2001 Sienna XLE - VES AUX input problems

[TMOSteel]

My wife and I just picked up a 2001 Sienna XLE that came equipped with the VES (Vehicle Entertainment System).

No problems with the unit playing VHS tapes as far as we can tell (Liar Liar plays just fine). Problem is we don't have tapes anymore! (We don't even own a VCR; its DVD and PVR for us).

We were hoping to play DVDs that our two year old has so I picked up a portable DVD player and connected it to the AUX input on the rear of the console. We get audio just fine, but no video, just occasional wavy vertical lines as the DVD plays. The monitor displays “AUX idle” if I remember correctly.

I've tried one of those portable TV games that JAAKS Pacific makes and it works just fine. Also tried one of those 74 in 1 games from China and it has the same problem as the DVD player: sound but no video, just occasional wavy vertical lines (although the image almost displays for a second or two).

The portable DVD player works when connected indoors, so I know that's not the problem, same goes for the 74 in 1 game. I've googled this problem but did not find it let alone any type of solution. I have seen reference to a "2001 Toyota Sienna Video Entertainment System Diagnostic Manual" on these very forums but I can't seem to locate it.

Has anyone seen this problem before, can it be fixed by adjusting the VES monitor or inputs somehow, or does anyone know of a portable DVD player that they have had success with?