Ok Everyone time to get excited. A while back a guy named Generator posted a Nav box interface thread. I ordered the interface from him and now have full DVD,XBOX,MP3 with visualization screens. I can view pictures including slideshows. All of this viewed on the stock Navigation screen. All of this is accomplished using a modded XBOX. With a click of a switch I can go back to the Navigation. I did all this for less than $250. The video is very clear. I am totally amazed. Much better than I expected. I plan on doing a full write up on this. Maybe a how to. I need to check with Generator first to make sure he does not mind. The install was pretty simple. I had to cut and splice into 4 wires at the back of the stock Navigation unit. Then a couple of grounds and a switched 12volts. On a scale of 1-10 I rate this install about a 4. I have a some electronics experience but its really not all that complicated. Like I said I will do a full How to once Generator says its cool and as long as the moderators are cool with it.

 

I just realized this is my first post. LOL I have been reading this forum for the last couple of months. Hello to everyone. My real name is Phil and I am so excited about this. I am surprised that nobody has responded to this. I have read several posts where people are wanting to be able to play dvd's on there stock navigation screen. Let me tell you this mod does so much more. You can do so much at a fraction of the cost of the other two competitors. I was sceptical at first but now that I have Generators interface I am blown away with the results. If anyone has any questions please post. I am going to do a how to including pics when I have a few free minutes. Please ask questions. I know a lot of you have inquired about this mod and now I have the answers because my Z is complete. Take it easy, Phil

 

I would really like to hear more about generator's xbox mod.

Who makes the factory display? What is the resolution of the display? Is it just vga that we need to provide to it or is it xga?
Do you make the connection at the display or do we just tap into the rear of the nav system's dvd player?

I have the factory nav and the pac audio interface for just ntsc is 299$ If I can run an in car pc I would be very happy.

Could Generator provide additional information about this interface and the xbox?

 

Phil,

If you're still up for posting some pics and a "how-to", I'd like to hear more about it. Generator posted a new thread himself, but hearing about your experience would be welcome.

Thanks - Corey

 

Ok I am not sure who makes the factory display or what the resolution is. The hookup is using RGB and Sync wires and I used the back of the DVD player to splice into these wires. The xbox is used as the source to play DVD's, Games, ETC... I am not sure about your pc install. Generator can probably help you out with this. I think his interface is specifically for the xbox and it works perfect. It is just as Generator described and I am very happy with the quality of the video. It is much better than I ever expected.

 

Corey I am still planning on doing a how to on this setup. I have been really busy and just haven't had the time. I can tell you the install is very simple you simply splice into the RGB and Sync wires (4 Wires). These wires are at the back of the DVD player. Connect 2 grounds and a 12 volt switched power source and wire in a toggle switch. The Audio on my setup was easy I just hooked up my xbox into my Alpine Aux input. You can use a FM modulator for the factory Bose stereo. Generator can recommend the one to use. I think it's PAC.

 

That's cool ... I'll look forward to seeing how your setup looks. I'm still debating between going with an Xbox or an InCarPC. I've already got a Via Epia PC (12vdc) that I use at home, but I'm not sure I'd really use the PC for more than a few functions (that I might be able to achieve with an Xbox). Thanks for the feedback though.

For Useful_tech ..., I've heard from a variety of sources (including here) that the stock nav-monitor can't provide the resolution necessary display readable fonts; at least it doesn't look very good (which you'd likely need for navigating through various menus). And most InCarPC users are going with a touchscreen monitor, eliminating the need for a mouse.

Corey

 

Touch screen would be a major improvement. I haven't found any real information about what the factory nav display is. It looks like it has at least 800x600 resolution but, I am guessing.

I just received a 5.6" lcd monitor that I had thought I could use as a back up monitor. But, after looking at it, I don't have the room for any monitor except for what is in the cubby.

What do you think the entire cost of the project would be if all I want to do is couple ntsc factory video into the factory nav? I have a little reverse wide angle cam that I picked up from ebay for $50. I would love to be able to do the translation to the display for another $100 -200 or so. I don't want to change too much of the electronics if I don't have to.

Did the generator's approach at $250 include the price of the xbox? That would really be a deal.

BTW - my biggest problem right now is that the automatic door hung up today. It binds at the middle rear edge so that it can't retract. I had to press that contact point down to allow it to retract. Quite a disappointment since I was trying to show the car off at the time. SB with burnt orange Mesh seats in the roadster doesn't take too much showing off to impress anyone tho.

Any technical data on this mod would really be appreciated. I don't have any contct info for generator. Do you? - anybody.

 

Generator posted a thread on this forum about his install just a few days ago. Look down the main Audio/Video/Security/NAV/Radar page a bit for a thread titled "XBox / DVD / MP3 on NAV Screen".

I think the difference in resolution (between the stock screen vs. aftermarket) is the difference between RGB and VGA. I'm not a computer expert, so I don't know the difference (except that I seem to recall that RGB is old school stuff).