Digital TV for Ford ICC

[cutsnake]

Some good news for those that have been looking into the dig tv project for the colour ICC.

TEAC Australia has released some firmware for the TEAC DVB400 Set Top Box.

This new firmware sets the RGB output to NTSC and YES the STB is 12 volt powewered and very small (can easily fit under the front passenger seat)

TEAC have done this specifically for Ford enthusaists.. Well Done TEAC :o

This is an extract from the Digital TV forum..

Brett,

This software is experimental and designed specifically to connect the DVB400 to the Ford BA Falcon fitted with the colour screen.

We have tested the software on a BA XR6T screen and its working.

Sorry, but TEAC cannot supply the connection details to the Falcon ICC unit on this forum. This can be found elsewhere (maybe on various Ford forums.)

Decoding DVB-T COFDM signals in a vehicle will not give perfect results (it is generally ok whilst stationary). Also making an antenna system suited for VHF3 and UHF may also be a challenge.

Here are the URL links for the DVB400.

http://stb.teac.com.au/pages/files/dvb400-ntsc.bin

http://stb.teac.com.au/pages/files/loader.exe

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This software forces NTSC output and has NO selection to go back to PAL. Another software binary must be loaded to go back to PAL format.

This software is not available within our service departments and should be loaded by users using a null modem serial cable. Software is available to bring the unit back to PAL if required.

KNOWN ISSUES:

(1) In 4:3 full-screen mode, the picture is corrupted with additional graphics. This shouldn't matter as 16:9 widescreen mode will be selected anyway.

(2) The screen image needs to be shifted up. This can be done in the screen output menu.

(3) If you skip unwanted channels, disconnecting the power will loose the settings.

TEAC.

[cdm]

Sounds good! I don't think I will bother with running the xbox anymore because it's pretty useless for just the front screen. Can't play games or watch a movie while driving hey? My main motive for the xbox was to play mp3's but I've got an ipod now to do that. Digi TV is more appealing because u can just flick it on quickly to catch the news or something whilst waiting for someone.

Any idea of the cost?

Any ideas on the aerial yet? What are the chances of getting good reception whilst on the go?

Chris.

[cutsnake]

Hi CDM,

The TEAC DVB400 retails for around $299, but I bought mine a couple of months ago for $220 (negotiated using cash).

It is a robust looking box as its case is extruded aluminium. As I mentioned in the previous post, it is very small for Set Top Box.

Regarding the aerial, I am now experimenting with a caravan antenna sitting on the rear parcel shelf. Caravan antenna's are amplified and omni-directional (don't need to be pointed towards the TV transmitters)

The result is still pretty average whilst driving but perfect when still. Don't forget the warning of watching tv whilst driving! (This was highlighted in the press recently)

Regards

Cutsnake

Edited 02/06/04 11:02 AM by cutsnake

[tab]

Although of no use to me as I have a ute with the associated "poverty pack" ICC, isn't it great to see a company proactive in assisting their customers. Fantastic PR and it's worked on me, I will having a closer look at TEAC when I'm next in the market for consumer electronics.

Trent.

(maybe ford can take a leaf out of their book)

EDIT: getting my mords wuddled up

Edited 02/06/04 11:03 AM by tab

[3rdTurbo]

Great work cutsnake. I am impressed with this innovation and am eager to know more when details come to hand.

Can I ask a silly question if I may: Can a DVD device be connected to the TEAC set top box and played on the ICC screen?

[ducatijb]

Good work Cutsnake

Anyone got any ideas where I can have this fitted in Sydney

[sixfan]

Although of no use to me as I have a ute with the associated "poverty pack" ICC, isn't it great to see a company proactive in assisting their customers. Fantastic PR and it's worked on me, I will having a closer look at TEAC when I'm next in the market for consumer electronics.

Trent.

(maybe ford can take a leaf out of their book)

EDIT: getting my mords wuddled up

Well said, onya cutsnake + TEAC.

[Cashie]

Good Job TEAC,

That post over at DBA was in response to my original post http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?act=ST&f=3&t=5370

I have also been emailing Fabian at TEAC resolving this to the state it is at now.

Glad you have also been able to use the TEAC unit Cutsnake, thanks again for your original tutorial.

[cutsnake]

Good Job TEAC,

That post over at DBA was in response to my original post http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?act=ST&f=3&t=5370

I have also been emailing Fabian at TEAC resolving this to the state it is at now.

Glad you have also been able to use the TEAC unit Cutsnake, thanks again for your original tutorial.

XR6na,

I had almost given up on a suitable 12v powered stb, so thanks for getting onto TEAC.

btw...it seems as though either Fabian or one of his co-workers owns an XR6T. So they must have been keen to get this working.....

Have you setup yours yet? I'd like to compare notes on the antenna...

Cutsnake

[Cashie]

Cutsnake,

I'm currently in Sydney on work and unable to finish my install just yet.

I have run the power etc and will install the STB shortly.

Have you come up with a solution for the remote, is it possible to somehow utilise the Ford ICC IR?