Navigation updates

[mhartley]

I am curious about updates to the DVD navigation system. Do you have to buy from Toyota? Can it be installed by the owner?

I probably can't afford to buy an update every year, and am hoping to find them in the aftermarket.

[Danny]

That is a very good question.

First of all, there is no installation - it's simply inserting the DVD like you would into any dvd player.

I would think that you're going to have to get any updates through Toyota. I just read a Lexus forum and they receive updates for free as long as you are the original owner and your car is under warranty.

Unless you live in an area that is rapidly growing or building new roads and whatnot, then yearly updates may not be completely neccessary. The POIs might go out of date, though.

[efusco]

Here's the site for the company that produces the DVDs for the NAV system. They have a customer feedback area where you can tell them about changes in POIs and report errors and such. They also sell the DVDs here ($199 for the full version, $129 for 1 region only), but don't currently list the Prius.

http://www.navtech.com/vehicle/driverfeedback_na.html

[Nascar_joe]

Wondering if anyone has tried going thru Toyota to request or purchase DVD updates? I talked to a service rep and he looked at me like I had three heads. I know Toyota is new at the NAV thing, but you would think that a service guy would be able to look up the info.

If we purchase direct from NAVTech, is it just pop it in easy!!! Sounds to simple for Toyota, gotta be more catches...

Any additional info out there!?

Nascar Joe
'03 Silver since April '03
10,050 miles
48.3 mpg

[Ralphmc]

Originally posted by Nascar_joe
Wondering if anyone has tried going thru Toyota to request or purchase DVD updates?  I talked to a service rep and he looked at me like I had three heads.  I know Toyota is new at the NAV thing, but you would think that a service guy would be able to look up the info.

If we purchase direct from NAVTech, is it just pop it in easy!!! Sounds to simple for Toyota, gotta be more catches...

Any additional info out there!?

Nascar Joe
'03 Silver since April '03
10,050 miles
48.3 mpg

Maybe this will help to figur out how to get to the details on the NAV system in the Prius:
DENSO is a leading global manufacturer of vehicle navigation systems, advanced technology, automotive systems and components. Since it launched Toyota Motor Corporation's first vehicle navigation system in 1987, DENSO (formerly Nippondenso) has been a pioneer in the navigation industry.

DENSO partnered with Navigation Technologies in 1991. In 1994, DENSO strengthened its navigation development for North America by starting the ITS Research engineering center in Southern California.

DENSO became one of the first vehicle navigation suppliers to enter the North American market with the 1996 launch of the Toyota Vehicle Navigation System. DENSO navigation hardware and software is now also available as an option on three new Lexus models - the LS400, GS400 and GS300.

DENSO's participation in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry goes beyond vehicle navigation. Easing traffic jams, preserving the environment, and increasing safety are all aims of DENSO's ITS activity. DENSO's contributions range from developing terminals and controllers for intelligent automobiles to creating electronic toll collection systems and two-way communication technologies.

DENSO employs 8,000 people at 15 companies in North America. Worldwide, DENSO employs 65,000 at its operations in 23 countries.

DENSO Web Site http://www.denso.co.jp/en/

Sorry I am still new to your board, and have not figured all the things out how to do them right, my name is Ralphmc

[Ralphmc]

I am curious about updates to the DVD navigation system. Do you have to buy from Toyota? Can it be installed by the owner?

I probably can't afford to buy an update every year, and am hoping to find them in the aftermarket.
---

I called Toyota's Customer Service Center on this, and the answer is that you can only get it through Toyota, due to the interface that is developed to work with the on-screen display. I will come out with an updated version anually, and does require a royalty fee.

Ralphmc

[pjm877]

Originally posted by efusco
Here's the site for the company that produces the DVDs for the NAV system.  They have a customer feedback area where you can tell them about changes in POIs and report errors and such.  They also sell the DVDs here ($199 for the full version, $129 for 1 region only), but don't currently list the Prius.

http://www.navtech.com/vehicle/driverfeedback_na.html

I just got off the phone with Barbara at navtech and the software for 2002 -2003 Prius was done by them but for the 2004 DENSO went with GDT.

Navtech has been getting lots of comments on this subject... so now we know why we are having so many problems... DENSO changed software co.

So don't complain to navtech about the 2004 Prius nav problems.... Maybe Toyota will force DENSO to go back to navtech...

Just thought the group would like to know.

[Alex]

I just got off the phone with Barbara at navtech and the software for  2002 -2003 Prius was done by them but for the 2004 DENSO went with GDT.

Here is the URL to GDTs home page. You can lookup addresses (similar to mapquest) at their web site.

http://www.geographic.com/

Alex Karahalios

[Mitchla]

What exactly does an update do? Is it just road and POI data or does it improve the OS and algorithms? In other words, will it help it calculate better routes -- which it's pretty bad at.

[DWrath]

Any new info on how to update our navigation systems?
Thanks