Portable in car entertainment system

[aussie_nx70v]

Hello all,

Recently i was looking around for a in car DVD system for my Mitsubishi Magna (called Diamante in the states). I dont know what prices overseas are like but here downunder they are a killer!

This got me going and thinking...

I recently started another thread about hooking up a CD player to the NX in order to view movies. Some of you suggested that the CF driver would be a better solution. I now tend to agree.

This solved one of my initial problems. Basically what i want to do is use the NX70V in my car to view movies.

These are the problems Ive come across so far:

1. WHERE TO STORE THE MOVIE: Wait for the CF driver to come out and then you can store the movie on a 1GB drive, etc...

2. POWER FOR THE NX70V: Buy a car adaptor

3. AUDIO: This is a problem. The internal speaker is not good enough. A related thought: You can buy an adaptor that allows a normal portable CD player to hook up to your normal cassette player so you can hear the CD via the headphone jack, through the cassette player and out your normal car speakers. The actual adaptor is like a cassette tape with a lead coming out from it. One end goes in your cassette deck and the other plus in the headphone jack of your CD player. Now the headphone jack on the NX70V is slightly different. Anyone know how to get around this?

4. STAND: I am going to need a 'stand' of some sort that clips (dont want to drill it into my dashboard) into the dashboard. I also want it to swivel so that i can view the movie in 'widescreen'.

5. MAKING THE SCREEN BIGGER: Of course whilst the screen of the NX70V isnt huge, the bigger it can get the better. I thought to solve this problem was to buy a 'magnafying lense' of some sort and have it in front of the NX70V and therefore make the screen bigger. Of course quality would suffer.

Now, this wouldnt replace a dedicated DVD in car DVD player but hey, i dont want to spend a fortune on one. My NX70V goes everywhere with me, including my car.

Why not make it work for its ride whilst its with me?

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by aussie_nx70v
Hello all,

3. AUDIO: This is a problem. The internal speaker is not good enough. A related thought: You can buy an adaptor that allows a normal portable CD player to hook up to your normal cassette player so you can hear the CD via the headphone jack, through the cassette player and out your normal car speakers. The actual adaptor is like a cassette tape with a lead coming out from it. One end goes in your cassette deck and the other plus in the headphone jack of your CD player. Now the headphone jack on the NX70V is slightly different. Anyone know how to get around this? 

 

Headphone jack different?  It's a standard 1/8" miniature-stereo plug, I think?

PDA mounts:

http://www.ram-mount.com/

http://www.arkon.com/pdapower.html



 

[OcellNuri]

Originally posted by aussie_nx70v
Hello all,

3. AUDIO: This is a problem. The internal speaker is not good enough. A related thought: You can buy an adaptor that allows a normal portable CD player to hook up to your normal cassette player so you can hear the CD via the headphone jack, through the cassette player and out your normal car speakers. The actual adaptor is like a cassette tape with a lead coming out from it. One end goes in your cassette deck and the other plus in the headphone jack of your CD player. Now the headphone jack on the NX70V is slightly different. Anyone know how to get around this?


5. MAKING THE SCREEN BIGGER: Of course whilst the screen of the NX70V isnt huge, the bigger it can get the better. I thought to solve this problem was to buy a 'magnafying lense' of some sort and have it in front of the NX70V and therefore make the screen bigger. Of course quality would suffer.




The headphone jack is exactly like any other 1/8" mini-phono jack you would find in a CD player, sound card, and at the end of a headphone cable.

The magnifying lens may make the screen bigger, but it will destroy any kind of viewing angle the NX currently has. To be able to watch the movie in correct proportions, or to be able to see any image at all, you will need to have the screen/lens pointing straight towards you. Only one in the car would be able to see the image.


Check out www.mp3playerstore.com for some pretty cheap in-dash screens and DVD players.

[ibooyaka]

I'm not so sure that it would be worth all that trouble to watch movies in a vehicle with the NX, especially if you had to use some kind of magnifying glass... To answer your question #3 about the audio, you can use one of those tape adapters and plug it right in to the NX, the extra part of the connector was just for the remote that comes with the NX headphones, regular headphones work fine, you just won't have the use of a remote. If you look around eBay or other internet stereo sites, you may find some good deals on a some motorized in-dash head units with decent looking screens. If you do end up finding a way to use the Clie as a mobile entertainment system, please post details and pics, we would all love to see how it works. Good luck, and best regards.

[aussie_nx70v]

So far so good......

Thanks for explaining the two jacks. That solves that problem.

Regarding making the screen bigger you dont really have to, i just thought it might be better. I also thought of another possible solution to the screen issue. I have seen CF cards that when plugged in (PPC) you can then hook up your unit to a normal screen. I know the CF driver at the moment is only for memory but if it would work for that type of card it would be great.

