WDTV Media Player Install

[kentbrockman]

I just wanted to share a mod that I recently finished.

I installed a Western Digital Live media player in my '12 Suburban with the factory DVD system.
The WDTV plays virtually every media file type I have thrown at it.

I also installed a small wireless router to allow my 3 kids to control the media player via their ipod/Nexus 7 tablets.
The added benefit is that on their android tablets they are able to stream video and music directly from the hard drive attached to the WDTV.
It also allows them to connect for multi player games of minecraft via the in car wireless network.
The WDTV and router are powered by a small inverter and all the components are buried under the console.

My Suburban came with the USB port in the center console which I re-routed to connect to the WDTV allowing my external hard drive to be located in the center console and therefore easily removed to add videos.

This setup has worked out so well for us, especially for the price (~$250) and made our weekly road trips much more enjoyable.
The best part is: No more discs and no more fighting over what to watch.

I can post some pictures if anyone is interested.

 

[NathanJax]

This is what you're talking about?

http://store.westerndigital.com/sto...13742300/categoryID.57123700/themeID.30153100

Post pics if you could. How did you wire it up?

What kind of router?

Where is all of this mounted?

 

[kentbrockman]

That's the one.

Here is the router:
http://www.tp-link.com/ca/products/details/?categoryid=241&model=TL-WR720N
super small and really cheap ($15)

I have the router, WDTV and inverter mounted under the dash at the front of the console.

I'll try to take some pics later this week.

 

[rodwar254]

do you have a wifi hotspot in your truck? definitely would like to see how you have this set up... thanks

 

[kentbrockman]

Rod,

I do have a wireless network in the truck, but no access to the internet.
I use the network to allow wifi control of the WDTV from tablets/ipods and to stream content via a mounted smb share right off the media player hard drive.

If you were willing to pay for the service, a router like this would give you a mobile wifi hotspot:
http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?model=TL-MR3420

 

[rodwar254]

ok cool im going to looking into this, with this set up do you have a second battery or run everything off the 1?

 

[kentbrockman]

No second battery. I don't think these components draw much power.

I do need to figure out a way to switch the system on/off with the ignition.
For now I manually plug in the inverter in the center console when i want it on.

I have left it plugged in over night before and didn't notice any significant battery drain.

 

[shundal]

No second battery. I don't think these components draw much power.

I do need to figure out a way to switch the system on/off with the ignition.
For now I manually plug in the inverter in the center console when i want it on.

I have left it plugged in over night before and didn't notice any significant battery drain.

In order to wire my HRT iStreamer to run my iphone i was able to tap into my aftermarket head unit's remote turn on. The remote turn on was connected to a relay which taped into the dash cigarette lighter for constant power and ground which fed power to a female cigarette lighter with an inline fuse. Then plugged my iStreamer into the cigarette lighter.

Since you have the OEM NAV, there is no 12v switched source behind the stereo. Instead you can tap into the accessory power under the drivers side as shown in this link: http://chevroletforum.com/forum/tahoe-suburban-25/2007-tahoe-add-amp-21865/
From there, it would be simple to wire a relay by tapping into the constant power and ground from the cigarette lighter in the dash since that is where all your equipment is stored. Then just add an inline fuse on the wire sending power out form the relay to the cigarette lighter.

My phone will power up when the ignition is switched on, and will power off when the driver's door is opened.

 

[kentbrockman]

Here are the pictures as promised:

This is where I mounted the WDTV, Router and inverter
http://flic.kr/p/e1TJtF

The Inverter Plug and External HD in the center console
http://flic.kr/p/e1ZnmE

Media Player
http://flic.kr/p/e1Znhy
http://flic.kr/p/e1ZnfQ
http://flic.kr/p/e1TJcp

Remote Control App
http://flic.kr/p/e1TJ9k

Two different Movies playing at the same time
http://flic.kr/p/e1ZmTm

---------- Post added at 10:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 PM ----------

shundal,

Thanks for the tip.
I don't have the factory Nav but I'll have a look if I have the same harness.

 

[flenn]

OK, you sold me on this. I just grabbed a recertified WDTV and 500GB portable drive direct from WD's site. If you don't mind refurb, you can save $$$. Here are the links:

WDTV - $59.99

500GB Passport Drive - $49.99

Use code "WDCARES " at checkout for an additional $15 off and free shipping. Should come out to ~$95 shipped.

The timing is perfect. I just put headrest DVD/monitors in the car and was wondering the best way to get my my digital movies to play. I have a variety of formats and the built in player is very limited on the headrest units. Plus, already have an inverter and an old router laying around.

Thanks OP, great idea!