ANS-810 / ANS-510 (PROPER RNS-510 alternative)

[richmurphy]

there are also some very exciting features that I wouldn't even have dreamed of previously coming to the new unit, some of which are far beyond the reach of even the factory RNS-510.

Along with better MFD integration and price, this is the bit that has kept me interested. Otherwise, I would've just forked out $1200 for a RNS-510. DKN: Are you able to spill the beans on the new unit soon? I think that might keep a few people content until it's launched.

[DkN]

To answer the last few posts:

I've been told that the new platform will be released across all the different models at once.

The hidden settings menu is accessed in the aux-in source by pressing and holding the middle of the far right of the screen.

As I said I have been pressing the manager for news since last year and I simply passed on his estimated date each time but they proved to be far too optimistic. They have demonstrated a prototype at the HK Electronics Fair though so it's close to completion now - they are just refining the software. I've been waiting for the unit since January just like the rest of you, not just because I'd love to sell it but also because I'd love to own it myself, so yes it is coming...

Beyond showing off the interface there's not much more I can say for the unit - I know some of you have been waiting a long time but at this stage it's best to wait till pictures of the actual software is released.

Regarding features beyond the RNS though, these would be the Android mirror link, OBD info display and two way trip recorder capabilities. Details are still hazy, but I will have concrete info when I get a demo of the software in action.

The above are of course on top of advantages that the current ANS already have over the RNS such as proper line level preamps, auxiliary inputs and outputs, video files via SD card, DVB-T options, better GPS map system etc. The idea is to keep all the good points and more, plus bring other lacking areas in line with the RNS, or (we can hope) even beyond e.g. with the media player functionalities.

[richmurphy]

Does DVB-T mean it can pick up digital TV?

[DkN]

Does DVB-T mean it can pick up digital TV?

Yes, it's an optional module, there's price information on it in the first post.

[richmurphy]

Yes, it's an optional module, there's price information on it in the first post.

Ah so it is. Do you know if it'll be bluray compatible? Guessing not unless they increase the screen resolution...

[DkN]

Ah so it is. Do you know if it'll be bluray compatible? Guessing not unless they increase the screen resolution...

I think you must be getting confused..? Digital TV has nothing to do with bluray. But if you're asking that as a separate question, no it's not bluray compatible but not because of screen resolution, just that it will only have a DVD player. The new unit will be able to play full HD 1080p files, but you'll still be seeing it on a 800x480 screen that's all - saves you converting your HD movies though.

Best way to play a bluray file is to rip it to 1080p mp4 format, which the new unit can handle. Bluray in its original form is a colossal waste of space IMO. 40GB vs ~2GB of a well encoded mp4 file, same resolution at 1080p...

[richmurphy]

I think you must be getting confused..? Digital TV has nothing to do with bluray. But if you're asking that as a separate question, no it's not bluray compatible but not because of screen resolution, just that it will only have a DVD player. The new unit will be able to play full HD 1080p files, but you'll still be seeing it on a 800x480 screen that's all - saves you converting your HD movies though.

Best way to play a bluray file is to rip it to 1080p mp4 format, which the new unit can handle. Bluray in its original form is a colossal waste of space IMO. 40GB vs ~2GB of a well encoded mp4 file, same resolution at 1080p...

That was a separate question. I'm only asking as DVD is a redundant technology now and I have a stack of Bluray discs and ripping is a total PITA.

It's a shame really because it seems a mix of old and new technology. Wifi, bluray, HD screen would've truly been an awesome piece of kit and surely the first 2 wouldn't have cost much to implement. Bit of a missed opportunity IMO but a moot point and please don't take this as a personal criticism.

[Guest001]

That was a separate question. I'm only asking as DVD is a redundant technology now and I have a stack of Bluray discs and ripping is a total PITA.

As it is illegal to play a video other than navigation in a screen visible to the driver whilst moving it probably will be a PITA especially if you get caught.

Yes I know its for the kids to watch but tell that to the officer. Buy a couple of players that fit on the back of the headrests for them.

DVD is hardly redundant anyway Far more stuff on DVD than Bluray and cheaper as well.

As DkN says more have stuff on HDD than buy a collection of discs that most watch once and gather dust forever. I have a couple of hundred CDs tha now I have the stuff on computer I wonder why I ever bought them $2000 wasted

[DkN]

That was a separate question. I'm only asking as DVD is a redundant technology now and I have a stack of Bluray discs and ripping is a total PITA.

It's a shame really because it seems a mix of old and new technology. Wifi, bluray, HD screen would've truly been an awesome piece of kit and surely the first 2 wouldn't have cost much to implement. Bit of a missed opportunity IMO but a moot point and please don't take this as a personal criticism.

These things (WiFi, bluray, higher definition screen) are still rare and expensive parts in China. Local hardware in China typically lags a few years behind us here. Plus, remembering it's a unit for use in the car environment, I'm still not seeing much of a need for Wi-Fi, especially with the mirror link function - just connect your phone and use the units screen, you have your phone apps and internet.

Similarly I find a higher resolution screen not that useful here - you're viewing it from the drivers seat, and right now you already can't identify individual pixels. Higher definition would probably look marginally better but cost vs benefit wise it's simply not worth it at this stage.