However, in saying that the STAND issue remains. I have seen stands selling in E-Bay for other PDA's. I might look at E-Bay again and see if there is anything there that i can use for this project.

[avega]

Originally posted by aussie_nx70v
5. MAKING THE SCREEN BIGGER: Of course whilst the screen of the NX70V isnt huge, the bigger it can get the better. I thought to solve this problem was to buy a 'magnafying lense' of some sort and have it in front of the NX70V and therefore make the screen bigger. Of course quality would suffer.
You can always upgrade to a NZ which has video output <IMG alt="" src="http://www.cliesource.com/forums//forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" border=0>

[aussie_nx70v]

thanks avega,

but i like the slim form of the nx compared to the nz. although im going to use the clie as a movie player its also going to be a portable pda.

[flyclieguy]

i play mp3's off of my nx70 in my car using a FM modulator.(transmits through a FM radio station) 1 less wire running across the console.

[aussie_nx70v]

Originally posted by n2ifp


PDA mounts:

http://www.ram-mount.com/

http://www.arkon.com/pdapower.html



&nbsp;

thank very much !!!

this looks very promising as a project of mine

[avega]

Originally posted by aussie_nx70v
thanks avega,

but i like the slim form of the nx compared to the nz. although im going to use the clie as a movie player its also going to be a portable pda.

I agree with you but I´m willing to get my NZ as soon as prices drops :D. Do you like the slim form of the NR70V compared to the NX? *joke*

[aussie_nx70v]

lol.... :)

seriously i reckon the nz isnt that bad of a unit. its just has some very significant 'disabilities' that prevent me from buying one.

in addition to that i dont think my wife would allow me to spend $1600.00 AUD on another unit considering ive only had the nx for a short time, even if i could sell the nx at a good price

WOMEN !! dont they know its a mans right to spend on boys toys just like them when they visit the mall

[aussie_nx70v]

Originally posted by flyclieguy
i play mp3's off of my nx70 in my car using a FM modulator.(transmits through a FM radio station) 1 less wire running across the console.

can you please go into some more detail?

[avega]

WOMEN!!! ha,ha,ha,ha sometimes my NX is better than a woman... *joke*

I think ibooyaka's suggestion on using one of those casette adaptors is a good solution if you have a casette player car stereo.

[aussie_nx70v]

Yes, so far i think i have most of the problems solved.

The pda mount is a slight concern. n2ifp has suggested some good pda mounts. i actually like the powered all in one mount. it has a power supply and internal speaker. this will (at least) eliminate one wire from the project. however, price is abit too high for my project

another user suggested a FM modulator. this might be another wire gone. again depends on the price

judging from the posters on this thread it would be pretty easy to complete this project. i reckon it depends on how cheap (and clean looking) you want the end result to be.

BUT, i reckon this would be another feather in the clie's hat. although PPC's and other Palms are also capable of this, THEY havent got the features the NX already has built in.

[cbulock]

Originally posted by avega

You can always upgrade to a NZ which has video output <IMG alt="" src="http://www.cliesource.com/forums//forums//forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" border=0>

I believe that the video output only works for pictures in the Clie Viewer so video wouldn't be an option. Plus, the cradle would have to be attached to the Clie adding even more bulk to an already bulky unit.

[ashVID]

It all sounds neat and fun BUUUUUUUT.... The new generation of portable DVD players are VERY affordable, not more more than a CF card and WAY bigger screen than Clie. You can take them on the road or hook them up at home. For $250 to $300 you can have a GREAT player. CHeck out this one with an 8" WIDESCREEN for under $300! By the time you get your Clie to do what you want it you will have spent more and had to convert all your movies (takes a LOT of time to convert a DVD).

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008N6XA/ref%3Dnosim/fatwalletcom/104-1233267-5003162


ash =o)

[cbulock]

Thats sounds like a lot more reasonable idea. And you won't have to worry about ripping your DVD's and converting them to the Clie.

[Selachii]

about the casette adapters...the soundquality is HORRIBLE.

Like someone stated earlier, I recommend an FM transmitter. You can plug it into the 3mm jack and broadcast a stereo fm signal on a selected frequency...just tune in you car stereo -->excellent.
Mine takes 2 AA batterys and broadcasts about 150hours on 1 pair. I got it here in Europe for 45€ (the Netherlands to be exact)
(The brand is called LineX)

[helmutk]

Originally posted by aussie_nx70v


can you please go into some more detail?
I use a wireless FM modulator to transmit my MP3 songs from my NX70V or MP3 player in my truck.
It transmits to a selectable FM radio station on your car radio.
The one I have is called IRock. I bought it online for about $29. I heard Radio Shack also sells them.
It runs on 2 AA batteries and lasts about 20 hours of on time.
It has a 1/8" stereo jack that plus into the headphone jack of the CLIE.
It works pretty good with some occasional interference noise.

