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I would like to build an Android car infotainment device to replace all my gadgets inside the car. One option would be a micro PC with USB touchscreen and a lot of devices connected via USB. The other one would be an Android gadget, either small tablet or TV box.
The biggest question I have is: what Android devices support 5.1 audio? This is a must, though I actually can use only 4 channels. What audio formats are supported for this?
The other question would be TMC - the FM kind, not online.
Are there any embedded platforms out there (except PC and Android) which support multi-channel audio?
Has anyone done this before? I might be reinventing the wheel.
No updates? Either nobody knows about Android 5.1 sound output or they are working under NDAs.
Are you planning on keeping a headunit to control volume, do you want am/fm radio, etc....
without a headunit you will need an amp where you can use the headphone to rca adapter and usually its the amp that would add front and rear to the left/right output of your android device so you would still get the 4 chan output effect. to go for the 5.1 chan you will need another device that actually controls the 5 speakers plus the subwoofer which might be tricky but I'm sure its not impossible.
the setup I was going to go with was a amp that I can mount its power controls (left right front back and volume) (or amp/eq combo) to where I can reach it and build a mount for a 7in (possibly diff size not sure depends on how it will look) and use the heaphone to rca adapter to power the audio and put the usb inside the dash possibly with a little hub if they make it (that way not only is it getting power from it, if it allows, the addition of say a thumb drive with added music/movies. some tablets/phones have fm radios built in as long as something is plugged into the headphone jack (my new phone doesn't seem to have it but thats a feature I will be looking for in a tablet)
4chan amp
eq that would allow 2 chan in and 4 chan out plus sub out (if you have a separate sub amp)
I just want to know if there are any android devices that are able to stream 5.1, I can take it from there. Same question about TMC support.
Some details:
My car is already fitted from the factory with 4 channel preamp and 12 speakers including subwoofer low-pass. It has low-level input for those channels, worst case I would buy a preamp.
FM is pretty much given on most Android devices, probably excluding some tablets, but I won't actually miss it if it's not there.
TMC would be nice since all Androids usually have a GPS sensor and sometimes compass.
Anyway, it was mostly a request for suggestions or even a rant - I'm surprised that something like this doesn't exist yet. With the exception of dedicated units going >$$$-$$$$, an alternative set-up would be a medium-range blueray player coupled with an Android tablet. Music control could be set up with DLNA, bluetooth streaming or mixing player and android audio would be a bit harder but not impossible.
hey friends
this is a nice thought and you are absolutely great.
this is wonderful thread
........................
Great Idea
Hi,
Currently I'm also thinking about installing an android tablet in my car to have music, navigation, movie player, speed camera warning, etc. But the biggest problem is the sound. I want to connect tablet with car audio using jack-jack cable. Everything is fine till the AUX source is selected in car audio device, but when I switch it to Tuner or CD - the sound from tablet is cutted off, so e.g. navigation announcement are not heard.
Any suggestions for this issue?
audio rom
its a shame that there are many many roms but none fur special purposes like this.
we need a car rom
[email protected] said:
Hi,
Currently I'm also thinking about installing an android tablet in my car to have music, navigation, movie player, speed camera warning, etc. But the biggest problem is the sound. I want to connect tablet with car audio using jack-jack cable. Everything is fine till the AUX source is selected in car audio device, but when I switch it to Tuner or CD - the sound from tablet is cutted off, so e.g. navigation announcement are not heard.
Any suggestions for this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only solution can see is to run the audio from the tablet alone. I.e. use the tablet to provide both radio tuner AND navigation. You will end up using the car system purely as an amplifier.
Cris123 said:
Only solution can see is to run the audio from the tablet alone. I.e. use the tablet to provide both radio tuner AND navigation. You will end up using the car system purely as an amplifier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This would be what I would do in this situation. Or just unplug the audio cable from the tablet when using other radio options so the navigation will come through the tablet's speakers.
I want to do something similar but rather than purchase a new device I want to use my Note2. No head unit at all. The Note2 would likely be dedicated to this use and I'd get a different phone to use as, well, a phone.
For sound I was hoping I could use USB OTG to connect a USB sound card with 5.1 output but I'm not sure if this would work. I want to use the sound card instead of audio direct out of the headphone jack because that reduces my connected cables to just one (easier) and should provide at least 4 channel output which eliminates the need for another device to control volume, fader, and balance.
For radio I was going to use SDR for AM/FM (and more) via a cheap USB TV tuner.
http://sdrtouch.com/
Where I'm stuck now is that I'd like to be able to connect an iProduct (iPhone/iPod) like you can to most car radios and control/stream music from the iProduct, via the Android Note2 using USB OTG again. I cannot find how to do this but the Parrot Asteroid Smart runs Android and it seems to be able to do it so it must be possible.
http://www.parrot.com/usa/products/asteroid-range/parrot-asteroid-smart/
Any info anyone can provide regarding the sound card and iPod integration would be highly appreciated.
You can go wireless and use some AirPlay receiver for Android.
I don't know about wired solutions, the classic iPod connector has ~30 pins and some of them are used for audio and some of them are used for serial-like playlist control plus current track information.
brainwash123 said:
You can go wireless and use some AirPlay receiver for Android.
I don't know about wired solutions, the classic iPod connector has ~30 pins and some of them are used for audio and some of them are used for serial-like playlist control plus current track information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's just a USB to iPod cable that they use for everything else... Parrot Asteroid Smart that I linked to has it as do most modern stock head units.
