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sailboss · Joined: 03 Aug 2004 Posts: 15 Location: Augusta, GA

There's another thread running that started out being about the new Nav interface (I Agree Killer).

Let's use this one to concentrate on the issues with the video interface and camera/DVD's etc.

For those who just checked in, Coastal Dave has finally released a slick new interface for the MFD that will hookup backup cameras, Ipods, and DVD or console video sources to the MFD and the stereo. You can still have your XM too!

I ordered the interface, camera, nav enhancement and even the mud flaps!

Now all I can do is wait until they arrive.

Any body else? :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

hdrygas · Joined: 22 May 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Olympia Wa

Dude!!! Almost an identical order. Hoping it is early enough to get it. I did the EV mod rather than the camera. I wanted the camera but I felt my wife might get a little teste if I got that as well. I have been lusting over the EV for some time. The new Nav Mod and Video were too tempting. I will probably end up with the camera sooner or later, backing up is not my long suite and it might help. I defiantly will have my iPod hooked up the day after I get the input. I don't get satellite radio at all why?, between the iPod and my own music collection and the best FM Jazz station in the US I am covered. I always have my tunes on!

sailboss · Joined: 03 Aug 2004 Posts: 15 Location: Augusta, GA

Man, XM is da bomb! I really dig swooping down the long-way with FOX news and O'Reilly on. Now if I can fit one of those self-steering antennnas on the top, DirecTV isn't far behind!

BTW, the EV mod is cool, fun, and largely useless. I use it to sneak out of the neighborhood in the morning or to float noiselessly around a parking lot, but it really isn't practical. Now maybe witha second battery pack......

naterprius · Joined: 15 Mar 2004 Posts: 317 Location: Longmont CO

Oh.. My...God... you actually listen to Bill O'Reilly? I can't stand him. But, to each his own....

Are you actually a Republican in a Prius? My mom saw a Prius in D.C. with a "W" sticker and thought it was a joke.

On the DirectTV issue, buy one of these and let us know how it works...

http://qualitymobilevideo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=A5

Nate

Tideland Prius · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Posts: 444

How are the inputs plugged in? via the red/yellow/white plugs?

What about mp3 players?

sailboss · Joined: 03 Aug 2004 Posts: 15 Location: Augusta, GA

Yep, I got my W right between my Darwin fish and the Rocket Science fish. I even have a Democrat friend! But I don't want to get the topic moved to Fred's HOP, yet!

Did you see the size of that antenna! 32" and 45 pounds! I think I'll wait until the DBS systems are able to go the Iridium route.

Any ideas on DVD players?

betshsu · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 257 Location: Austin, TX

Sailboss, once you get all your goodies installed, you must report back. I ordered the Nav enhancement, but I'm waiting on the AV and camera because (1) they're expensive and (2) I figured I'd let you all be the guinea pigs. I'd love to have the back up camera and an iPod interface though...

hdrygas · Joined: 22 May 2004 Posts: 1033 Location: Olympia Wa

I had a talk with the Costal Tech people this morning. They are great folks. Very nice chat. Getting to the point of the thread they are testing various DVD players, tuners etc and will be offering them. The model they had been using was changed this year so they are evaluating several choices. I wish the camera was IR but I imagine that would drive up the cost. How about a front facing IR camera for those pesky deer at night? I hit a deer once and it cost >4K ouch. I don't want to think about hitting an Elk. There was a thread about someone who hit a Moose. Thank goodness there are few places in Washington where that would happen.

XravenX · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 45 Location: Harrisonburg, VA

Its great that he is making this product but I have a few question.

Is it possible for the unit to allow the touchscreen to communicate with aftermarket navigation systems?

How hard will it be to install a nav system to the device?

Lastly, does it use A/V cables or RGB? Anyone know?

naterprius · Joined: 15 Mar 2004 Posts: 317 Location: Longmont CO

Wow... sailboss, you are a rolling enigma. But, I'm sick of pancakes, so...

I recommend a DIN size DVD player in the lower pocket below the radio. Get one with "autoplay." This will fit perfectly, and will start the movie automatically if the menus normally require a confirmation press. This is great if you add rear monitors and don't want to mess with the DVD menu while driving. Also, I'm not certain, but the somewhat transparent panel may allow IR remote signals to pass through, so rear seat passengers might be able to control the player without a seperate "eye".

Oh, getting a player with MP3 decoding and track display would be way cool as well.

