Winplus Wireless Vehicle Back-up Camera System

Anyone hear anything about the Winplus Wireless Vehicle Back-up Camera System?

Amazon's Offering (http://www.amazon.com/Winplus-Wireless-Vehicle-Back-up-Camera/dp/B000P266AQ/ref=sr_1_1/002-8400370-1954448?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1185370716&sr=1-1) it for $149.99 with free shipping... when it becomes available.

I guess they want buyers to "pre-order" it... they're saying, "First come, first served."

It's the only other wireless backup camera system I've seen, other than the VR3 by Roadmaster, which has become very popular with members of the ROC.

The Winplus uses 2.4Ghz wireless, and has a 7" LCD color monitor with AV input capabilities for DVD and Video Games.

The monitor can be mounted on the dashboard, air vent, visor, or a headrest.

It has night vision capabilities built into the camera.

And it offers 2 USB power slots for charging accessories such as IPOD's, MP3 Players, Digital Cameras, and Mobile Phones.

It seems the system is new (and "unproven"), because there are only two recent reviews from users of it, and they aren't very favorable. Both reviews say the camera "overheats" with prolonged use, forming condensation that makes for "foggy viewing", but one of the reviewers mentions that the manufacturer is working on a new camera.
The other reviewer mentions that it has to be manually turned-on to use it.

I like the 7" monitor size, the visor mounting option, night vision capability, and the AV inputs, but like they say... if it sounds too good to be true...
... and then, of course, there's the camera issues.

Bottom line is... I'm asking if anyone has had any prior dealings with, or knowledge of "Winplus" products (http://www.winplususa.com/aboutus.html). They seem to be into seat and steering wheel covers, compasses, dashlights, and other small accessories.

Might they be a Chinese distributor?

If there was, at least, a warranty offered, I may be willing to become "an early adopter" of this product.

Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.
Pug

On their "global site" (http://www.winplus.net/), they show both 7" and 3.5" monitors in their featured graphic at the top of the page.

And, coincidentally, guess what White truck they included in their "on screen" graphic! ;)

Where would you mount a 7" screen so that it wouldn't block vision or interfere with some dash component?

With two customer reviews (both in July '07) rating it 1 out of 5 stars, with comments like "disappointed" and "cheap camera", why would you even bother?

Hey Pug,
You may want to refer to this thread in this case... :D hehe

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16139

Hey Pug,
You may want to refer to this thread in this case... :D hehe

brich, you never fail to amuse! :D

brich, you never fail to amuse! :D

I'm just here to have a little fun...:D

Set any good speed traps lately?

I'm just here to have a little fun...:D

Set any good speed traps lately?

Good memory too! Nah, I have bigger fish to fry. I'm preparin' to go after internet predators, like NBC's Dateline does. I just need to get all of my ducks in a row so they don't slip away on a technicality. :)

Where would you mount a 7" screen so that it wouldn't block vision or interfere with some dash component?

I should've included a pic of the visor mounting location I mentioned.
Looks pretty convenient... for us 2006 driver-side vanity mirrorless owners, anyways.

With two customer reviews (both in July '07) rating it 1 out of 5 stars, with comments like "disappointed" and "cheap camera", why would you even bother?

It was mentioned that the manu. may be working on a new camera.
Yes, getting the original cam would probably suck. Thus, my warranty concerns...

Hey Pug,
You may want to refer to this thread in this case... :D hehe

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16139

Good one, brich. For some reason, when I see these "deals", I have a hard time "resisting the ripoff". Therein lies the reason I've come to ROC members for info/advise regarding this product. Better now, than after buying it on a whim, and lamenting it to ROC members in that other thread.;)

Thanks for the "kick in the pants". I was REAL CLOSE to ordering it. :p :o

For the record, I've seen their "Type S" products at the local Advance stores and Walmart, but never paid much attention to them. Various LED "mood" lamps, ashtrays, and seatbelt cushions... I noticed the connection between Type S and Winplus on their website earlier today.
Looks like some really cheaply made stuff.

Good one, brich. For some reason, when I see these "deals", I have a hard time "resisting the ripoff". Therein lies the reason I've come to ROC members for info/advise regarding this product.


We're here for ya Pug, we're here for ya... :D

Where would you mount a 7" screen so that it wouldn't block vision or interfere with some dash component?

Look on the dash below the HVAC controls. Mine only blocks the heated seat controls.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/HondaRidgeline/100_0024-1.jpg

I've remained intrigued by this system enough that I emailed them expressing my concerns with the reviewed camera on Amazon.

For any who may be interested, their reply:

We apologize for the late response. We are currently working on a revised and updated new version of the Back-up camera. The camera should be coming out later this year. We will be selling the camera only at Costco, Sams Club and Canadian Tire Stores. Thank you for your business and patience.

We appreciate it,
Sandy Youssef
Marketing Assistant
Winplus USA

I just purchased and installed this camera tonight. $80 at Costco.

The picture quality is very good with minimal interference. A long antannae is provided that I think helps. The biggest bummer is that you have to turn on the screen evertime you want to back up. They provide a hard wire attachment, but I am not electrically inclined to try, especially since I want to mount it on the little ledge below the rear windows and above the rear seats. Installation of the camera was very easy. However, I did not mount it to the top of the license plate like they suggest. I attached it to the outside of the trunk under the bumper. I will show pictures later.

I will be visiting auto electronics stores tomorrow to see how much it would cost for them to hard wire it. With the hard wiring option, the monitor will automatically turn on when the vehicle is put in reverse. The camera and monitor link very quickly. It appears that the monitor takes about 2 seconds to turn on. I will double check tomorrow morning.

The larger screen is very nice and the camera has good night vision capabilities. So far I really like it, except for the hard wiring issue. They state that if the monitor is left on all the time it will get hot.

:cool: !
This is the first I'd heard that it was now available.
And at 80bucks!?

Did you get the 7" or the 3.5"?
Try any of the input capabilities yet?

I was wondering about the "reviewers' " comments about the overheating camera... thought they surely meant the monitor.

BTW... what DOESN'T get hot in RENO!?

waitin' for the pics... :)