I've been getting a few PMs about this and I think I might as well post the info since it will be beneficial to a few members on here that are also starting their Dom installs.
I wanted MP3 and video support and I don't have a massive DVD collection so a DVD player was out. A carputer for me is just too much. So... introducing the Mediagate MG-25.
More details from the manufacturer.
What is it?!
It is basically a USB 2.0 2.5" (Laptop) hard drive enclosure that has the ability to play music, video, and pictures straight from a hard drive without the need for another device other than a video screen with RCA inputs.
Here is a snippet of the features:
Media support: MPEG 1, 2, 4 (MPG, MPEG, AVI, M2V, VOB, etc), XviD / MP3, OGG Voris, WMA / JPEG(JPG)
Video Output: Composite, S-Video, Component video output / 480p, 720p, 1080i progressive scan
Audio Output: Audio Stereo L-R / Coaxial Digital Output / 5.1Ch (DTS, AC3)
Operating System Support: Windows 98/SE/ME/2000/XP, MAC 9.0 higher Linux 2.4 higher
Power Input: 5V/2A
What does that mean?
Basically, once you buy this enclosure, you can insert into it a 2.5" hard drive of your choice (I am going with Hitachi 80 GB ATA-6 5400 rpm), connect it to your computer via the provided USB cable, drag and drop your media files onto the drive, and play it virtually anywhere!
I am not actually going with this model.
AirLink Tech (aka AL Tech) is the Korean company that the drive is originally from, but it has been rebranded by a few other companies such as: LG, Vantec, AOC, etc. All the same device with a slightly different look.
I have purchased the Vantec AVOX AVX-100TX:
Reasons: Its black and it will be better hidden in the TL. It is based on the MG-25P which has a smaller card like remote versus the full sized remote.
Since AL Tech is the original manufacturer, they keep the most updated firmware with the latest features. Vantec only has one firmware posted on their site.
The good news though, is that the firmware are compatible (at least AL Tech and Vantec). I have tested and confirm this by flashing both company's firmware on the AVOX. The splash screen of the Vantec looks nicer and their branding is in the menu screens, but other than that, they look identical. The AL Tech firmware is newer and has added features like resume from the last state.
Where can I pick up one?
eBay: eWaggle currently sells the original MG-25P on there.
online:
http://www.newegg.com
http://www.pcmicrostore.com (their site has been down on and off)
http://www.tigerdirect.com
http://www.ewaggle.com
http://www.walmart.com (yes! even walmart)
local: Fry's Electronics
Some stores bundle the enclosure with a drive. You just select the size package. The cheapest I have seen for the enclosure only is $79.99 online. I bought the enclosure and the 80GB hard drive from newegg. They are in LA, so I ordered online in the morning, package arrived to my door the following day.
How will it work with the 3G TL?
It fits in the top compartment under the dash.
If you don't mind leaving the door open, then you are set. I plan on taking the compartment apart and making cut-outs in the rear so the enclosure is flushed in so I can close the door.
Other possible locations include in the top center storage bin, under driver's seat, under passenger seat, glove box, and basically anywhere else if you add the optional IR extender cable.
Powering the device. The site states there is an optional car accessory you can buy, but they dont list where. I've found it, but I think its overpriced.
iRiver sells a car adapter for their portable devices (one of which I also have
). This works.
For those that want to use 3.5" hard drives (regular desktop size) check out the MG-35. Its pretty awesome as well. I have that too.
What can I say? I'm a hi-tech junkie.
This won't fit in the top compartment, but it still requires 5V/2A to power and I believe it should fit in the glove box.
I have been planning my install and it should be done within the next few weeks. I will post the outcome. Until then, I hope this adds an alternative to the traditional DVD player.
PS. Excuse me for any spelling errors and typos. It was a lot to write.
Edit:
The final installation can be viewed in this thread: TVandNav2Go, Mediagate MG-25P, and PIE X3 Installed
.
.