| tzeus |
I tried posting this earlier but somehting got screwy....has anyone or know anyone that has installed an acutal computer in their MDX? I'm going to be installing the following system in my MDX soon....follow the link....this will enable me to run a Navman GPS, and play DVD movies for my daughter........and it should cost me less than $1800.....
http://www.mobilevideo4less.com/Mer...tegory_Code=MPC |
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| mdxxxx |
| Impressive. This warrants further consideration and research. I think I could go for it...:29: |
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| renov8r |
That widescreen LCD is nice, the wireless keyboard could be a generic item...
The ultra compact housing is kinda handy (wonder if that is custom or if its availble from one of the 'white box' case makers...)
Anyhow, I still rather like the "built in" solution:
http://home.attbi.com/~digitalmatrix/wardriving/ |
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| mdx_kid |
Guys what I have read on this forum as well as the TL forum that require that Pioneer card which is discontinued. Is there a solution whereby you can attach some card to the screen and hook your laptop video card out to it and watch the dvds?
Secondly is it possible only with MDX nav system or also with non nav screens as they don't have that option in Canada?
Thanks for your time. |
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| renov8r |
Several replacements for the discontinued Pioneer box exists.
One solution is to ADD the rear view camera to an 01 or 02 NAVI.
Another is to use the solution manufactured by a mobile sound custmizer that frequents this board to replace the Pioneer box. It too is for 01 or 02 NAVI.
The non-Navi equipped MDXs do not have an LCD data screen, the backlight panel is etched.
quote:
Originally posted by mdx_kid
Guys what I have read on this forum as well as the TL forum that require that Pioneer card which is discontinued. Is there a solution whereby you can attach some card to the screen and hook your laptop video card out to it and watch the dvds?
Secondly is it possible only with MDX nav system or also with non nav screens as they don't have that option in Canada?
Thanks for your time.
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| xcel |
Hi Tzeus:
___I have built an HTPC for an X if we ever get one but you really have to consider what form factor you want as well as understanding your power requirements … I chose an I815EP chipset based Soyo TISU although the Asus TUSL2 I815EP would be a better choice as far as stability is concerned. I can’t get the Asus TUSL2’s for an inexpensive price anymore :(. I am using 256 MB of Crucial purchased Micron PC133 CAS2, a 64 MB version of the Radeon 9000 Pro underclocked for power considerations, a 1.4 GHz Tualatin based 256 KB cache equipped Celeron underclocked and undervolted to 925 MHz/1.4 V for power considerations, an M-Audio AP2496 for the 2-channel audio, an 80 GB SeaGate Barracuda ATA IV because they are literally silent when setup in their quiet mode, a black Pioneer 106S CD/DVD-ROM drive, a black Sony FD, a 250 W Antec PSU w/ a modded 7-V fan for quiet, a 802.11b USR wireless PCI card, and a Home Theater based DT case TBD later. It’s in an Antec 1080B for now … I will try a MyHD Hi-Def OTA ATSC/NTSC card only after getting a nice 17” LCD mounted in the RES position and seeing if one of those window mounted antennae work worth a damn. If my calc’s are correct, I am well under 75 W total when fully loaded but I have not connected up an AMP probe to it just yet. I plan on controlling the HTPC via a WiFi equipped PDA that is also GPS capable for the NAVI portion of the X’s setup. 30 GB’s of MP3’s, true Internet connection once wireless for Internet becomes less expensive, and the best DVD and gaming capabilities ever placed in an X is what this setup will give me ;)
___The reason why I mentioned form factor is that there are plenty of beautiful HTPC DT cases in an M-ATX form factor but once you go Micro, you give up a lot of upgradeability/expandability. Duron’s/T-Bird’s/T-Bred’s and P4’s of any frequency are way to power hungry for an HTPC in a vehicle with all the bells and whistles IMHO so I skipped them. I still have to integrate the X-Box and a capture card to the HTPC for true 1024x768 or higher gaming res but this is still only out on the radar screen until I figure out a way to get the 17” LCD mounted to the X in a nice position … The LCD will be running a custom Timing and Resolution - 1024x576 @ 71.928 Hz refresh in a std. 1024x768 timing if I can pick up a simple XGA based LCD for a 16:9 DT (DVD playback in particular) for cheap. I will probably be purchasing something with a much higher res but that is yet TBD … I am not connecting this setup to the main screen as I will not have a NAVI screen to connect via VGA. The PDA will handle the rear camera if I decide to go there, and the HTPC will be much better than a laptop although you could connect up a decent Dell Inspirion w/ a decent 2-channel audio output and a Radeon 9000 for the display adapter if you are considering something like this.
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| renov8r |
Most of the "HTPC" cases I've seen blend in with the old style Pioneer LV disc players (with their 12" platters) quite well. Thus their "home theatre" designation.They also tend to to be almost 4U thick, which looks great in a 19" rack, but where the heck are gonna hide that in the MDX?
I'm also wondering what kind of luck you are having finding LCDs with a fast refresh-- the standard line I'm finding is that "LCDs don't need to refresh fast, due to the lag in the liquid crystals themselves"... I have watched some pretty pricey LCDs side-by-side with CRTs and there is some truth to that. I think that is also why plasma sets are dominating over LCD... |
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| xcel |
Hi Renov8r:
___Unfortunately, until all manufacturers begin producing sub 30 ms response times and true Contrast ratios above 500:1, you won’t find a great LCD. Blacks are not true on any LCD and this is where the CRT based Projectors and PC Monitors in particular kick a$$ vs. all LCD type displays whether that be from a Flat Panel monitor or an LCD FP. At sub 30 ms response times, the ghosting following the cursor for example (streaking) can be minimized to the point of being a non-issue if you are not a serious enthusiast. DVD’s are fine but Windows activities including gaming can be problematic … If I had my druthers, a 19” CRT would be installed in an X but this would be impossible … or at least ridiculous :(
___As for the cases, there are many Micro-ATX cases available but not without the limitations I have already discussed. I don’t know if you followed the Group Buy on the Antec KS780B front fascia mod but it was truly an art form and looked as good as much of the std. home A/V equipment available today. There are a few more of these modded cases coming down the pike over the next few weeks but the best (although its only a Micro) IMHO is the Coolermaster 610 shown below. When a true ATX form factor case of this style is made available, I will be one of the first to own it probably … For other case ideas, please feel free to visit the Home Theater Computer forum I mod over at AVScience.com.
___And where it goes … It’s a small DT and will stand on its side behind the third row when I figure out the particulars …
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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