My goal with an LCD is built in functionality + expandability.

I really prefer getting as much built in functionality for a very natural and navigable interface while using DVD's, CD's, camera, NAV, etc. Not having to switch inputs and hence switching method of control (keyboard, remote, etc) is nice.

However, no way I will spend an absurd amount to get the biggest and best one on the market if input capability is worthless (ie no RGB, therefore no far future e-manage or similar programs on a decent looking screen).

I found this one that I think covers my bases. Granted, no built in NAV, but it has plenty of built in functionality and still has the RGB input (and two composite as well). I've had a heck of a time finding this combination. It's mostly either been a very base screen with RGB input, or all the built in functionality and only composite inputs.


Panasonic CQ-VD7500U (http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=F&storeId=11251&catalogId=11005&itemId=68692&catGroupId=11090&modelNo=CQ-VD7500U&surfModel=CQ-VD7500U&ignoreRedirect=1)

Ignore the MSRP, a local and quite legal reseller near me already has it for $600 less, and within months they'll plummit the price, as they always do, when they over stock the next 7 models.

7" 1-DIN
Motorized
TFT Active
Touchscreen
DVD/CD/MP3
AM-FM/TV
2 RCA in, 1 RCA out
1 RGB in
Camera in (no idea what that actually is, but saves using up a different input for a rear-view parking cam)

I think it's what I want. I'm no expert on all the electronic details however, so I can't tell if the sound quality will be horid, but I'm only planning on rigging it up as AUX-in to my stock sound system anyway, not replacing anything. As far as NAV goes, as long as I've got the RGB in, that and other items can be handled in the future with a carputer.

Opinions? This car is my toy and is going to be getting tons of attention - I work too damn much to have anything resembling a life, so may as well enjoy what I have.

Fine if you're not going so far as a carputer. If so a better option is going to be coming out in june and another in Q1 '05. Check in http://www.mp3car.com

I've had thoughts about the 8 and carputers. To each his own. why run radio and whatnot through the carputer when the factory one is still in the car? The dash unit plus a nice motorized 1DIN screen... $400 + $600. I bet I could spend another $200 or so total.... find a used (Ebay, junkyard...) RX-8 Nav dash, put in a 7" touchscreen LCD and mount my carputer in the rear. Run audio through OverLOAD's AUX module...

Just some ideas for you.

If you are going with the in-dash all in one system, remember to calculate in the cost of having a custom faceplate made and installed to support that 1 din unit. You're probably looking at an additional $500-$700, considering I was quoted $600 for the same type of work.

I've got the 1-DIN dash piece already taken care of, so luckily that will not be a concern, I just need to find something 1-DIN sized to stick in there :)


As far as carputing in the future, that was my main reason for requiring RGB on anything I buy, I should be covered regardless of what I want to end up using. I had looked at mp3car.com a while back and liked the potentials there, so I would certainly consider it in the future. Having the DVD/CD player in dash in addition to a DVD/CD player on the carputer wouldn't cause any harm (I'm keeping my 6CD changer as it is, just more options at a time).

I know in the long run I would save money if I went strictly carputer + screen only. But, since I'll be doing my rx-8 projects step by step over the next few years, I'd rather get a screen with a few options on it so I can get some simple HKS gauges up for now and DVD/mp3 capabilities, then continue to build towards a final product in a few years.

If you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost you for the custom dash-piece and where did you get it done? Fremont's not all too far away from Davis, and I'd definitely prefer to get my work done from a place that has experience working on Rx-8's already. Do you have any pics that you can share with us fellow digi-addicts? Thanks in advance.

If the HKS gauges work with simple RCA inputs, then the computer + screen is an option. If you also want to add a PSOne... no problem. Lilliput and a model of Xenarc come with two aux RCA inputs AND the VGA input.

Basically I'm saying is that you have all that fleiblity and more with a computer + screen setup.

Japan8: This screen also has the two composite plus 1 rgb input, which is why I was so glad when I stumbled across it. It's the only screen I've found with built in dvd/etc functionality in addition to the inputs you get on a standalone screen.

DavisRx8: Check out this thread. (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23689) I don't have the dash piece yet, but it should work out in the end. If it doesn't, I'll go for the Rmagic dash piece found here. (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25612)

I'm not made of money by any strech of the imagination, but these days I have no free time in my 70+ hour work week to enjoy life, so I don't mind spending the extra cash on my car that I'm saving up by not having a life.

what is MPEG4 Movie Playback? does that mean it will play mpeg movies. lets say like music vids that i d/l off the internet that are in mpeg format? thanks

mpeg4 is basically a new compressed format like your mpeg and mp3s. Yes they can run videos in the mpeg4 and mpeg format.