RNS-e, Multimedia Adapter & Nokia N95

[MarcQuinlivan]

While installing my Multimedia Adapter and Freeview Tuner earlier I didn't have a strong enough signal at my house, so I hooked my Archos AV700 into the video in port on the tuner to test the unit out.

I download a lot of US TV shows from the web and began to wonder how best to watch them in the car without having to lug the Archos around. Then I remembered that my Nokia N95 has a video out port. After a quick rummage around in the attic to find the lead I copied a few video files onto the N95 and went out to the car to test it.

The results, I think you'll find, are quite interesting....

Here's the screen showing the N95 running Garmin Mobile XT.

Here it is playing video. Excuse the poor quality - the camera on my BlackBerry Pearl doesn't appear to be the best. Might need to give the lens a clean. The picture is more impressive than the photo shows it.

Remember when you got your first camcorder and pointed it at your TV.....

The video files play very well on the screen. I normally spend a bit of time waiting around for people in the car, so as long as I have videos on the N95 I'll be able to watch something while I wait without having to remember to bring the Archos just in case.

Going to find a way to bury the cable in behind the storage bin in front of the gear lever (non-smoking pack). I already have two Nokia chargers (N95 & 8800) hardwired in so the leads run into the bin, so it shouldn't be too difficult.

 

[N8]

That is fantastic Marc!!

 

[Von Maximo]

Now thats what I call "smart!" Hats of to you for that one!

 

[Nutkins]

Extremely cool

 

[MarcQuinlivan]

Just had another thought - The N95 has HSDPA, so high speed internet browsing on the RNS-e is now a possibility too!!

Will post some photos (or maybe a video) once I have the car reassembled.

 

[MarcQuinlivan]

Here we are browsing ASN...

Ths larger screen on the RNS-e also makes it easier to read the text.

With the built in Real Player it will allow for live streaming too.

 

[RichC]

Ive got to say thats pretty smart mate.

I presume you are just using the lead out of the box to connect it to your adaptor?

Rich

 

[MarcQuinlivan]

Yeah, just the standard Nokia video out lead that came in the box hooked into the video in port on the digital tuner.

 

[RichC]

Thats not bad then. Have you managed to test the freeview properly yet? Still curious as to how good the signal is.

Rich

 

[MarcQuinlivan]

Didn't get a stong enough signal yesterday, then I blew some fuses while tidying up the wires. Just finishing putting the car back together, so will hopefully get a test drive later.

On a quick test drive yesterday I picked up Sky Sports 1, Setanta Golf and The History Channel. All were scrambled, and the antennae were on the floor. Will more than likely pick up more channels once they are fitted properly.

I'll be going up north next week so will test it out up there - more digital channels available up there.

 

[RichC]

Sounds promising, when its all back together will you have the antennae where you want them?

Really would like to do this when i get the car but im not going to spend the money if the signal is hit or miss.

Rich

 

[MarcQuinlivan]

Just finished putting it all back together. I've not mounted the antennae on the windscreen yet as I've been up to my elbows in wires for the last two days, so I think I need a break now.

I've stuck them under the seat for now, so I'll see what sort of signal I get when I head up north next week and then decide where to mount them.

The reason for testing up north is that we only get three channels on digital down here, whereas up north I can get all the UK channels.

 

[RichC]

I understand now, ive only just looked at where your based. Hope it all works out anyway, ill keep my eyes peeled.

Rich

 

[maars]

Which multimedia adaptor have you used?

 

[MarcQuinlivan]

Which multimedia adaptor have you used?

It is from a company called uni-trade.pl (now known as navi-upgrade.com). They have an ebay shop under "uni-trade".

I didn't buy it from them though. I got it from another seller as part of a package including a freeview tuner.

See a photo of the adapter towards the bottom of this post.

 

[bacardi]

Superb!!!!!

 

[MarcQuinlivan]

Made it up to Belfast on Tuesday and tested the tuner with the antennae under the passenger seat. I was able to pick up BBC1NI, BBC2NI, BBC3, BBC4, News24, CBBC, CBeebies, 5, Fiver, FiveUS and some other crappy channels. Signal was perfect, but cut in and out at times.

Just south of the border they are trialling Digital for the Irish channels and I got a perfect signal - even at 130/140 kmh. Didn't cut out once. I might try mounting the antennae inside the A pillar rather than mounting them on the windscreen.

[ytv]IqxAsxz7sXU[/ytv]

 

[RichC]

Sounds pretty good. My main concern was that the signal would be really up and down. I dont want to invest in it if its just going to be breaking up all the time, that looks promising though.

Thanks

Rich

 

[sakkie69]

very cool! Did you make up your own video in adaptor or did you get a harness from Kufatec etc?

 

[MarcQuinlivan]

very cool! Did you make up your own video in adaptor or did you get a harness from Kufatec etc?

It is from a company called uni-trade.pl (now known as navi-upgrade.com). They have an ebay shop under "uni-trade".

I didn't buy it from them though. I got it from another seller as part of a package including a freeview tuner.

See a photo of the adapter towards the bottom of this post.

As above.