Carrozzeria TV: HOWTO and Advice

[paulr33]

Hey All,

Well my R33 has the mystery Carrozzeria TV and Sat nav which works but just brings up a map of Japan and nothing much else. The reception blew goats (could only just see faint channel 9) and it was useless basically. So it was time I tried something else...

Q) #1 Does the unit work ok with PAL input?

A) Well NO. The input (well my one) will happy accept any device that can spit out video output (much like a normal home TV) as long as it's able to support the required format. My TV needs NTSC, if its not NTSC the lines go all psycho and it looks retarded.

Q) #2 How can I test it?

A) My TV has a controller unit under the carpet just near the passenger firewall. I looked at this device and it has two Video IN's and then a wierd cable going to the TV. My sat nat unit was plugged into this via a yellow RCA (normal video lead). I unplugged this and then hooked up a Pioneer Home DVD player to it. Park your car in the garage, get a big power extension cord and wire up your home dvd player. I did this and I got output fine. Looked pretty good too as it was an LCD TV. So this proves it can accept any input and it works too, despite the mystery jap stuff.

Q) #3 How does this help me?

A) Well from this you know that most of the Carrozzeria TVs will accept any input as long as its NTSC. Read below to see what I've done...

Purchased 1 x Zylux Car DVD Player $310 (JB HIFI)

Purchased 1 x RCA (Pair) Leads for Audio ($7)

Purchased 1 x RCA (Single) Lead for Video ($2)

Purchased 1 x Pioneer MP3550 MP3 Head ($320) -> JB HIFI

Purchased 1 x Pioneer CDRB10 (IP Bus to RCA Converter) -> JB HIFI $120 (I already had one, but this is what you'd need)

The DVD player has 3 outputs, 1 x RCA Pair for Audio and 1 x Single RCA for Video. Connect the RCA Video to "Video IN" on the controller unit under the carpet. Connect the 1 x RCA Pair to the IP BUS converter and then into the back of the Pioneer MP3550.

Remove all of the un-needed Sat Nat Crap. I took out my "head unit" like device and replaced it the with the Zylux DVD player. Also behind the head units were some wierd controller modules and lots of cables. Mount in the Pioneer head unit with cables and get it working. Then hook up the IP bus converter and hook in the DVD player. Enable "AUX" on the head unit via holding down "Function" when the power is off to the Pioneer head unit. Sound from the DVD player will come in via AUX on the head unit its as via the RCA to IP Bus converter.

Next power it all up. To get output on my system I need to flick a switch near the gearbox and turn the TV on via it's remote.

Turn on the DVD player and should get output. Then turn on the Pioneer and function it thru until u get AUX. You should have sound to.

Tip: You can rename AUX by holding down "Function" on the Pioneer head unit

Q) #4 How good/shit is the Zylux DVD Player?

A) Its not perfect. Its not shit either. It works quiet well for a car install. Good quality for both Video and Sound. Doesn't skip at all. Has lots of cool functions. Supports:

DVD

VCD

SVCD

MP3

CDA

Q) #5 Why is it so cheap?

A) No Idea. It's a basic unit that does basic functions I was told. I said ill buy it and if its shit im bringing it striaght back. No complaints from me yet. Plays all media formats very well.

Q) #6 Did you have any problems with the DVD player?

A) Yes. The unit itself is HUGE as in very long, much longer than a normal head unit. You'll have problems fitting this bitch into an R33. I know I did, it pokes out a little bit, probably 4-5cms past the head unit. It looks fine though. Both the head unit and the DVD player are a nice silver.

Q) #7 What power does the DVD Player require?

A) The DVD player needs normal 12volt. Just like your head unit. However it comes with a plug to go into the back of the DVD unit and then to two flat wires. These need to be hooked up to a power source. The easiest source we found was the cigarete lighter as it was easy to hook up and test. We did and it worked fine. The cigarete lighter still works fine too.

Q) #8 What can you do with the DVD player now that it works

A) Well for $300 for the unit I thought **** it, why not. I've burnt various Mpeg Video Clips of songs as VCD and played them. Works well. watching DVDs is sweet too. You could even skip buying an mp3 head unit and use the DVD player's mp3 capabilites. It brings up a little menu interface for MP3 cd's which is cool.

Q) #9 How is it driving with shit on the TV?

A) BAD. This is not recommended. It is very distraction and will mess with your eyes. I've managed to mount my TV so it points away from me a bit and gives full view the passenger. Which is fine with me. If I had spent $2000 on it then I would have been pissed off, but for $300 you can't hardly compliain :> and if you dont like it, take it back!

Q) #10 Could I try another DVD player?

A) Yes. As long as the DVD player could output its video in NTSC. If it does PAL only you may find it wont work properly as Jap standards is NTSC

If you have any questions let me know. Hope this helps.

[paulr33]

Oh BTW

Tv = Carrozzeria TV-XP7

Sat Nav Unit = Carrozzeria AVIC-G7

Old Head unit = Carrozzeria DEH990 (With no remote)

[BROCKZILA]

I'm impressed that is an awesome FAQ and step-by-step break down of the process involved.

Unfortunately this came too late for me and i have had to learn this all the hard way

Just one question why did you not use the DEH-P990? this is a great unit and has many functions, such as eq settings, DSP and even listener positioning? i know it isn't an MP3 unit but considering you have a DVD/mp3 player it wouldn't matter.

Note that the features that i listed and more are only available using the remote by pressing the "B" button

PS : i only sold the DEHP990 to buy an MEHP9900

[BROCKZILA]

This should be a placed as a sticky to the top for future reference to many

[paulr33]

I didnt have the remote nor did the function button on the headunt work so I couldnt change half of the settings. I also couldn't enable the AUX (IP Bus plugin) function to get the Audio IN so I had no choice really....

Thanks for the feedback

[BROCKZILA]

it's not the function button you need to press it's the "b" button on the remote (see pic of remote)

From memory you turn off the ignition, hold down the 7 or 1 & 7 button then turn on the ignition, you should now be able to select the AUX source.

Great thread though

[paulr33]

AH I see, I might try it one day. Ive still got the old head unit in my room and its got a cd in it so i might try it one one day. the new head unit is better tho, mp3 and 4x50w instead of 4x35w

[streamer]

paul, addzest is a subsidiary of clarion so can i safely assume that a addzest tv screen would work e same?

somewhere here, someone is selling an addzest screen with a tape deck...No fm expander yet...so how much does it cost to put in? prob NTSC i would assume.

what abt changers?

theres also someone sellin an addzest changer so can i safely assume that ANY addzest changer will go with this tv/deck thingy?

thanks and sorry abt it not being related to yr thread...in a way...

[paulr33]

I would test it befor buying it thats for sure. you can get brand new lcd screens (5"/6") small and basic features for around $1100 these days. I wouldn't buy a second hand jap one if I could get a new one for that price. My tv came with the car so I did my best to use it :^)

If he's flogging off the addzest cheap and you are sure it works get it. But i would test it on your equipment or verify what format it needs and stuff. most likely its ntsc. i doubt it wuold be pal as its japanese domestic equipment

[streamer]

real cheap tho...less than $100...

..

waddya think?

how do i test if its workin?