Alpine RES video in the back anyone?
 

I know the topic has been almost beaten to death about RES options for the e70 ... but... I was wondering if anyone's ever done a "custom" install w/the Alpine 7" screens in the back? They sell on the street for ~$550,- are one of (if not "the") best video screens out there and there is certainly room in the rear center console to install a DVD player or two and/or maybe even a PS3 (LOL just kidding about that last one). But... really all that's missing from being able to put up something other than what seems to be the only options "out of the box" out there is some nice looking way to attach the monitors to the backs of the seats. Audio signal hookup to the main A/V system is still either going to be a) non-existent, b) through an FM modulator ;puke;, c) AUX connector in the arm rest (whether direct plug-in or invisible splice-in).

There is that $$$$ BMW AV set for the back w/the single DVD in the center console (not the Invision one) and they sell brackets for various seats to go w/that for ~$400 - BMWCC discount = ~$320 - $360... the brackets are for 7" screens but one would have to actually have both in hand the Alpine screen and one of the brackets to see how much off they are in terms of size fitting and whether the brackets could be made to house the Alpine screens.

Another question - do those of you who have the NON single foldable factory RES have connectivity w/the main car audio system? I hear conflicting information about this... the dealer I am ordering the car from claims that it connects (the Invision system) to the main system through the AUX connection, but I believe I spoke w/Lawrence from Invision a while ago and if I recall correctly he stated that the only way to connect those is through the FM modulator and that there are no A/V outputs/inputs anywhere on the units themselves because BMW doesn't want anybody to "mess" w/their stuff...

spacey :D

Another question - do those of you who have the NON single foldable factory RES have connectivity w/the main car audio system? I hear conflicting information about this... the dealer I am ordering the car from claims that it connects (the Invision system) to the main system through the AUX connection, but I believe I spoke w/Lawrence from Invision a while ago and if I recall correctly he stated that the only way to connect those is through the FM modulator and that there are no A/V outputs/inputs anywhere on the units themselves because BMW doesn't want anybody to "mess" w/their stuff...

spacey :D[/QUOTE]

Spacey,

YOU ARE INCORRECT

All of our products have A/V Inputs and Outputs on the front panel of the screens themselves. It is on the control box that is noramlly hidden within the center console that does not have any A/V outputs. If you want to stream A/V to the car or out of the system to say another screen it may easily be done through the A/V Output. Alternatively if you did not want to utilize the FM Transmitter at all and wanted a more direct connection. You can easily run a male to male 3.5mm jack into the BMW's standard 3.5mm input located inside the center console and that will bypass use of the FM Transmitter. I think you misunderstood what I said, my friend!

Law :thumbup:

PS: Saving the world, 1 post at a time!

Lawrence,

Thanks for setting things straight and deconfusing me ;) I do have few clarifying questions though.

You said: "All of our products have A/V Inputs and Outputs on the front panel of the screens themselves."

My question(s): So there are A/V plugs on the fronts of the screen units? Are they covered w/something? I don't see them in the pictures.

You said: "It is on the control box that is noramlly hidden within the center console that does not have any A/V outputs."

My question(s): So are the A/V plugs on the fronts of the screen units (see question above) or the control unit hidden in the center console?

You said: "If you want to stream A/V to the car or out of the system to say another screen it may easily be done through the A/V Output."

My question(s): Are you saying here that there is a way to connect/"stream" both audio and video signal from your system to the car? Or just that your system has audio and video output?

You said: "Alternatively if you did not want to utilize the FM Transmitter at all and wanted a more direct connection. You can easily run a male to male 3.5mm jack into the BMW's standard 3.5mm input located inside the center console and that will bypass use of the FM Transmitter."

My question/statement: Agreed, provided there is a line/headphone (non FM modulated) audio output from your system, which I assume you say there is, yes?

You said: "I think you misunderstood what I said."

My statement: I very well may have, my mistake :o

spacey :D

Spacey,

We manufacture 2 types of products with respect to BMW vehicles...

Revolution 2 (Power and Manual) and SL Series (Factory Part for '09 BMW X's w/ Active Headrests)

Both have A/V inputs on the front panel and on the SL Series it is covered by 2 small hinged doors on the far left and right.

Both have A/V outputs via 3.5mm jack located on the front panel, on SL Series these are covered by hinged door on far left.

The only thing located on the control box are inputs for the Headrest wiring, power, ground, and FM antennae.

You can stream Audio and Video via the A/V output from the front of the panel on both products to any piece of electronic technology with an A/V input. (Again this all depends on what connection wire you purchase as a consumer, A 3.5mm to RCA MALE will work just fine.) For example I can run a 3.5mm MALE from the REV or SL to the 46" LCD Screen TV in your living room if you wanted to and had a long enough cable. Alternatively you could take that cable and reverse it from your Video Camera going 3.5mm to RCA MALE to the front of my products and edit your home movies. The cable can be used for both tasks.

In the center console of most BMW vehicles there is a standard AUX 3.5mm input labeled (AUX IN) you can run a 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable from the front panel of either of my products directly to the AUX IN to receive sound through the speakers and bypass the FM Mod. THis would be the same case if you had an iPod with no BMW iPod cable and just ran the 3.5mm to 3.5mm male cable fro mthe headphone out (iPod) to the AUX IN (BMW).

DISCLAIMER:These cables are not included with DVD product or your specific BMW vehicle upon purchase. You will need to go out and purchase these cables yourself.

For just Audio: 3.5mm to 3.5mm Male (Radio Shack) couple bucks

FOR A/V: 3.5mm Male to RCA Male (Radio Shack) couple bucks

Law :thumbup:

Hope this helps.

Lawrence,

Thanks this clears a lot for me. So the BMW/OEM/accessory 2 DVD/video screen system which attach to the rears of the front seats is called the "SL" series.. I see... yes I see it on your site now too. Ok, cool I think I am sold :) BTW, do you have an instruction manual and/or install manual which would show me technical info for the system I can download somewhere or access on-line?

spacey :D

That is the SL System otherwise known to you as the 2010 BMW RES Dual DVD system.

Same thing. It's the product that is so nice...they named it twice. Well we call it one thing and they call it another. Either way it is manufactured by INViSiON and that means I personally bless each one as they cross over my desk. LOL! Microsoft might have a better running tally of RRoD's if Bill Gates took the time to do that. LOL!

Yeah Spacey. The kit is the same '08, '09, '10 BMW X5/X6 you are totally good to go.

-Law :thumbup:

Cool, thanks again Lawrence, but since I think we crossed w/replies/edits I'll re-ask ;) do you have any manuals/install sheets etc. anything technical on the product I could drool over? I am an engineer so I get excited about things like that.

spacey :D