| santom |
| What's involved to view DVD movies on the Nav screen? Is it possible? Can I use the unit presently running my Navigation system?:) |
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| Words |
| Gee.... is that feasible? No one has ever posted about this to my knowledge. That would be a really cool feature, but I'm guessing it's not possible. |
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| Ronsully |
| Try looking up "video on my navi". You should also go the the acura-tl.com site too, and the Honda Odessey site? You can modify the Navi screen to be able view TV and movies. |
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| VideoNavi |
I'm the crazy guy who came up with the "Video On My Navi" modification for my family Odyssey van w/ navigation system. I've had one or two people put them in MDX's as well. I just couldn't stand having that monitor there without the ability to play video! It was also the need to queue up DVD movies for kids rear ceiling mounted display.
In short there are two basic ways to place "Video On My Navi".
1. Using a Pioneer AVC-RGB1 decoder (discontinued by Pioneer and now a little difficult to find). This solution gives you the ability to play NTSC composite video (yellow RCA type plug) video on the navigation screen with a flip of a switch. For audio you will need to buy a RF modulator or CD cassette adapter.
2. Using a Pioneer GEX-P7000TV that has built-in TV tuner, 2 A/V inputs, 1 rear A/V output, built-in RF modulator and wireless remote controller. This unit also requires you use a Pioneer rear display ceiling mount AVD-W6000 + CD-30RGB or AVD-W6010 center console mount monitor to be fully functional. The real advantage of this design is 2 A/V inputs, wireless remote control to switch between Navi display, TV. A/V 1 or A/V 2 on the navi display and rear monitor between TV, A/V 1 or A/V 2 (independent of navi screen).
Both designs require electrical modifications to the Pioneer parts.
VideoNavi@aol.com |
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| rlm32 |
| I read concerns from people in the TL forum about burning the screen when playing video thru the Acura navi screen. How long have you had your setup? Any concerns so far? |
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| VideoNavi |
| When I first started telling people I could do this, it was a concern. I guess an old Acura TL design/designer had tried to "rig" his display and overdrove it, blowing it out. My voltage measurements are .7v p-p, this is the same output your navi computer outputs and after 30+ installs over a year not one blown screen. |
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| Xtreme MDX |
| First thanks to VideoNavi for his generosity in sharing the instructions on the product modification he undertook. I have the ACV RGB1 and it is at the process of going through the mods necessary to hook up the navi screen. I will post pics as soon as I install it on the X. This unit is hard to find as he said because it has been discontinued, this part is a Japanese unit, not a US one. You can find this unit for about $ 99.00 to $ 130.00. The modification at my local stereo shop will cost $ 100 - 120 plus necessary hardware like video cables, etc... I will let everyone know how the install goes. I do have questions for VideoNavi. Is it okey to use a relay switch instead of a 4PDt switch? Was there a particular reason you chose the 4PDT switch in place of the relay, would not the relay be a more reliable swicth than a 4PDT? Thanks in advance..... |
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| VideoNavi |
The 4PDT switch was in the original modification kit built when I recommended the AVC-RGB1 be mounted behind the navigation screen. In the deluxe design it became a 4PDT relay (Radio Shack part) so you could also turn on a RF modulator at the same time. Now with the ability to place the AVC-RGB1 behind the navi computer (DVD unit), the relay and socket makes better sense. You can run a single wire to a standard or lighted dash mounted switch.
Another advantage to having a relay is you can trigger your navi screen to display video for a reverse back-up camera. (this will require another SPDT relay to A/B select your video source too). I'm doing that for my wife's Honda Odyssey van right now. She has all the gadgets... in-dash DVD player, 2 separate "Video on my Navi" designs and back sensors giving her distance in feet and 3x3 A/V switcher. Of course she is also my R&D test pilot! |
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| TC |
Last time I was looking through your post you mentioned that you thought that the GEX-P7000 was a better unit to use for this modification. Is that still your thinking? I think that the modifications instructions that I saw were for the AVC-RGB1. Do you have a link to detailed instructions for the GEX.. unit? It sounds like it is not necessary to to go behind the dash to make this mod -- Just access the wires where they go into the DVD unit. Is that true? Have you found connectors that can be used for a wiring harness or do you have to clip/splice wires? If these questions have been answered in some other forum, I'd appreciate the link. If anyone else reading this has done this mod, could you post picks? :) Sorry for all the questions -- I'm very excited about this mod.
I like the idea of the backup camera. Which unit are you using for the backup sensor and where did you get it? |
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| VideoNavi |
quote:
Originally posted by TC
Last time I was looking through your post you mentioned that you thought that the GEX-P7000 was a better unit to use for this modification. Is that still your thinking? I think that the modifications instructions that I saw were for the AVC-RGB1. Do you have a link to detailed instructions for the GEX.. unit? It sounds like it is not necessary to to go behind the dash to make this mod -- Just access the wires where they go into the DVD unit. Is that true? Have you found connectors that can be used for a wiring harness or do you have to clip/splice wires? If these questions have been answered in some other forum, I'd appreciate the link. If anyone else reading this has done this mod, could you post picks? :) Sorry for all the questions -- I'm very excited about this mod.