[Hanabishi Karou]

I used one of those wireless RF modulators to play my MDs in my car and they were really tricky to use. The tuning dial similar to the cheapy 9V transistor radios and were too sensitive to adjust. I have really been enjoying the MP3 player on my NX so I have been thinking of installing a hard-wired RF modulator in my car.

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-PqNCDDaUreu/ProdView.asp?s=0&cc=01&c=2&g=42500&I=257KSIF200

It can be set to turn on when it senses an audio input and will cut out all other FM signals so bleed-over isn't an issue.

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by ashVID
It all sounds neat and fun BUUUUUUUT.... The new generation of portable DVD players are VERY affordable, not more more than a CF card and WAY bigger screen than Clie. You can take them on the road or hook them up at home. For $250 to $300 you can have a GREAT player. CHeck out this one with an 8" WIDESCREEN for under $300! By the time you get your Clie to do what you want it you will have spent more and had to convert all your movies (takes a LOT of time to convert a DVD).

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008N6XA/ref%3Dnosim/fatwalletcom/104-1233267-5003162


ash =o)

Yes, whilst the prices you refer might sound reasonable consider this:

1. Im in Australia !
2. Currency Rate !
3. Postage to Australia !
4. Import Tax !

Add all that up and i think you will agree with me that the price will skyrocket.

Of course a dedicated DVD player will be better than my project. However i think for around $60.00 AUD i could have something which would suit me (until i won the lottery).

[aussie_nx70v]

Sorry, forgot to sign in......

I also forgot to mention about the DVD movie aspect as well. Whilst DVD might be popular in the states, we also have VCD.

Whilst this format isnt as good as a DVD (the quality is similar to a VHS tape) it would be easier to work with.

[cbulock]

I think most DVD players now will also do VCD. I bet if you look into it, you will be able to find a portable one that will playback both formats.

[aussie_nx70v]

Tried ringing around for either a FM Modulator or a cassette adaptor and had no luck. The whole of Melbourne doesnt seem to either know what im talking about or dont stock it anymore.

Had a look on the net and found heaps as low as $5.00 for a FM Modulator. Guess ill source one from there.

[cbulock]

Originally posted by aussie_nx70v
Tried ringing around for either a FM Modulator or a cassette adaptor and had no luck. The whole of Melbourne doesnt seem to either know what im talking about or dont stock it anymore.

Had a look on the net and found heaps as low as $5.00 for a FM Modulator. Guess ill source one from there.

There isn't an electronics store like Best Buy or Radio Shack down there?

[aussie_nx70v]

I've tried several large electronics stores, car audio and several large department stores including:

Tandy Electronics
Dick Smith Electronics
Strathfield Car Audio
Gary's Car Audio

The only place i found something was Myer Melbourne. They had the cassette type adaptor which cost $55.00 AUD ! I big rip off....

I think ill keep exploring other options (including the local markets) but i still think E-Bay will be my best option

[Hanabishi Kaoru]

I did a quick online search and found the cassette adaptor at Tandy's online site for $29 AUD
http://www.tandy.com.au/cgi-bin/tandy.storefront/3ea199b300b9e4782741c0a87f9c077f/Product/View/C9216

I was unable to find the portable FM adapter, but here is the website. You might be able to print it out and take it down to your local electronics store and show them what it look like.

http://www.arkon.com/SF120.htm

[aussie_nx70v]

I've rung 5 Tandy stores asking about the cassette adaptor and none of them have them in stock. They dont even know when they are going to get them in.

I looked at the Tandy website and this is the same one a large department store had which was made by Sony.

Thanks Hanabishi

[Token User]

FWIW - At the LA Palm User Group (www.naxera.com/lapug)meeting last weekend, Sony were going through a slide show, and right at the end of the presentation, they showed a "Car Kit" for the NX/NZ for US$300. It was more than a casette adapter and a car charger, and details were sketchy, BUT it looked like it would also have a modified version of the audio player with big buttons, and an interface that limited you to things that would be safe to do. Slated for a July release. There may be more details out there on the net if you google for it :)

[Token User]

Originally posted by aussie_nx70v
I've rung 5 Tandy stores asking about the cassette adaptor and none of them have them in stock. They dont even know when they are going to get them in.

I looked at the Tandy website and this is the same one a large department store had which was made by Sony.

Thanks Hanabishi BTW - You're in Melbourne, so why are you wasting time with Tandy? Jaycar is a better bet.

My opinion is that you would be better off going for the FM transmitter - less cables to get hooked around the gear stick on the SE arterial.

[Hanabishi Kaoru]

I have both a casette adapter and the FM modulator. I would recommend the casette one over the FM transmitter. The tranmitter will start to drift so you need to keep adjusting the tuning. Of course, if you don't have a casstte player in your car, then the FM unit is your only option. I am planning on installing a hard-wired FM modulator into my car.

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-31I1fkUKASP/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=2&g=42500&I=257KSIF200&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N