Digital TV tuner module - anyone tried it?

kvc · #1 07-26-2015, 04:24 PM

One feature of my E53 that I've never been able to use, is the TV system. This is due to the fact Australia (and other countries) now broadcast exclusively via digital signal, so the factory analogue system is redundant. Since I've only owned the vehicle for less than six months, I've never actually seen this feature work due to cessation of the analogue TV signal here.
There are digital TV tuner units advertised on eBay and I was curious to find out if anyone has decided to go this way, or is this just another gimmicky thing that no one ever uses in their E53? Not sure if the US members need a digital TV unit or if you guys still broadcast in analogue signal?
BMW X5 E53 X3 E83 E39 E46HIGH Definition Digital TV Tuner Video Module | eBay

ants_oz · #2 07-26-2015, 06:00 PM

Hey mate,

Mine has a digital tuner - I haven't checked whether or not it was factory fit or aftermarket, but I believe it was available as a factory option at the time.

Works like a charm.

kvc · #3 07-26-2015, 06:11 PM

What year is yours?
I live in a rural area, so no TV reception (other than two-way satellite). I've never used this, or even tried the TV when I'm visiting my kids in the city, so have no idea if it works or not. Is it just a matter of selecting TV from menu options and letting it search for stations? Might give it a go when I head to 'town' today, as they have TV broadcast.

ants_oz · #4 07-26-2015, 06:52 PM

Mines a 2006 - last of the ones brought into the country.

Once you select TV, you then press the right knob and bring up the channel list. I can't recall the exact method for searching for new channels.

If you don't have a TV instruction manual I am happy to scan the relevant pages for you and post them up here. Won't be able to do so tonight though.

kvc · #5 07-27-2015, 05:19 PM

Checked out my TV system when I was in 'town' yesterday and no-go.... must be an analogue receiver. I see there are companies offering 'retro-fit' digital receivers. You send them yours and they instal the required components and ship back in a few days. Still costs over $500 - not so sure I need this feature that bad. Would have been nice to watch the footy, but then again it's nicer in the pub with a few mates!

ants_oz · #6 07-27-2015, 05:43 PM

To be honest, I use my TV probably 3 or 4 times a year? If that. Everyone is different of course just that its not a feature I make use of. I still haven't installed iPod integration, although it is something I have in the other car, and also the motorbike - if anything, that is what I will be doing next.

kvc · #7 07-27-2015, 10:00 PM

Did my iPod cable withing weeks of ownership, at the same time as replacing climate control panel (some buttons were trashed). Pulled this unit out, cleaned all the accumulated crap, dust on fan & sensor then put back together and realised access to the 'aux' cable connection was easier from there than removing the Nav unit. Reached up and pulled down the connector, plugged new cable in and routed to ashtray. 2 jobs done at the same time!
Think I'll give the digital TV thing a miss as where I live it wouldn't be used anyway. Spend too much time already looking at the idiot box and screens of other types!

biggeek · #8 07-28-2015, 04:50 PM

I looked at doing this last year as I have a analogue and came to the conclusion it wasn't worth. I installed a android touch screen head unit and a 4g dongle instead. Now I can watch shows from all over the world with no ads

Sent from my Hudl 2 using Tapatalk

kvc · #9 07-28-2015, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biggeek

I installed a android touch screen head unit and a 4g dongle instead. Now I can watch shows from all over the world with no ads

Sent from my Hudl 2 using Tapatalk

Interested in details of your android touch screen. Is it integrated with the steering wheel controls? Pics please and more info if you don't mind.