Video on the MFD

It's actually straight forward to do video on a 2004 or 2005, but your MFD (2006+) uses a different video standard.

JeffD

 

I'm actually looking at doing the same thing. I found a site where someone installed a Mac mini in the little compartment under the radio (Mac Prius). Pretty cool, but I don't actually need a computer - I am thinking an Apple TV would be great (http://www.appletvhacks.net/2007/10/05/apple-tv-as-an-in-car-entertainment-system/). When the car is on in the driveway, I can sync it with iTunes on my computer in the house. I could store my entire music collection and a bunch of movies on it, and use the Apple remote to control it. I can even use the aux audio jack for the sound - I just need to get video fed into the MFD. Since I have the Touring edition but without nav, I was hoping this might be pretty straight-forward...

Since the Lockpick (http://www.coastaletech.com/lockpick3.htm) can bring video in from an ipod, it should work. Does CoastalTech still sell them? Their website hasn't been updated in two years. Does the LockPick do anything in terms of software to the MFD, or is it just wiring? If its just wiring, probably don't really need a $230 part - just the connectors.

Would appreciate any thoughts...

 

sorry whats up with your profile picture?
a cat in a microwave being cooked?

dont like it at all

 

You might check state law first. Some states prohibit video in a moving vehicle within view of the driver. Which is, of course, because of the safety aspect, though I assume you realize the potential distraction to the driver.

 

First off let me say when the vehicle is in motion, its the STUPIDIST,ROTTENEST,MOSTAWEFULLEST IDEA EVER CONCEIVED!!!!

That being said, I have the Coastal Tech External video in mod unit on my 2008. Friday I happened to get a Sony 820 DVD Portable player. I plugged it in, and WOW! I was impressed. Great pic, terrific sound. I figure it would take me all of 10 minutes till I got sucked into the movie and rear ended somebody!!!

It's just WHAT I DON'T NEED WHEN DRIVING!!!

But it does work really nice!! My idea was to take one of those DTV HD Converter boxes and run it into the MFD. In case of major emergency, I could pull over, watch the disaster, and plan my actions. I am still leaning towards that idea.

As far as watching while driving....... I don't even think about it!!!

73 de Pat KK6PD

 

I'm actually putting video onto my Prius at the moment with a 2004 model Prius. I'm actually putting a G4 emac plus scan converter in mine.

Here's a video of my first attempt...

Since then I've been able to work on a better quality signal and hope to finish installing it in the next few weeks.

 

I bought the lockpick for the purpose of running a PC on the MFD but it turned out the screen image was too big for the MFD no matter what I tried. Then I bought a Garmin GVN 53 GPS unit and hooked it to the MFD, same result as the image ran off the screen. I now have a 2nd monitor installed to use the gps and have given up on the pc idea.

As far as moving images - a gps is a moving image, yet they are legal, I don't understand the difference.

 

The difference in safety or the difference in law? I'll assume you're intelligent enough to understand the safety aspect, so I'll help with the legal distinction, at least as far as the Code of Virginia is concerned:

§ 46.2-1077. Motor vehicles not to be equipped with television within view of driver; viewing motion pictures or similar displays while driving.

A. No motor vehicle registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia shall be equipped with, nor shall there be used therein, a television receiver forward of the driver's seat or the screen of which would otherwise be visible to the driver while driving the vehicle. The operator of a motor vehicle which is not required to be registered in Virginia shall not operate a television receiver which violates the provisions of this section while driving in the Commonwealth.

The prohibitions contained in this subsection shall not, however, include:

1. Electronic displays used in conjunction with vehicle navigation systems;

2. Closed circuit video monitors designed to operate only in conjunction with dedicated video cameras and used in rear-view systems on trucks, motor homes, and other motor vehicles;

3. Television receivers or monitors used in government-owned vehicles by law-enforcement officers and employees of the Virginia Department of Transportation in the course of their official duties; and
​

4. Visual displays used to enhance or supplement the driver's view forward, behind, or to the sides of a motor vehicle for the purpose of maneuvering the vehicle.
​

B. Except for displays explicitly authorized in subsection A, no driver of any motor vehicle shall view any motion picture or similar video display while driving.
​

 

Jimbok - thanks for psoting the VA laws. I looked and sure enough SC also has laws on the books regarding video image:

SECTION 56-5-4440. Image display devices. [SC ST SEC 56-5-4440]

(A) As used in this section, "image display device" means equipment capable of displaying to the driver of a motor vehicle:

(1) a broadcast television image; or

(2) a visual image, other than text, from a digital video disc or other storage device.

(B.)Except as provided in subsection (E) of this section, no person shall drive a motor vehicle equipped with any image display device which is located in the motor vehicle at any point forward of the back of the driver's seat, or which is visible, directly or indirectly, to the driver while operating the motor vehicle.

(C) Except as provided in subsection (E) of this section, no person may install in a motor vehicle an image display device intended to be visible to a driver in the normal driving position when the vehicle is in motion and when restrained by the vehicle seat belts adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

(D) A person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than thirty days.

(E) Subsections (B.) and (C) of this section do not apply to the following:

(1) emergency vehicles;

(2) image display devices that are displaying images that provide the driver with navigation and related traffic, road, and weather information;

(3) image display devices providing vehicle information or information related to the driving task;

(4) image display devices used to enhance or supplement the driver's view forward, behind, or to the sides of the motor vehicle;

(5) image display devices that permit the driver to monitor vehicle occupants seated rearward of the driver;

(6) image display devices that do not display images to the driver while the vehicle is in motion; or

(7) any use of an image display device while a vehicle is parked.

Of course any video image could prove distracting including the energy and consumption screens on the prius.

 

Can someone expand on the first answer? I have a 2005, how straight forward is it and how do I do it?
Thanks,
a

 

It's just as illegal here in CA as well. Forget it.