Just installed new NAV/DVD head unit (with pics)

[rrolff]

Originally Posted by PaJa

I asked Qualir (AKA autodvdgps) about FM bug. They replied today, that the bug was fixed. We can believe or not China guys. It looks the 2DIN HU is made from two basic components/boards - Samsung processor based WinCe 5.0 for the GPS navigation and some legacy firmware for the rest functions. I asked Qualir for the unit inside picture, but it is unavailable. I also found the potential problem with the size of navigation SD. It is able to read just standard SD (no SDHC) and the max. capacity for SD is 2 GB (or I could not find bigger here in CZ), which can be a problem for the whole Europe TomTom map, which is itself 2 GB and we have to have the application at GPS slot as well.

I can confirm they are fixing it - and supposedly the radio bugs are fixed (I'm sending it back today).

For GPS - it does indeed take 4GB cards (I know because I'm running one) - nice because you can run two separate GPS softwares - and select them to run. I'm piecing together TomTom right now.

It is supposed to take 8GB cards for music/books on tape (why you would do BOT????????) etc... I've only run 2GB...

The only GPS hassles are:
64 vs 128MB memory - this stops you from loading certain TTS (text to speech) functions.
480x800 - not so much a hassle (you can also run in 240x400), but 800x480 drivers are not a dime a dozen...

[kawita]

I guess I'm back on the fence again.

[rrolff]

Originally Posted by kawita

I guess I'm back on the fence again.

Give it time - I think it will work - and at around $750 all in (with all features), it may prove to work...

Even with the 7" displays out there (Kenwood et al), I don't know that I would give up the "tactile" buttons to directly address screens (like nav/bluetooth/volume et al).

[bottomfeeder]

This looks interesting, no bluetooth and dimensions are 180x100mm, though.

Geneva, 3 March 2009 – TomTom, the world’s leading navigation solutions provider, today announces at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show, that Toyota has extended its relationship with TomTom to feature the second generation of TomTom’s semi-embedded portable navigation solution in select vehicles. The announcement illustrates growing demand for semi-embedded navigation. This device is specially designed for use with the in-dash Toyota TNS 410 audio, video and navigation system.

TNS410 user's manual (specifications at the end)

It's due in selected cars in the EU market q4/09.

[rrolff]

Originally Posted by bottomfeeder

This looks interesting, no bluetooth, though.

Geneva, 3 March 2009 – TomTom, the world’s leading navigation solutions provider, today announces at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show, that Toyota has extended its relationship with TomTom to feature the second generation of TomTom’s semi-embedded portable navigation solution in select vehicles. The announcement illustrates growing demand for semi-embedded navigation. This device is specially designed for use with the in-dash Toyota TNS 410 audio, video and navigation system.

TNS410 user's manual (specifications at the end)

It's due in selected cars in the EU market q4/09. Maybe it will fit a Gen III with the bezel that Frenchie used...

It's cool - but TomTom can already be added to most aftermarket HUs. 6.5" is better than smaller (for everything) - and has the little side buttons too... I would prefer a 7" display with big buttons around - but that will be a limited market deal if it comes out, and one that will cost $$$...

Cool idea though - TomTom should make their own (or should we say contract manufacture their own) - it will be a HUGE improvement for Toyota if they get a piece of this vs a piece of the eclipse that they use today.,..

[radioprius1]

Originally Posted by bottomfeeder

This looks interesting, no bluetooth and dimensions are 180x100mm, though.

Geneva, 3 March 2009 – TomTom, the world’s leading navigation solutions provider, today announces at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show, that Toyota has extended its relationship with TomTom to feature the second generation of TomTom’s semi-embedded portable navigation solution in select vehicles. The announcement illustrates growing demand for semi-embedded navigation. This device is specially designed for use with the in-dash Toyota TNS 410 audio, video and navigation system.

TNS410 user's manual (specifications at the end)

It's due in selected cars in the EU market q4/09.

Looks really cool. I wonder how Toyota will justify charging $2000 for a $100 TomTom unit! I'd like this It has the ease of use of a non-touch screen radio and you can take it with you.

[rrolff]

Originally Posted by radioprius1

Looks really cool. I wonder how Toyota will justify charging $2000 for a $100 TomTom unit! I'd like this It has the ease of use of a non-touch screen radio and you can take it with you.

Funny thing is - as a WinCE device, they should be able to do all kinds of crazy things - like AC controls, logging etc etc etc. Very simple functions to add....

[rctech]

One of the things that the genuine Toyota NAV package does is called "dead reckoning". Where it can make an educated guess on location, when the gps signals are lost (like in a tunnel) based on time and speed. Do these HU nav units do this too?

thanks

[PaJa]

There is no link between external GPS and the car itself. For the tunnel situation the TomTom (for example) maintain your last speed during the no GPS coverage and continues the drive on the map. When the unit doesn't see satellites when it expects, it returns back to the start of tunnel.

[F8L]

I appreciate you taking the time to do a write up on this and help others who might be considering the upgrade. Thanks to Frenchie as well!