I like the idea of the backup camera. Which unit are you using for the backup sensor and where did you get it?
Yes, the GEX-P7000TV is a better solution, but it requires you also connect a $549 or $599 6.5" Pioneer AVD-W6000 or AVD-W6010 monitor to the GEX unit as well to make all functions work properly. The AVD-W6000 has a ceiling and headrest mounting kit and AVD-W6010 comes with detachable mounting base that people have used for back of center console. The GEX is a better unit for the following reasons: built-in TV tuner, wireless remote control (no need to mount dash switch, simply place an IR eye on/or in the dash behind smoked plastic [like the clock]), built-in FM modulator, 2 source A/V inputs and a rear A/V output that is connected to the AVD-W60xx monitor. With this setup your rear monitor can display a different source than what is on the navi display, all controlled by the remote control and navi display. Using the control panel on the AVD-W60xx monitor you can also have it display the navi screen map! Kids like this for whatever reason... I don't give out the modification directions for the GEX-P7000TV, but can be talked into selling themor doing the modifications for you w/parts and hook-up instructions. If buying a GEX-P7000TV don't forget to also buy the Pioneer AN-G3 mobile TV antenna and if going with AVD-W6000 monitor a Pioneer CD-30RGB cable and mount. All together it's about a $1K mod, but well worth it.
As for your question on AVC-RGB1. Yes, it's easier to hook it up behind the navi computer using wires from the 2nd or middle plug. Since I haven't been able to locate the factory plugs it does require you cut 4 wires and "t tap" 3 others. If you ever wish to remove the decoder it's simply a matter of using butt connectors to put them back together.
For my back-up sensor unit it's a Poron mini-3p (www.poronusa.com). The display unit mounts on top the rear view mirror (not under it like they show) and the sensors are pretty darn small. I've mounted them on the lower lip of the tailgate.
Note: back-up camera will not work with GEX unit (unless you decide to use 1 A/V input for camera). Auto switching back-up camera was a design for AVC-RGB1 w/relay. |
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| MDXtrous |
VideoNavi,
How is the video screen on the Navi? How many colors does it support? What is the resolution? Is it good enough for DVD video? How do you switch back when you want to use the Navi?
Thanks ahead of time... |
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| VideoNavi |
The Navi screen is excellent for DVD playback. It's a TFT display and I'm sure it's at least 360K pixel count. The navi computer's colors are limited, so it doesn't appear to be a very good display- but it is! Running the video signal to the display in RGB makes the colors very rich.
To switch between navi and video you can use a dash mounted switch. A few Acura-TL people have mounted this switch in the blank fog light switch cover. |
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| solomon |
| Sounds very interesting, but either I'm search-stupid or just missing it :( |
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| rlm32 |
| Can you do this mod with a non-Navi screen? |
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| solomon |
I'm pretty weak on video, so please bear with me....
Ok, so the NAV display takes RGB and Composite Sync. What's special about the AVC-RGB1? Could one pump signal from some other RGBs source? I assume the thing runs the standard NTSC display mode, so would any source putting out that resolution on RGBs work?
I expected the input to the display to be native LCD mode, so I'm caught a little off-guard by how standard the input is! I guess the AVC-RGB1 is the simplest solution, since most everything can drive composite video - I'm just thinking about what other types of sources I can use.
Thanks in advance,
Richard |
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| DigitalMDX |
Hi Steve,
Could you look over my interpretation of your instructions and see if everything looks right. Also please see the next post for wiring questions. Thanks for your help!
-Jay |
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| DigitalMDX |
Hi Steve,
Can you tell me if I have the right white, red, green and yellow wires?
Looking at the back of the NAV unit there are 5 connectors.
Pictured are connectors #2 through #5, connector #1 (the single wire connector is off to the left of the photo).
So, my questions is... Is this the right connector?
Thank you!
Take care,
-Jay |
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| VideoNavi |
Jay,
Your wiring chart is correct. The connector is the only one with a white,red,yellow and green wire. I can't tell from your picture exactly, but it looks like the one still plugged in to the right. Keep in mind you can use a 4PDT 12vdc relay from Radio Shack instead of a 4PDT switch. Also remember to cut your wires (shown in your picture)1.5" to 2" back from the connector. That way you can always reconnect things.
Power for your AVC-RGB1 can be picked up (t-tapped) from the 1st connector on the back of the navi computer (connector to the left of one with white,red,yellow,green wires). With the connector plugged in Pin 1 in upper left corner is constant power, pin 2 is Accessory and black wire pin 4 in upper right corner is GND.
Enjoy the show!
VideoNavi |
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| DigitalMDX |
Thank you!
I'll double check the wires, I'm pretty sure the connector shown is the only one that matched the white,red,yellow and green. There was another yellow wire on this connector but after close inspection it is yellow/white.
