Other Toyota NAV system options

[NorthStar]

I ran across this interesting option in Japan. A NAV system that has all kinds of multimedia capabilities including DVD video and hard disk drives:

Two of the ten new car navigation systems being marketed by Toyota Motor Corporation use MagicGate Memory Stick to add entertaining new dimensions to their DVD Video, CD and CD-R/RW playback and HDD recording capabilities. All of these new models have been available in Japan since May 15.

The NHDT-W53 and NHDT-W53M HDD Navi TV DVD Tuners come equipped with MagicGate Memory Stick slots. This gives them the capability to play back music or view images taken with a digital still camera and recorded on Memory Stick media. Both models have 7-inch wide displays with touch-panel operation to supplement the voice-control features. Their twin 20GB HDDs provide high-speed access of up to 40GB worth of navigation data, music and photos — comparable to around 250 CD albums — while doubling as high-capacity information servers.

Fast Accuracy
Using IKONOS satellite imagery navigation, the units accurately depict 50- to 100-meter-scale maps of 27 areas and 61 cities, complete with 1-meter resolution digital satellite images that closely approximate the actual shapes of buildings and other landmarks. They can also determine the fastest routes between different destinations at particular times and memorize the data on the HDD. This so-called Route Bank function will then automatically display the fastest route to a desired destination the next time it is called up. Another useful new feature, the Agent function, supplies 70 sets of questions that appear as text on the navigation screen to help customize settings and record user preferences, while indicating locations of such facilities as expressway service and parking areas and railway stations.

Precise Images
The top-end NHDT-W53M also features a precise VGA (Video Graphics Array) display that provides four times better resolution. It also has a mobile phone hands-free option and ‘HELPNET’ emergency reporting system and integrated G-BOOK compatibility.

G-BOOK is a proprietary Toyota information network service that offers a variety of security, concierge and other features to make traveling safer and more enjoyable. G-Book, which premiered in August, allows accessing of information via an external cell phone or built-in Data Communication Module (DCM). This on-line service, which is being offered at a nominal fee, includes user notification in the case of a vehicle break-in and other safety and security notifications as well as a hotel and restaurant operator-assisted reservation service.

Both of these new models went on sale in May at Toyota dealerships and authorized accessory and service centers. The NHDT-W53 carries a recommended retail price of around US$2,300 and the deluxe NHDT-W53M is listed at around US$2,800.

http://www.memorystick.com/en/msnews/msupd...pdate/24_4.html

Very interesting...

Mark

[Danny]

Doesn't look like it would fit in the Prius's Nav slot, which is too bad, but all I can say is: Whoa.

That thing's awesome:

[NorthStar]

I wonder which models they do fit? Perhaps some Japan-only vehicles.

It reminds how every taxi I took in Japan a few years ago had Nav systems in them.

I'm thinking it might be a lot cheaper to install a very compact PC - something like the KARPC: http://www.karpc.com/mpsc1.htm
The trick would be tying into the LCD screen

Mark

[Danny]

Looks like the average DIN size for the Camry, Sequoia, etc navigation

[mikepaul]

Maybe the folks forced into getting 2005 Prii will find one of these installed instead, after a dash retrofit...