Hi Gene.....

I think the unit they are talking about is made by Valor.

Here's a link to the unit:
http://www.valordvd.com/product/prod...oductid=TCR-07
You can download the manual with this link if you like.

There are some good things to that unit, and like any other aftermarket unit, some bad things. It can play DVD's, which the Toyota unit cannot. The navigation unit is actually a separate module that is controlled by the touch screen. You can read up on it here:
http://www.valordvd.com/images/e_download/NAV-2.pdf
I personally think the navigation screens are a bit clunky, and both them and the display seem a lower resolution than the Toyota unit, but that's a bit subjective.

There is a "steering wheel interface" module, but sounds like this only controls the radio, not the phone functions. Didn't know that, but it makes sense.

You can certainly install the OEM Toyota Nav unit. I've done it, and did even get the energy screens working.
Some info here:
http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f...s-camry-15155/
Your dealer is somewhat correct, in that "THEY" won't install the unit, but that doesn't mean it can't be installed. As flopshot mentioned, in Canada it's the opposite. Only the dealers can install it, you can't get it from the factory.

If you don't care about the energy screens, any 2007 Camry unit will work.
OEMValue sells them for $1,495.
http://www.oemvalue.com/installcamry07.htm
(....note, ignore the comment about just needing to hook up 4 wires to get the energy screens working, they're wrong!)

On eBay, the "real" OEM navigation and that Valour one actually seem to be the same price. There are some on eBay right now. (Search for "Camry Navigation") You can buy one from a Canadian Toyota dealer for $2,700 (if for some reason you'd want to do that.)

If you want the hybrid energy screens, you need to buy the E7011 model. It looks identical except says E7011 on the front instead of E7012. There are different part numbers as they revised the units, but all should work as long as they are for a 2007-2008 Camry. If you did want the energy screens, I'm 99% certain any model marked E7011 will work, but I can only say for certain part number 86120-33A30 does for sure.

There is a kit you can get from Toyota Canada that makes changing from your current radio all plug and play. (you could do it in about an hour if you are handy, or any shop should be able to do it in the same time.) Note you must have JBL already to install the Nav.

PM me if you would like a bunch of documents and the like I can send you.

Later!

Dang