sspiro

I have an Eclipse AVN-5500 in my car, and would like to setup a mac mini as a multimedia source and for web browsing while in the vehicle (passengers only, obviously).

The AVN-5500 is an in-dash headunit with a component A/V input.

What are my options here? It is touch-screen, but doesn't allow for input to control an outside source on the screen. Would I be able to hook up a mac mini on a component AV input? And then I could just get a wireless/BT mouse/remote and keyboard?

__________________
System
Eclipse AVN5500

Audio Setup
2xJLW610's, 700w Zapco AMP, Alpine Components

Bugbyte

Right, no touch screen control although I understand you can use a Wii remote and get control that way. Otherwise, a BT mouse or touch pad is the way to go.

You need something called a scan converter to hook your Mac up to your component AV. There are limitations to the readability and quality of the text, though. You can read up on it here.

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monsho

you don't really need to get a scan convertor to get an AV signal, Mac make a mini DVi to video dongle which you can use...

and yes, text is still never going to be as crisp as vga...

Bugbyte

There you go, $19.99 right here.


From the comments:

"I never realized how low TV resolution is compared to computer monitors until I plugged this in. At first I thought the adapter was doing it, but soon I realized it was my SDTV. It seems every sdtv ever made has horrible resolution but we never notice cause we don't have to read stuff on it. The cinema display is a much better choice; sell your old tv, it's generation is dead."

Since you are outputting to composite, this cable will probably work just fine.

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sspiro

OK.. So the next question, how awful will it look?

Was hoping for some internet browsing, but I think we're going to try and slingbox more than anything else.

__________________
System
Eclipse AVN5500

Audio Setup
2xJLW610's, 700w Zapco AMP, Alpine Components

sonneboz

Hey sspiro, how's TF lately?

Bugbyte

It will be hard to read text unless you make it large. You will only be able to read 640 X 480 with ease. If you have a laptop with S-video out (some people do), hook it up to your TV and you can see for yourself.

Screenshots in this post.

__________________
-Where in the world is the iBug?
-Find out about theiBug
-Attention Newbies! Have you seen the FAQ Emporium?
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sspiro

Couldn't tell ya. I don't go on there anymore.

__________________
System
Eclipse AVN5500

Audio Setup
2xJLW610's, 700w Zapco AMP, Alpine Components

sonneboz

Thought I've seen you before