E46 TV Module Swap

[garethdphillips]

Slightly off topic I know, but hopefully somebody can help, people seem pretty good in here!

I am planning to swap my 16:9 navigation monitor for a CD version, and am considering changing the analouge TV module for a DVB-T DIgital (Freeview) version.

Can anybody tell me, is this a straight swap? Any coding or other setup required? And change of antenna etc?

Finally, where is this unit located on a saloon please? (with navigation)

In the boot I can see the DVD drive for navigation, but unless its well hidden, I cannot see a TV module or a radio module, but I know both are present.

Thanks

[big bob]

TV module is in the amp rack under the nav drive. It is a shoebox sized device in shiney metal finish. The DVB-T version is a direct (and expensive) swap, with no coding required. Freeview runs on the old 405 line system, which is on a slightly lower frequency than analogue terrestrial.

There is no alternative DVB-T antenna or amp available. The antenna is located in the rear heated screen. This will combine to a slightly reduced signal strength. DVB-T is not designed to work while moving.

[garethdphillips]

Thanks.

Do you know if the TV module is removable without having to remove the Nav, or the Radio Tuner? (Saloon / Sedan)

[big bob]

Probably need to remove the radio to get at it. Everything is only held in with number 10 bolts. The radio is like 1 bolt and it hooks into place. Unplug the battery first.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/attachm...7&d=1097886102

[big bob]

[trapdoor]

Originally Posted by big bob

Freeview runs on the old 405 line system, which is on a slightly lower frequency than analogue terrestrial.

There is no alternative DVB-T antenna or amp available. The antenna is located in the rear heated screen. This will combine to a slightly reduced signal strength. DVB-T is not designed to work while moving.

Not right I'm afraid.

DVB-T (UK DTT) Runs within the current UHF band and the multiplex frequencies are interspersed between analogue channels in pre-DSO area's and in post-DSO areas are often on the same UHF channels as the old analogue channels. 405 line TV frequencies are known as Band III and were sold off to be used for PMR & Tetra

The antennae will work just fine, but reception is hampered by the way DVB-T works, and something called the 'digital cliff' where with analogue, you see a gradual degradation of the signal, eventually the picture/sound disappearing into the noise, whereas with DVB-T, you see no degradation until just before the noise floor, where you will see increasing picture and sound breakup, after a very small signal reduction, you will just see a blank screen and no audio.

The Hybrid tuners can be made to work 'TV in Motion' by coding (using navcoder) but unless you are practically on top of the Tx, it's worthless.

I upgraded in my X3, and it's nice to be able to get pretty much all of the DTT channels (except the encrypted pay channels, so don't expect to get Sky Sport 1/2 ) but any attempt to use on the move is frustrating.

[big bob]

Originally Posted by trapdoor

Not right I'm afraid.

DVB-T (UK DTT) Runs within the current UHF band and the multiplex frequencies are interspersed between analogue channels in pre-DSO area's and in post-DSO areas are often on the same UHF channels as the old analogue channels. 405 line TV frequencies are known as Band III and were sold off to be used for PMR & Tetra

My mistake, I had to wiki but you are indeed right.

[QUOTE=trapdoor;787747]The antennae will work just fine, but reception is hampered by the way DVB-T works, and something called the 'digital cliff' where with analogue, you see a gradual degradation of the signal, eventually the picture/sound disappearing into the noise, whereas with DVB-T, you see no degradation until just before the noise floor, where you will see increasing picture and sound breakup, after a very small signal reduction, you will just see a blank screen and no audio.[quote]Agreed.

Originally Posted by trapdoor

The Hybrid tuners can be made to work 'TV in Motion' by coding (using navcoder) but unless you are practically on top of the Tx, it's worthless.

I upgraded in my X3, and it's nice to be able to get pretty much all of the DTT channels (except the encrypted pay channels, so don't expect to get Sky Sport 1/2 ) but any attempt to use on the move is frustrating.

The problem with movement is that the system was never designed for moving receivers. There is no signal fading profile for a moving reciever and no provisions for time varying doppler shift like you find in a mobile phone for example. The reciever would be expected to break up as soon as it start moving, although the Hybrid TV tuner may have a data buffer to prevent the latter, I don't know because I don't own one.