Questions I can't find threads for, Recommendations for cards

[clean customs]

I have been researching the threads trying to make sure I don't duplicate questions, but I just can't find anything that answers my questions.
I know what I am using for the basics, but I can't find recommendations on TV tuners, FM tuners, GPS systems, and other inputs that work with specific software. I want to make sure I get everything that works smoothly together, where I can have a nice interface. But none of the softwares specifically mention what is best to use. MediaEngine looks like my choice though from what I understand.
What I do have is a 8" dynamix, 1.4 AMD, 40Gig, slim DVD/CDRW for dash installation, and inverter.

But I can't find a good recommendation for a TV tuner, especially an FM tuner. I am also looking for recommendations for GPS. The copilot8 looks like the best so far, but I am trying to find something that is voice activated, goes full screen, and everything else. And I want it all to work off the same software. They have a ton of XM USB's on ebay right now as well.
I am also looking for a sound card that has the right outputs, RCA's for amps that does control left, right, front and rear. I don't plan on sparing any expense, so I will take all recommendations.

Has anyone used one of these Sharp 8.4" touch screens. I put the ebay link below.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MEWA:IT
thanks for the help, and you will see me at competition

[Giuliano]

Quote: Originally Posted by clean customs

Has anyone used one of these Sharp 8.4" touch screens. I put the ebay link below.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MEWA:IT

I haven't used that LCD, but I've looked at the specs, and I'd pass on it.

The LCD's resolution is 640x480, which is OK as a minimum, but the colors are only 4096 maximum, and a low power backlight giving off only 70-140 nits.

It's kind of nice that it's a self contained package, but it's probably going to look horrible..

[muldrick]

Quote: Originally Posted by clean customs

I have been researching the threads trying to make sure I don't duplicate questions, but I just can't find anything that answers my questions.
I know what I am using for the basics, but I can't find recommendations on TV tuners, FM tuners, GPS systems, and other inputs that work with specific software. I want to make sure I get everything that works smoothly together, where I can have a nice interface. But none of the softwares specifically mention what is best to use. MediaEngine looks like my choice though from what I understand.
What I do have is a 8" dynamix, 1.4 AMD, 40Gig, slim DVD/CDRW for dash installation, and inverter.

But I can't find a good recommendation for a TV tuner, especially an FM tuner. I am also looking for recommendations for GPS. The copilot8 looks like the best so far, but I am trying to find something that is voice activated, goes full screen, and everything else. And I want it all to work off the same software. They have a ton of XM USB's on ebay right now as well.
I am also looking for a sound card that has the right outputs, RCA's for amps that does control left, right, front and rear. I don't plan on sparing any expense, so I will take all recommendations.

Has anyone used one of these Sharp 8.4" touch screens. I put the ebay link below.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MEWA:IT
thanks for the help, and you will see me at competition

IMO: I like FrodoPlayer the best, seems to have more of you're desired functions and capabilities than most others.
TV Tuners? don't know.
FM Tuners? Nothing works really well, but someone here is working on that.
GPS? I use and like iGuidance, works with Frodo. Voice? Look under the GPS section.
XM Radio? I use the XMDirect (MXD1000) Box with Mike's Hybrid cable (found here) works under FrodoPlayer.
Sound card? I recommend the Audigy 2 NX (usb) does it all. BTW: I have a new one for sale

Quote: Originally Posted by clean customs

I want to make sure I get everything that works smoothly together, where I can have a nice interface. But none of the softwares specifically mention what is best to use.

To get everything to works smoothly together is tough, but that's why IMO Frodo seems to work the best.
Most of these frontends are really a matter of preference, you just need to try them and find what works best for you.

[clean customs]

I was actually out looking for sound cards, and was about to make another thread for a question. I did look at the Audigy 2 NX, but wasn't sure if it had the outputs I wanted. It looked like it did have the front and rear, and was a surround sound type of card. I assume I use those two outputs to convert over to RCAs that go directly into my amp.

My question I now have is, if I don't have a head unit, what is the best way to control volume. I can always hack into the amp and run a knob or something up front, or do the same with the external box, hack the volume knob out. I know I can control it through the computer, but sometimes you need to turn it down fast. I don't ahve room for a head unit, but they do have the TV/Fm tuners, which I am sure I can make that fm tuner use the car antenna.

Do you know where i can get the specifics on frodo, what its capabilities are?
thanks for the help.

[frodobaggins]

Quote: Originally Posted by clean customs

Do you know where i can get the specifics on frodo, what its capabilities are?
thanks for the help.

Ask anything you wish, or visit here: http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/frodoplayer/

[gizak]

If you just need an actual "knob" Griffin makes a usb one that can be used for more then just volume, check it out:

http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powermate/

[clean customs]

Very cool, thats exactly what I was looking for. I was about to buy a sound blaster platinum ex setup with the volume knob, and hack the volume and infared out and run it up front. That saves me a little money.
thanks
Kenny