgrading a tablet and getting a nice bluetooth headset to match. For our third row, that was enough.

I would check your local area for places that specialize in car audio. They'll have real hands on experience on good sytems.

Good luck!

What tablet and mounting device do you use and on what year of Navigator? Thanks for the info.

 

[Blade-MD]

What is the current recommendation for an aftermarket DVD system? We just got our 2021 Navigator L and want to purchase and install.

______________________________

 

[johnwatt]

Hi Ashley,

Congratulations on the new Navigator! I personally prefer to use an SD card for the movies on our entertainment system. What I do is take my movie files and copy them to the SD card. I use different type of movies files, (.mov, .mp4 etc) both of which will play on the entertainment system. FYI, many computers do not have an actual SD card slot reader, so I use an SD card USB adapter. Basically, it's a device where you can insert an SD card into the device and then that device gets plugged into any of the USB slots of the computer you will be using to transfer the movie files. Here's a similar type of device I found on Amazon - It's only $6.99 as of this posting. https://www.amazon.com/Vanja-Adapter-Portable-Memory-Reader/dp/B00W02VHM6/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2WEP2DSHFYUMK&dchild=1&keywords=sd+card+usb+adapter&qid=1610379391&sprefix=sd+card+us,aps,187&sr=8-3&th=1. The cheapest one should be sufficient for what you're trying to do. The option that is a few dollars more has the USB C type of plug on one side which will be good for more recent Android devices but isn't necessary to transfer the files from your computer. You'll be using the USB side of the adapter for the transfer.

You can also have the movie files on a USB stick and just plug in the USB stick into the entertainment system but then you have a USB sticking out, which is more prone to getting bumped/hit by the kids. With the SD card, it'll be a cleaner look and doesn't stick out so it won't get hit by the kiddos. I personally use the USB outlet on the system for a Roku stick but we don't keep the Roku stick plugged in all the time for the very reason of it getting hit by the kids.

Good luck and hope you're enjoying the new ride!

Rich

Rich,
I am struggling with loading movies to a SD card. What program do you use?

 

[johnwatt]

You had mentioned in an earlier post using a Slingbox. Sling Media discontinued supporting the Slingbox on 11/09/2020.

You had mentioned in an earlier post using a Slingbox. Sling Media discontinued supporting the Slingbox on 11/09/2020.

Need help on getting movies to the SD card. Did you use a program?

 

[G-454546]

Before we purchased our Navigator, I nearly opted out of the Rear Entertainment system because of all the negative reviews. I'm so glad we didn't....Once I sat down and really dug into the system, I have grown to love it. it's FANTASTIC and here's why... First, in response to only one monitor having the SD slot, that's all you need. The 2nd monitor can access the SD card as well AND play a completely different movie. Screen A and Screen B are interfaced together so that Screen B can access everything on Screen A simultaneously or independently. I have about 30 movies loaded onto our SD card (loaded in Screen A) and sometimes the kids watch the same movies and sometimes they watch different movies at the same time. If the other child decides to join the movie being watched on screen A, he can easily switch and now both screens are playing the same movie at the same time in unison. He can even watch the same movie but start it from the beginning so same movies on both screens but not playing in sync. It really is that intuitive.

In addition to all those movies on the SD card, I purchased a Roku stick and that is inserted into the HDMI port of Screen A. It is powered by the USB cord, which also is plugged in to Screen A. And FYI, the USB power for the Roku stick from Screen A is more than enough. The kids have used it on a 7+ hour trip before. Screen B can also access Screen A's HDMI port simultaneously or independently. So if Screen A is displaying a SD card movie, Screen B can access the Roku stick. And with the Roku stick, there's Netflix, Google Play movies, Vudu, Amazon Prime videos and much, much more. You of course need subscriptions to Netflix and Amazon prime and some others but I would imagine most have both or at least one. You don't have to pay additional to access these if you already have a subscription. Just simply sign on just as if it was another TV in the house. That's an additional thousand or more titles to select from. I set the kid restrictions on all of them so they only have access to kid's content.

The best thing, it's a clean interface. We don't have tons of DVD movies cluttering up the vehicle anymore and on those nice big screens, the backseat passengers love it. So with the SD card and a Roku stick alone, you literally have thousands of shows/movies to select from. And if you have a Slingbox at home, there's a built in Slingbox app integrated into the system, so now add in all your live TV and DVR access on top of the other thousand selection of titles!

FYI, for the Roku stick, a Mobile hotspot or the vehicle hot spot is required to access content on the Roku stick apps. We are fortunate to have unlimited data hotspots through work, so this is what is used to provide WiFi to the Roku stick.

Now the only hurdle we ran into was our older 3rd child who sits in the 3rd row. Since there is not a screen for him, he uses his tablet which has all the same Roku apps. So he can access Netflix, Amazon prime, Vudu etc on his tablet. There was another post where someone asked which tablet mount was good for the 2018 and up Navigator. I made a reply post with some info on what I used. You should note that the distance between the the two post in the headrest, is not that wide. You'll be hard pressed to find a tablet holder that can fit in that space. I had to find a holder that latched on to one post. And I searched relentlessly looking for the one that spring loaded into the two post. If anyone that found one that does fit the newest Navigator model, please post here.

I know this has been a long post but I'm hoping this helps some folks that are on the fence about the Lincoln OEM rear entertainment system. I think most of the negative reviews was mostly due to the fact that so many people couldn't figure out how to use the system. Even the Lincoln sales rep don't have a full understanding. But once you do figure it out, the options of all the content that's available, is incredible. Every in vehicle entertainment system I've had before, was always limited to the number of DVD we had in the car. Now, our choices are endless!

Rich

I have my vehicle hot spot turned on and Roku stick plugged in. I keep getting a error saying HDMI. Or connected. How do I get my navigator to read the hdmi?

 

[G-567342]

Do those mounting brackets for $129 sdk linc work if I get a 12" tv?