I will also investigate the power wiring.
I picked up the relay and socket at Radio Shack last night, I'll go with this option for the switching.
Thanks again for your input,
-Jay |
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| Mocking-DX |
video navi
since the play station 2 has the option of being able to be hooked up to a tv with component cable(RGB), can't we just connect these cables to the 4PDT switch or something to view a PS2 game or dvd movie? Just a thought. Thanks. |
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| Xtreme MDX |
| Wow, for an oem monitor this unit is just amazing. This is one top notch monitor. Even without the video adjustments the color and image detail was just sharp. It's even better than most aftermarket units I've seen out there, the modification is worth all the money I spent on it. I'll post pics soon, I promise. Kudos to Acura for not skimping on the choice of monitor. I'll post the pics as a new post. |
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| ron |
Thanks to Steve (aka VideoOnNavi) I've been watching DVDs on my Navi Screen while my wife drives.:D
I had a shop install the AVC-RGB1 and a Blaupunkt ME1 DVD/MP3 player installed along with an Alpine CD changer. They were able to get the sound of DVDs and MP3 thru the factory sound system by splicing in to the CD changer.. So I have 2 swithces under the arm rest, one for video and one for audio.. One good thing is the Navi voice still work even if I am watching a DVD.
Next, I am going to add a flip down screen and an Amp, then replace the speakers.
Thanks again steve.
I do have 3 AVC-RGB1 and a Pioneer GEXP-7000 (modified by Steve already)and a 6010 monitor for sale if any one is interested.
Ron |
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| ron |
Oops, the P7000 was modified but not the AVC-RGB1. But it is very easy to do. Steve posted all the instructions somewhere on the TL list.
I am asking $150 for the RGB1 that is the MSRP.. there are places that sell them from $99 and up but I belive it is discontinued and they don't have them..
Ron
p.s. I thought @home was down:( |
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| Mocking-DX |
x treme MDX
did you splice the sound of your vidoe player to the stock radio like Ron did? If so how did you do it? can i just splice it from the wires coming from the back of the navigation?
thanks in advance |
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| dakster |
First off, I am very excited about this forum. I just purchased my 2002 Aura MDX a couple of days ago.
I think the orignal question was, and if not I would like to know. Is there a way to use the existing DVD player under the passenger seat to play a DVD on the nav monitor?
If not, what I gather the rest of thread is talking about, is using an existing system sans the monitor, because you are tying into the existing navi monitor and because it was not "designed" for it, you must splice into it, which sounds reasonable...
Dakster |
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| Xtreme MDX |
Answer to some questions asked.
First my system is not using the oem Bose system any longer except for voice playback for the Navi. The switcher is hooked up to a Panasonic CD,DVD,VCD player, Boston Pro Series component seperates, Rockford Fosgate Amps and 8 inch JL Audio 8W3 subs.
Second, for the navigation dvd driver unit, this unit will not play DVDs because it does not have the ability for the DVD menu functions. Sorry but you will need a seperate unit for actual DVD playback. Why don't you put in a PS2, it serves dual function, a game console and a DVD player at the same time. Perfect to keep the rugrats at peace.
One more thing, I need to give my shouts out to Steve for sharing this technology he had developed. Your willingness to share this information without asking for anything in return is greatly appreciated especially at these times where everyone wants something in return. If not for your unselfishness a lot of us would not be enjoying this stealth entertainment system.
Thanks Steve. |
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| DigitalMDX |
I like the idea of the PS2 as a DVD player but here is my question.
What kind of buffering does this thing have? Just how much vibration can it take before the movie skips and jumps? Anybody have one of these in their vehicle and watched movies on it on a bumpy road? I'm curious
Thanks,
Jay |
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| Mocking-DX |
First of all thanks for the all the members who are generously sharing their ideas on this video upgrade. Thanks to Ron who provided me the RGB1.
I hooked up everything yesterday and it's amazing it works or at least i did not screw it up. It's easy hooking them up as soon as you ID the wires to cut and splice. The tedious part is soldering the wires to the relay and splicing them to the back of the navi computer.
Few tips
--cut and splice one wire at a time in the back of the navi computer, this way you don't mix them up when splicing.
--you can ground the 4PDT relay and RGB1(and Fm modulator) to either one of the bolt that anchors the chair rail to the floor
--you don't have to cut the wires from the navi comp to connect the RGB1's constant power and accessory power. Just peel off a part of these 2 wires and T-splice splice them.
--use a handycam to test your work after connecting everything. Just more handy than a play station or dvd player.
--easy way to determine which plug on the back of the navi computer is to find the wires that connects to the power and video signal to the monitor---Turn on the car to accesory. you will hear the dvd rom player spins. pull the #2 plug(from the left). The dvd should stop spinning. Then unplug the #3 plug, look at the screen, the monitor should be blank.
That's all for now. I gotta go hook up the FM modulator and the relay switch now. |
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