I've been trolling these boards for a few weeks doing research for a project I'd like to take on. I have a 2000 BMW M5 (e39). I'd like to install a Mac Mini into the trunk...there seems to be some debate about using a Mac but I've got iTunes, Apple TV and Wi Fi nicely setup already and I'd like to have the car pull up into the driveway and sync regularly with iTunes.
So based on my homework here is the setup that I'd like to install:
- New Mac Mini OS X Leopard
- CNX-P1900 PSU Power Supply by Carnetix
- Autoload of Front Row for the interface
- Video Converter from DVI/VGA to Composite video
- Dietz Video Multimedia Interface - 1250 to accept composite video into the car's video input and display on 4:3 nav screen (located here: http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=336) If anyone has a vieo input alternative to suggest I'd really appreciate it...this seems a little expensive.
- Griffin Technology Powermate tucked into coin holder in console as main interface.
I'd really appreciate any pointers on this setup and any feedback you might have on if this is good or if there's a way to improve on it.
THanks,
Al
Looks like you have the right components. I presume you realize that the BMW's video screen won't display text clearly. It will be fuzzy. Front Row should look okay, but other stuff will be fuzzy.
The interface for the screen is pretty pricey. Is there any way to replace the screen with a VGA one and use the component input for the BMW stuff?
Want to:Originally Posted by ghettocruzer
-Find out about the new iBug iPad install?
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I take it your bmw doesn't have a tv tuner installed, hence looking at the Dietz Video Multimedia Interface.
I have a 2003 e39 525d and am in the exact same place you are. Thinking about it, but the screen will let it down somewhat. I have the 16:9 screen.
Theres no way I'm replacing the head unit as it works fine for computer/nav/tv/radio/cd/tape. I think I might just have to plug a source into it (I have an AV input channel) and see just how bad it is. Everyone says its going to suck but apart from movies and tv I don't see myself staring at anything with great detail.
Thanks folks,
It seems to me that the red flag on this is the smudgy text. I plan on using Front Row only for this. I'll jump to the OS if I need to do updates or something...maybe check the cpu temp.
Is the text totally illegible or just a little "hairy"?
Any of you guys know of a VGA direct swap out? I agree with your statement around not wanted to mess with the finish...everything fits so nicely already I don't want add-ons on the interior or anything like that.
One of my pipe dreams is to kill the tape deck and use that slow to insert an ipod like a tape...have the carriage system grab it and pop it onto a cradle...someday i suppose.
a
Thanks for responses guys,
It seems the only real grievance here is the fuzzy text on the display....is it generally brutal or just some hairy text. I plan on only using this for Front Row/itunes and not for actualy Mac use in the OS, etc. That being said with the album art and track names look reasonable or unusable in general? Any images online that you can point me to?
Thanks again,
Alec
Sorry i forgot to ask...is there a clean and direct swap out for the 4:3 screen that would improve things? Or a better video connection option?
al
Here ya go : http://www.x5world.com/articles/all-...-retrofit.html
Bit of dremel fun, fairly straight forward though. Definently worth it if you plan on keeping the car I think.
I swore I replied to this. Heres it being done to an X5. Doesn't look too hard.
http://www.x5world.com/articles/all-...-retrofit.html
Do my posts keep getting deleted or did I eat a bowl of mescaline for breakfast?
they are most likely sitting on a moderators desk seeing as how you are under 5 posts. SPAM prevention.
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