I've heard that the navigation system used in the Mini is the same as the one used in many BMW's. And I have also heard that there is a special adapter or something you can get for the BMW so that you can use the display as a video monitor. Does anyone know if this would be possible in the Mini? An ideal find for me would be if I could add in a DVD player to the car and use the built-in navigation display as the video monitor.

Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to MCO CharlesT!

This question has been asked a few times. Here's one thread with the answer.

Enjoy the plethora of info and great people here on MCO!

 

Thanks. I've been monitoring these message boards for some time and now that I finally have a Mini it is time to post. :smile:

 

Just a caveat, I believe the legality issue has been brought up here as well. Having a video screen visible to the driver is apparently illegal in at least some states.

Perhaps the resident cop would care to chime in?

 

Welcome to MCO Charles! Remember to keep your eyes on the road...and also remember that installing televisions/video monitors where they can by the driver while the car is in motion is illegal in 39 states. Check out this link for a story.

 

Yes, good point. Legality aside for a moment - there are definitely safety considerations - and hopefully a good deal of common sense involved in the use of such a system.

 

You are correct about the legalities of such a system. Not to mention using common sense. It is more for car shows and such that was looking to make use of the stock system as much as possible. I'm doing a custom audio/video system in my Mini and I am currently evaluting the options in designing the system.

 

If your interested in in checking out a mini w/nav using the monitor for video check out

http://www.semi.nu/jay/mini

I have some of my install pics and video of it in action.

My current projects are : Adding additional monitors to the headrests, and altering the "mini boot" logo on the nav system. any UNIX OS9000 Geeks are welcome to assist.

more pic's soon.

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions,

 

walkerjay,

Looks nice. I checked out the Monster's Inc movie. I was wondering if the NAV display is showing the whole image. Do you know if there's any cropping that happens when you're playing a widescreen version of a flick? Also, is the screen resolution pretty good?
My wife would really like to have the option of watching a movie while we're taking a 2 hour jaunt to my folks

 

Just examined the site where you can buy all the apperatus.
Here is a idea - - Connect a night vision camera and drive "Instrument"...
No, I am only joking....

 

An idea this wacky seems fitting to have come from someone using the handle Zappa!