[shreyasma]

Hi TeamBHPians,

One of my friends game to me for an install.
He has about 40 GB of songs and 100 GB of Videos. His requirements were as following:
1. He has an Amp, a USB MP3 Headunit, a set of tweeters and a set of speakers (Doesnt have a sub and doesnt need one)
2. His budget was fixed at Rs 10000
3. He needs all his songs and videos available in his car
4. Had 2 thoughts of burning the data to the disc

After a bit of searching the net and scratching my head, this is what I zero'd down on

I found this item on ebay (Attachment)

It is called the DIVX Gen and the manufacturer is Ion
The specs are as follows-

Features and Benefits :

* Multifunctional Player : Can play MPEG-4, DVD, VCD, MP3, CD music, JPEG picture on television, computer monitor or projective equipment.
* Removable hard disk , USB 2.0 interface.
* Edit Function : copy / remove / rename / delete files / folders in HDD.
* Super Capability : Can store over 100 movies or 20000 songs.
* Support multi-disk HDD partition.
* 9- picture playback function for the picture , 12 kinds of pictures playback transition effect.
* TV format : PAL / NTSC / AUTO.
* Multi - function control keys on unit and full function remote controller, easy and convenient.
* Stereo audio output.
* Portable design.
* Small size 1.2cm X 7 cms X 12cms easily fits in pocket.
* Just plug it in USB port & your laptop/ PC will show you a new Storage drive.
* No Power Supply needed with computer.
* No need to install driver or anything in WinXP.
* Works with all desktop & laptops having USB port.
* Data Transfer:- upto 480 Mbps with 2.0 USB
* O.S supporting:- Windows/ME/XP/2000/ vista & Mac/Linux
* Weight:-145 gms
* Capacity of hdd inside : 160 GB.
* Brand of hdd inside : Toshiba.
* Brand of Divxplayer : Gemini ION.
* One year full warranty from manufacturer.

System Requirement :


* Available USB 2.0 port
* Windows ME/2000/XP / vista


Package Contents :

* Divxplayer with 120 GB sata hdd storage.
* Concise User Manual
* Leather case
* USB, Audio, TV cable
* AC Adaptor
* Remote control.

The Plan:

The Plan is to transfer his audio files and video files in the Divx gen recognised format (Preferably DIVX). Then we can buy a 7' LCD and connect the DIVX Gen to the LCD through RCA. Simultaneously the Audio can go into the AUX of the HU. We can also connect the DIVX Gen to the USB port of the HU.

Price:

DIVX Gen: Rs 3000/-
7" LCD: Rs 5000/- to 6500/-

The Operation:
1. When the DIVX Gen is not powered on, it acts like a USB drive and the songs on it can be accessed at the HU.

2. When the DIVX Gen and the LCD is powered on, the HU in AUX mode, the video files on the DIVX Gen can be played.

************************************************** *

This is just a plan keeping his requirements in mind.
How do you this this will work
I need your comments on this.

[low_bass_makker]

Nice work. So how is the progress going on.

[navin]

Originally Posted by shreyasma

2. His budget was fixed at Rs 10000

why not a 160GB ipod and an ipod cable. it will allow your HU to control the ipod too.

[yayaati]

I tried to search ebay but was not able to find it, but i found GeminiSonic

[shreyasma]

Originally Posted by low_bass_makker

Nice work. So how is the progress going on.

We still havent started. Thought will check with our TBHP community for feedback before starting.

Originally Posted by navin

why not a 160GB ipod and an ipod cable. it will allow your HU to control the ipod too.

Looking at 10K Ipod may be possible, but still the LCD has to be considered. But i will think about you point as the project has still not started.

Originally Posted by yayaati

I tried to search ebay but was not able to find it, but i found GeminiSonic

Here is the Item number: 380023059475

I just found out that i was stupid enough to take the last bid amount as selling price.

Sorry guys, the price of DIVX Gen is Rs 5999/-

But still I feel its not a bad deal.

[vebmetal]

Originally Posted by navin

why not a 160GB ipod and an ipod cable. it will allow your HU to control the ipod too.

iPod itself will eat his budget. He needs to buy a LCD screen as well.

But your suggestion is appropriate if your point is that the driver anyway shouldn't be viewing videos in the car, and the passenger can use the iPod video to view whatever he wants.

(But then the problem is that iPods don't do divx so a creative zen maybe?)

[speedzak]

I vote for a 160gb iPOD if your current HU is compatible with it. If it is, then the biggest benefit is that you don't need to get your eyes away from the road to control your songs.

[esteem_lover]

Originally Posted by speedzak

I vote for a 160gb iPOD if your current HU is compatible with it. If it is, then the biggest benefit is that you don't need to get your eyes away from the road to control your songs.

The 160gb ipod alone will set him back by a good 15k, his budget is 10k, let's discuss within that. For that matter even an 80gb ipod would set him back by 10k. I am watching this thread.

[TheBrother®]

Get an old Fujitsu Siemens Lifebook and a 250 GB external HDD. The Lifebook is old fashioned and good for nothing except checking mails and watching videos. It doesn't even have a cd drive. The good thing is, it has a touchscreen monitor! So, store all music and videos on the external HDD, connect this to the lifebook. Distach the screen from the book build it into the middle console of the car, the rest can go into the glove box. Set up some software that will allow you to access and brows through your media using only the touchscreen. It is hell of a lot of work but it is worth it, looks extremely professional and should be within your budget.

TheBrother®

[shreyasma]

I chose the DIVX Gen as it can do the DIVX, AVI, MPEG-4, DVD, VCD, MP3, CD music, JPEG picture formats. But iPod cant. and again its cheap.

[MillionSwords]

I would say the best bet would be a Creative Zen, rely on a brand that is established. Dunno about DivX Gen ???

[Ford_madhan]

Hi shreyasma,

Any updates on the progress?..

Guys,

I have a query here. He says the headunit is a mp3 player. Even it is ipod compatible, how can it play video from the ipod?

[DerAlte]

Originally Posted by Ford_madhan

...I have a query here. He says the headunit is a mp3 player. Even it is ipod compatible, how can it play video from the ipod?

Good question - seems to have been forgotten partly!

No, he cannot play the Video from iPod through the HU - doesn't need to. Not sure if iPod has Video Out - it is not suitable at all if it doesn't.

The Video output will not go through the HU - it can be wired to directly play through the LCD monitor. The ICE will only be used for the sound part.

[_abhay_]

have you checked LACIE Silverscreen MM HDD . even Chinese makes are avail on the net at a low price , i guess 500gb shud cost around 8-9 k

[shreyasma]

I am thinking to drop the plan as of now..

I am planning to check out some new products as i will be travelling to london in the next month. Please give your ideas on places i can visit for electronics.