Bluray is more of an issue if people are buying them instead of DVD, but like Hillbilly pointed out its use is still limited and honestly these days I find a lot more people with hard drives full of movies, rather than stashes of discs, bluray or not. Either way I'm not sure if there's even a Chinese factory making bluray players - bluray has not taken off at all in China. HD is all well and good but I really wonder what they did to make one movie 40GB in size.

Perhaps there are missed opportunities for some but remembering it's a head unit not a phone, I think it should be more than adequate for the vast majority of customers.

[richmurphy]

As it is illegal to play a video other than navigation in a screen visible to the driver whilst moving it probably will be a PITA especially if you get caught.

Yes I know its for the kids to watch but tell that to the officer. Buy a couple of players that fit on the back of the headrests for them.

You'd have to be mad to drive with a movie playing. Satnav is distracting enough and I'd be more concerned about crashing than getting a ticket TBH. It's more for the 30 minutes I have to wait with child #2 between childcare and picking up child #1 from school. Anyway, not the end of the world by a long shot... back in my day we didn't even have television... we played with sticks.

DKN: I watched a demo on mirrorlink.com and they really only showed the phone, satnav and media interface. Rubbish demo actually and left me very uninspired. If Audiosources manage to mirror my phone then it's exactly what I'm after. I can't tell you how often I've had to pull over, struggle to get my phone out of my pocket just so I can lookup an address or phone number (or read a spreadsheet but I won't hold my breath for that). Actually a phone mirror would be sensational as I could use bookmarks etc from my phone.

[Erbium]

I just installed my ANS810; and so far I love it; however I do have a couple of questions I'm hoping someone here might be able to answer. I access the hidden menu by pressing and holding the middle of the left side of the Aux In screen. Under the "Modle" tab, I see my option to turn off OPS. I set it to OFF but when I put my car in reverse, the OPS screen still pops up. How do I get this to save correctly? I do have the M99 firmware. Additionally, there is a setting for "Car Back A Track". What is this? Thanks for your help. I never would have purchased this head unit if it weren't for the information I've received from this forum. Keep up the good work!

[Guest001]

[QUOTE=richmurphy;945531]You'd have to be mad to drive with a movie playing. Satnav is distracting enough and I'd be more concerned about crashing than getting a ticket TBH. It's more for the 30 minutes I have to wait with child #2 between childcare and picking up child #1 from school. Anyway, not the end of the world by a long shot... back in my day we didn't even have television... we played with sticks.
e. [QUOTE]

Well they are out there. When I haunted the Caravan forums was a guy who wanted to know if he could mount a screen above the dash to watch movies on "long boring drives" What an idiot He got heaps off other posters but probably wouldnt have stopped him.
Have seen numerous tradies reading things when driving, a woman in a BMW also reading some papers and a courier with a refidex open on his steering wheel. In Colombo St Christchurch a girl in a Porsche reading a book in busy traffic. Seems the actual driving is only a spare time thing with people like that.

[richmurphy]

Does the ANS-810 actually allow you to play movies while driving anyway? Wouldn't that violate some design regulation or something?

[DkN]

DKN: I watched a demo on mirrorlink.com and they really only showed the phone, satnav and media interface. Rubbish demo actually and left me very uninspired. If Audiosources manage to mirror my phone then it's exactly what I'm after. I can't tell you how often I've had to pull over, struggle to get my phone out of my pocket just so I can lookup an address or phone number (or read a spreadsheet but I won't hold my breath for that). Actually a phone mirror would be sensational as I could use bookmarks etc from my phone.

The new unit's mirroring function has nothing to do with the mirrorlink company. It's a true mirroring function so it actually reflects your phone's screen. However it is only available for Android, at least for now.

I just installed my ANS810; and so far I love it; however I do have a couple of questions I'm hoping someone here might be able to answer. I access the hidden menu by pressing and holding the middle of the left side of the Aux In screen. Under the "Modle" tab, I see my option to turn off OPS. I set it to OFF but when I put my car in reverse, the OPS screen still pops up. How do I get this to save correctly? I do have the M99 firmware. Additionally, there is a setting for "Car Back A Track". What is this? Thanks for your help. I never would have purchased this head unit if it weren't for the information I've received from this forum. Keep up the good work!

I have told Audiosources about the OPS not turning off but the technician seems to think it does - I will confirm again, he had thought I just needed to update to M99 but based on your feedback that doesn't appear to be the case.

Car Back A Track is for the reversing path, but I'm not sure if these settings are working yet.

Does the ANS-810 actually allow you to play movies while driving anyway? Wouldn't that violate some design regulation or something?

I haven't actually tried this (had no reason to) but I think it does allow it. The ANS has outputs for rear seat screens, and the only purpose of that would be to play movies while driving. Unless they designed a safety lock that only turns on when there's no rear screen signal, there may not be any safety lock at all.

In China it is common to have aftermarket head units that play videos while driving - like many pointed out, no one is really stupid enough to watch videos and drive (or at least anyone with commonsense wouldn't), it's really for the passengers. Having said that, it IS illegal here in Australia and many other countries regardless of who's actually watching, so do it at your own risk.

[richmurphy]

The new unit's mirroring function has nothing to do with the mirrorlink company.

Well to be fair you haven't given any info other than "it will have a very cool, mirrorlink-like way of connecting with Android phones". I'm sure 99.99% of people have never heard of Mirrorlink so a better description would be appreciated... which you have now provided.