The multimedia system in my Super V8 (X350) is working well. But, it is pretty outdated since it only plays DVDs (not Bluerays or video files from USB or SD card) and the Navigation DVD is now pretty outdated (last available disk is from 2011).

Does anyone have a simple (and not too expensive) solution to allow one to interface newer technology? I don't want to get too deep into this because it will only play on the screens in the rear seat and I will probably never sit there. It is really only for my grandson and as diversion for the occasional passenger.

Ideally, I would like to play video files from a USB drive. At the very least, is there a way to replace the Alpine DVD player with something newer or with a unit that would allow for files to be loaded via USB or SD card?

Same question for the Navigation DVD. Any way to upgrade this to accept maps via USB or SD cards?

 

No.
There are no simple ways to update the interfaces to the system. Your best bet would be for you to contact Vreffmov (sp?), a fellow board member who has devised a BT box that replaces your multidisc CD player in your trunk, allows you to stream music from your phone.

There are others on here who have done more, but at considerable expense and hassle.

 

Last week I was looking into this. I found a product from NavTool that seems promising. They have a new Carplay interface going for $500 including interface cables if I recall correctly.

If you want modern, this is it. I may order this when I retun from two trips I have this month. If you are not an iPhone user they do have a smartphone mirroring interface.

 

Just when I think I'm done upgrading my car...

 

Buyer beware. Look at this nightmare thread and best of luck.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...system-178734/

This forum member seems to have done it right, though I wouldn't want a TV. Everything else is pretty impressive, but as anindyam points out, not a simple solution:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...nstall-140646/

 

Wowzers. That thread was certainly an eye-opener. Thanks for the heads-up.

Navtool used to be a decent company. I know a few X350 guys have used their stuff in the past to hook up back-up cameras. That Carplay thing looked interesting. What a shame.

 

Bummer, I thought I stroke good.

 

After you spend $300 on the navtool unit first, so total investment of $800 to have the CarPlay unit.

I have the AudioControl LC8i in my car that allows me an aux input, but to use this you also have to install aftermarket amplifiers. Depends on how far you want to go. But I agree, no "simple" or cheap way to upgrade/update.

 

When I emailed them, they told me only $500 total. Carplay interface and harness. But you me be right.

 

Yeah I've talked to them as well. The Carplay is a complete kit at $500, but you have to have the Navtool in order to connect it to your factory head unit. which is another $300. They are a bit deceiving with that.

 

Not necessarily a 'simple' way as such, but I have developed a method to upgrade the Jaguar touchscreen to an Android system, seamlessly integrated with no external buttons, which is relatively cheap.

Here's a video of it in operation:

There is a long thread running over on the UK forums here: Android upgrade to Jaguar Touchscreen for XJ X350/X358, S-Type and X-Type - HOWTO but unfortunately Photobucket have broken all the images with their new linking policy.

Ben

 

Ben,
That looks like a really great how-to. Unfortunately, I can't see the pictures. Is it just me or can nobody see them? Do you have them posted anywhere else?

 

Yes sorry, the photos were hosted with PhotoBucket who suddenly decided to disable embedding of images thus breaking many many forum threads on the Internet. I'm in the process of rewriting it on my website, it's just taking a little time to make sure I have up to date photos etc.

Ben

 

Thanks electechbw and benwillcox, I was having the same, no photo's issue, thought it was just me.