All this can be had for as little as $149.

Nate

Jonathan · Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 86

Can anyone tell if this camera would work with the kit? It's color, waterproof, small, $49. Thanks

ebay.com item 7951083689

efusco · Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Posts: 2540 Location: Nixa, MO

Can anyone tell if this camera would work with the kit? It's color, waterproof, small, $49. Thanks

ebay.com item 7951083689

Looks like it would work, but you're gonna have to drill a hole to mount it though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7951083689

thesilenttheatre · Joined: 06 Feb **2005** Posts: 1

naterprius: this $149 DIN DVD you speak of, you don't happen to mind mentioning the model, do you? :) I did a quick search and I found a "Nitro BMW-461" at that price but I've never heard of it. Ordering the enhancement and interface for sure! (found costaletech the day I bought my prius and been waiting ever since)

bookrats · Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 1421 Location: Seattle, WA

[Moved my comment over here from the Nav thread -- more appropriate here]

Wow! Just finished reading the Coastal Tech page on this...

I'd been planning on waiting for Coastal Tech to just release the audio-only AUX-IN, but I have to admit that this looks pretty neat. I hadn't planned on getting a rear-view camera, but it's something I would like; and the ViewTech "reverse mode" under the SAT-3 setting of the is very nice.

Certainly provides room for future expansion....

flareak · Joined: 09 Mar 2004 Posts: 158

screw xm radio! time for... SATELLITE TV!
hehe jk, now.. how do you get the aftermarket nav to work with this? it doesn't look like it just comes with it..

XravenX · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 45 Location: Harrisonburg, VA

"The ViewTech will allow the connection for display and audio but it cannot provide a link for full touch screen feedback. The aftermarket Navs use a remote control for feature control. I honestly find a remote much easier to use than the touch screen. It is simpler to navigate around the maps and to zoom in and out. It also allows me to sit back in the seat to do my searches. Of course, any Nav is better than no Nav : ) "

That is the information I got from Coastal. My guess is that the Control allows you to hook up a DVD Nav system with A/V Cables and use the voice command/remote to operate the controls.

naterprius · Joined: 15 Mar 2004 Posts: 317 Location: Longmont CO

Okay, here are a few models I've found. I'm hesitant to list them, since I have no experience with the vendor or the product, but have simply located them on the web.

If you buy one of these models or from one of these vendors, please report back your experience or satisfaction. Don't blame me if it sucks.

This one has no display (why do you need one?) but it has a second video input on the back. If you like to play video games, it's much nicer than just on the front; you can pipe it to a better location for video game input, like the backseat.
http://www.cardomain.com/item/POWPADVD350

This one
http://www.cardomain.com/item/BRASD20T
caught my eye because I like the button layout, the display, and the built in TV tuner. The TV antenna could be mounted inside the spoiler, and you could use this coax cable
http://www.monstercable.com/productPage.asp?pin=283
in order to make the bend at the hinge in the hatch. The TV tuner could also be used to input a video signal (say, on channel 3) for video gaming. So, even if a player lacks rear AV input, if it has rear RF TV input, you can hide all your cabling (with the expense of some video quality).

Many of the units play MP3. What I can't seem to find out is do they play it from DVD-R? DVD-RW? Do they display the track, title, and artist (on the video screen?) If so, it would be way cool. A person could store an entire ipod mini collection on a DVD-RW. $3 for 4.7 GB AND gain track title display. Steering wheel controls are a another story, though...

Here's a few more:

http://www.crutchfield.com./S-MEinOSvJvT3/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=169850&I=026DVD61

I think Farenheit and PowerAcoustik are the same brand (like GE/ RCA) but I'm not certain.

Here's one below $100:
http://www.savinglots.com/lotprod.asp?item=DVD3000B

Another attrative looking unit:
http://www.savinglots.com/lotprod.asp?item=DVD50T

Good luck everyone! Please post back your results if you buy something.

Nate

Tideland Prius · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Posts: 444

So how does one connect a DVD player to the video interface? standard RCA plugs?

pshady

Anyone know how easy / difficult this will be to install? The site says factory connectors, etc. but is this a do it yourself job? I'm not good with stuff like this, so I'm a bit leery.

saechaka · Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 12

here are all the aftermarket stuff i would like to have. a dvd player, nav system, ipod interface and backup camera. will it be possible to have all of these at once w/this viewtech interface or will i have to pick and choose. thanks