The first thing I want you to know is that I am NOT an expert and probably can’t answer all the questions that will probably pop up over this post. I’ll answer the questions that I can.
After an unpleasant discussion with a Florida state trooper alongside the interstate, I decided to install a 4 camera recording capability in my 2015 Anthem.
Installing the system was fairly easy. Following are the requirements that I had for my system;
1. Must be able to record 24/7 unless I shut the system off.
2. Cameras had to be the highest resolution available.
3. Recorder (MDVR) needed to have the capability to record any suspicious movements while parked.
4. Capability of displaying all 4 cameras on the monitor or any combination of the 4.
5. Had to have 4 pin AV connectors.
6. Easily display and port to my desktop in a common format.
So I began my research. The first task I needed to do was to get rid of the switcher box from Riverpark. The switcher box is behind the monitor on the dash. That is the box that automatically switches cameras when you put your turn signal on. That drove me crazy! Hooked to that box are three video input cables that have a non-common connection. They are square with 4 pins. The task is to convert them to 4 pin AV connectors. It turned out to be fairly simple. Riverpark sold me 4 cables to convert the square inputs to the AV inputs. I think they were $50.
Second task was to replace the rear camera with a higher resolution camera. There are tons of those cameras on the net. I just had to make sure the camera I selected had an AV input. Most cameras come with RCA inputs. If you want audio and video you usually need two RCA inputs. 4 pin AV connectors carry audio, video, ground, and power and those are the ones I prefer. I installed a wide angle HD camera in my windshield to act as a dash cam.
The next task was to select a MDVR (Mobile Digital Recorder). The MDVR needed to be able to display all 4 channels on the monitor at the same time. It also needed to have significant memory to record all 4 cameras for a month or so before overwriting. There aren’t that many options to choose from and some are very pricey. I liked this one because it comes with a desktop player that is really great for viewing and converting your saved videos. It also has slots for 2 256GB SD cards that make it easy to transfer your files.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Now you need a HD monitor and I wanted one that was bigger than the one I had so I bought a 10”. And this is what I chose;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You hook it all up and it’s plug and play. I wouldn’t want you to think there were no hiccups, there were. If you are interested in copying this system, I can help you but that’s the limit of my knowledge.
I did not replace the side view cameras. I couldn't come up with a way to replace them and make it look like factory installs.
Believe it or not, the entire system cost a bout $300.
I really like this setup. Here are a few screen captures of my system:
Linear Mode
