carpc with name brand monitor

fasteddie · 08-24-2006, 12:07 PM

i was wondering if it's possible to run a carpc to an aftermarket monitor like alpine, jensen, panasonic, etc. i know that there's a vga to s-video adapter. could you run rcas from that to the video input on the back of those monitors? if the aftermarket screen has built in touchscreen, will that also control the carpc? i'm pretty sure i wouldn't because i believe the carpc touchscreen capability is controlled through the usb port, but i just want to be sure. also, could the sound go from the audio jack on the carpc to the audio input on the back of one of those screens? the setup i have now i have my carpc sound coming through my cd player. i know this is a little long, but i just want to be sure because i'm thinking of changing my setup. thanks for all advice.

RedGTiVR6 · 08-24-2006, 12:30 PM

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=78795

Specifically this post:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...19&postcount=6

Quote:

What kind of screen do I need? Will this (insert typical car audio screen here) screen work? Can I use the touch screen from my head unit to control my PC?

Don’t worry, you’re not the first person to run into this dilemma, and you certainly won’t be the last either.

A computer uses what is called VGA (Video Graphics Array). It is a much higher resolution than your typical screen from a Car Audio manufacturer. What this means for you:

Most car audio screens are composite video. This standard does not lend its self well to the complexity that a computer presents. Your images will be fuzzy and text will be difficult to read. This is one reason we here in the MP3car.com community use VGA screens for our CarPCs.

The other issue you will run into is the ability to control your computer from that specialized car audio head unit. Most VGA touch screens that individuals are using here at MP3Car.com use either a USB or a serial connector for the touch screen over lay. This essentially acts as your mouse on your desktop. In order to use your car audio head unit touch display, you would have to open up your expensive screen and hack into the wiring, adding on your own USB or serial connector. Then you would have to write your own drivers. If you are well versed in this procedure, then by all means give it a go and be sure to post up your project! But if you’re reading this, chances are you are quite that geeky and would be much happier using a solution that fits your needs much better. May I suggest the MP3car.com store?

Find out more about Video Standards here: http://www.monitorworld.com/Cables/video_standards.html

2k1Toaster · 08-24-2006, 12:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by fasteddie

i was wondering if it's possible to run a carpc to an aftermarket monitor like alpine, jensen, panasonic, etc. i know that there's a vga to s-video adapter. could you run rcas from that to the video input on the back of those monitors? if the aftermarket screen has built in touchscreen, will that also control the carpc? i'm pretty sure i wouldn't because i believe the carpc touchscreen capability is controlled through the usb port, but i just want to be sure. also, could the sound go from the audio jack on the carpc to the audio input on the back of one of those screens? the setup i have now i have my carpc sound coming through my cd player. i know this is a little long, but i just want to be sure because i'm thinking of changing my setup. thanks for all advice.

Yes you can display the video on the screen of a unit like that. The problem is, that VGA is high resolution. It what makes you able to read the text and such. S-Video and RCA are not very good for displaying text, check-boxes, and fine detail. Video will look just as good though. And if you use a frontend such as RoadRunner, then the resolution becomes less of a problem because they are optimized for a touchscreen, so big buttons and text.

That brings us to the problem. The touchscreen. You are correct in assuming that that TS will not work with a standard PC. It is proprietary. Also the built in DVD player is not compatable with PC's.

Yes you can run your audio cables into the back allowing for internal amplification, so that's a bonus of not requiring an external amp to drive the speakers!

So, to sum up: Yes you can use it, but why would you. You loose all the functionality that are the unit's selling points.

If you are looking for something that doesn't require fabrication, look at some of the flip out units. Or this next one.

It is dual din, with built in DVD player (for computers), power button, internal amp, touchscreen, everything. All for $650. If you were looking at the other solutions, then this is in your budget!

Only, thing, you have to wait until the end of August before they are ready! 1 week, can you wait?!

Here is the link to the thread it is being discussed in: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...ight=digitalww
Link to where to buy it:http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-6500.htm
And a picture:

fasteddie · 08-24-2006, 09:18 PM

thanks for the advice. i believe i'm going to wait on the double-din unit to come out and read the reviews on it and then buy one if it gets good reviews. i'm so glad i decided to ask instead of just wasting money. thanks again fellas.

2k1Toaster · 08-24-2006, 11:04 PM

Glad to help! Let us know how the screen turns out when you buy it.

RedGTiVR6 · 08-25-2006, 07:09 AM