Considering a DVD system? here an alternative to consider

llajumpvid · 03-04-2006, 08:44 AM

For anyone considering adding a DVD player I'd suggest considering something like this. Mvix I don't have one but this is exactly what I was looking for at the time I put together my Armadaputer. It cost more than a DVD player but you won't have to carry around DVDs and can easily be used with your home entertainment center as well. You would just need to "backup" your DVD collection to it. You typically need to add a drive, I'd suggest getting something over 200gig. I've been playing with different file types and sizes and for a 9" screen you can compress a DVD down to about 400mb and have near dvd picture quality. If playing this on a large screen you'll probably want to only compress it down to 700mb-1gig in size.

I've been using Dr. Divx but have recently figured out that Nero's Digital format is a better encoder. The Dr. took about 3 hours to convert while Nero takes less than an hour plus you have more control in setting what you want to encode i.e. trim of the credits and intro. I've also been able to use Nero to burn 3 full length DVDs to one DVD so I can cut down the number of disk I have to carry to 1/3.

My only problem now is that I'm out of space to install this thing. I think it could be made to fit in the the side tray of the center console but you might have to trim some. This thing would also be great to just carry on long road trips with no need to wire it up as it has a built in FM transmitter. Just use it regularly as part of the home entertainment center and not have 30 different Disney movies laying around the house and the kids constantly "Daddy can you put this one in?"

Here is something for the more budget minded but note it uses a laptop drive so you are limited to smaller drive capacities and the 2.5" drives cost more.

grunge311 · 03-05-2006, 04:43 PM

What I do that gives me the same capabilities is a modified xbox. The xbmc software I use will read all formats, uses visualizations w/audio only, and will of course play xbox games copied to the 250gb drive I have installed.

With the xbox you can just copy the vob files from teh dvd if you like and it will play them.

llajumpvid · 03-05-2006, 06:49 PM

It's been a while since I looked into that option. Doesn't the mod require a replacement chip which can no longer be gotten in the US? This would (is) a great alternative as well if you can still do the mod that is required to unleash all the options. If I'm wrong about the mod can you post a link to where to find the "how to" for the hack?

grunge311 · 03-07-2006, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llajumpvid

It's been a while since I looked into that option. Doesn't the mod require a replacement chip which can no longer be gotten in the US? This would (is) a great alternative as well if you can still do the mod that is required to unleash all the options. If I'm wrong about the mod can you post a link to where to find the "how to" for the hack?

No the chips are widely availible, but you don't even need a chip. There are many methods to hack the box. My method works on only xboxs manufactured BEFORE 07-2004 (mfg date on the bottom) it requires makeing two of the easiest solders ever and then plugging the xbox into a home network for a minute.

I can do one in under 10 minutes. If you have and xbox manufactured after 07-2004 then its easiest to spend the $35 on a chip, many of which are solderless. The older xbox's are easy to find at any pawn shop or used video game store for $99. Once you see what the software for the xbox can do you will have to have one man. The media center is friggin awesome (as long as you have basic computer networking skills and are decent on computers)

If your seriously interested in it shoot me a PM and I'll school ya.

baseballfanz · 03-07-2006, 11:10 PM

grunge311,
do you get any noise with your XBox in the truck? I was going to do this awhile back but peoples reported noise so I went the PS2 with a hard drive instead. Plays lots of game of the HD but no video options. Thanks

grunge311 · 03-08-2006, 01:43 PM

Nope no noise. I am using a monster power inverter which is from my extensive experience in the matter, the best power inverter for noise (I have even tried a few pure sine inverters). I did have craploads of noise when I first started out but I discovered it was all due to the power cable and the RCA calbes x-ing when they connected at the amp. separated teh cables and now I am completely whine free.

SickWhip · 03-09-2006, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grunge311

Nope no noise. I am using a monster power inverter which is from my extensive experience in the matter, the best power inverter for noise (I have even tried a few pure sine inverters). I did have craploads of noise when I first started out but I discovered it was all due to the power cable and the RCA calbes x-ing when they connected at the amp. separated teh cables and now I am completely whine free.

So what are the capabilities of your Xbox system? This sounds like a good way to go.

HyperSportRacing · 03-15-2006, 11:00 AM

Try this company. They hooked up my Xbox

http://sdmods.com/

SickWhip · 03-15-2006, 11:04 AM

My brother is giving me his xbox and I know someone who is going to do the mod for me. Now all i need is a hardrive, power inverter and a nav bezel.

GKreamer · 03-15-2006, 01:05 PM

What exactly does this Xbox mod do? I'd like to have a DVD player in my Titan. I have the overhead compartments and the rear speaker controls but no DVD...

HyperSportRacing · 03-15-2006, 01:16 PM

The mod chip allows you to add a Bigger HD and preload video games into the HD rather than lug the cd's around. Rumour has it that most people rent the games and load on their HD's and return the games. BTW, i added a 200gb HD in mine and have plenty of games.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GKreamer

What exactly does this Xbox mod do? I'd like to have a DVD player in my Titan. I have the overhead compartments and the rear speaker controls but no DVD...

baseballfanz · 03-15-2006, 01:18 PM

You can also load ripped movies onto the HD.

HyperSportRacing · 03-15-2006, 01:19 PM

Oh yeah, forgot about that too!

Quote:

Originally Posted by baseballfanz

You can also load ripped movies onto the HD.

grunge311 · 03-16-2006, 12:53 PM

You can also use it as a Tivo, an mp3 player, a computer, a web server, ... really you can do 90% of the things you can do on a pc with it. I have even heard of people replacing the dvd drive in them with burners and tivo'ing shows and recordeing them straight to dvd. I have 4 xboxs now. The one I keep in my truck is loaded with 10 movies, lots of music videos, 120gb of mp3s and 10 games or so.

SickWhip · 03-16-2006, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grunge311

You can also use it as a Tivo, an mp3 player, a computer, a web server, ... really you can do 90% of the things you can do on a pc with it. I have even heard of people replacing the dvd drive in them with burners and tivo'ing shows and recordeing them straight to dvd. I have 4 xboxs now. The one I keep in my truck is loaded with 10 movies, lots of music videos, 120gb of mp3s and 10 games or so.

What size drive do you have in it? I was thinking about getting a 160g