Did a little more googling and it seems several companies sell android head units that support iPod.
Why don't you use a USB DAC? There are a few out there that are surround sound capable.
Out from the DAC into an eq preamp and out to your existing amplifier. The eq preamp has main volume controls as well as sub control with dedicated output.
Also there are head units out there that are just "receivers" capable of accepting a digital inputs and outputting 5.1 signal via RCA.
I installed a nexus 7 2013 in my VW, currently using Bluetooth to connect to a receiver where it the outputs to an rca input on my deck that was relocated to my glovebox. I am planning on replacing the Bluetooth adaptor with a USB DAC in order to achieve a higher quality sound.
I am currently doing a similar install in a 2010 charger, a deck will not be used however as I will be using the DAC method with an eq and output to the factory amp. I considered going the android TV box route as I have a MINIX box, but there is some work involved in getting the touchscreen to function properly as it is not set up for this out of the box.
You can purchase a double din deck from eBay (I stumbled across it a few days ago but didn't write the link down) it has a dual os system. It uses android for the car audio function and windows for the car PC function. Not sure how well it works but it got reasonable reviews.
Edit: ...and once again I answer without reading the whole thread...:silly:
Is it somehow easier to get all the various apps on the phone to output audio to a DAC than a USB sound card?
unL33T said:
Is it somehow easier to get all the various apps on the phone to output audio to a DAC than a USB sound card?
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Click to collapse
I believe when the device detects a DAC (must use an otg cable BTW) it automatically re routes all audio out the USB. You can disable automatic USB audio routing in developer settings.
k.s.deviate said:
I believe when the device detects a DAC (must use an otg cable BTW) it automatically re routes all audio out the USB. You can disable automatic USB audio routing in developer settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds easier. Thanks for the tip.
Well I can't find any information regarding the iPod integration and I've found next to nothing for DVD video and audio CD playback and radio and backup camera functionality would also take some mucking about so it looks like I'd probably be better off buying something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-Android-4...621?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a31320af5
Which has it all sorted out already. So much for that fun idea. No idea what apps they use for all that stuff.
Which has it all sorted out already. So much for that fun idea. No idea what apps they use for all that stuff.[/QUOTE]
That unit looks slow at only dual-core. It will probably be sluggish when multi-tasking.
The main chip probably supports several I2S devices (aux in/adc, tuner/adc, DVD) and routing plus demuxing is done via linux hardware control.
The DVD player and tuner probably support the i2c or spi protocol to control seeking and other functions. This is again controllable via the linux devices.
Usually the consumer devices don't have these easily exposed and it's probably a non-trivial task to piggyback on existing hardware, assuming the needed connections are broken out on the board. As far as I can see the only Android devices with CD or DVD are the car players like above.
Another option would be to take the sound from the HDMI signal. A DVD player/tuner can be wired in parallel with an HDMI switcher. However controlling the tracks would not be easy, it would require emulating the remote with an IR transmitter.
Does anyone have a car stereo with a USB port? If so can you elaborate on what that is like to use? I am purchasing a new unit and that feature is one I do not truly understand. A few questions I have are listed below, but feel free to add anything else you think might be useful in making this decision.
1: Does the phone charge while connected to a USB port on a stereo?
2: Can you use the file system and player controls through your stereo or do you have to control the music and other audio through the phone itself?
3: Does the audio work from all sources with a USB connection(for example phone calls or turn by turn), or will it only play music player audio?
4: If you do have access to the file system from your stereo, will it display song titles and artist info etc? How cumbersome is it do control this way?
Landara said:
Does anyone have a car stereo with a USB port? If so can you elaborate on what that is like to use? I am purchasing a new unit and that feature is one I do not truly understand. A few questions I have are listed below, but feel free to add anything else you think might be useful in making this decision.
1: Does the phone charge while connected to a USB port on a stereo?
2: Can you use the file system and player controls through your stereo or do you have to control the music and other audio through the phone itself?
3: Does the audio work from all sources with a USB connection(for example phone calls or turn by turn), or will it only play music player audio?
4: If you do have access to the file system from your stereo, will it display song titles and artist info etc? How cumbersome is it do control this way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be helpful to know what actual head unit you're getting. But I will try to answer most of the questions as best I can since I have a fairly new Pioneer HU.
1. Yes, but it only charges on "USB" mode, not "AC".
2. Yes and no. The Pioneer HU that I have does NOT support MTP mode (which is what Jelly Bean, and I believe ICS) uses. Basically MTP is the protocol for storage on the Galaxy Nexus. If you can find a ROM or Kernel or any way to change the mode to "Mass Storage", then you'll be able to browse the file system.
3. Only music (or whatever else is inside your MP3 file). When you connect to your HU through USB, your phone basically turns into a flash drive. From there you have to navigate to your "Music" folder and tell it what to play. The only way to do calls, navigation and music at the same time is to use Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable with an inline mic.
4. It displays what is inside your ID3 tag inside the MP3 file. So basically, if you have all the info filled in, then yes, it will display it. As far as how cumbersome it is, it takes some getting used to, but not to bad (on Pioneer, I have no idea on any other brand).
Short answer: Unless your stereo support MTP or you can find a way to force "Mass Storage" (which I'm not familiar with a way how), your stereo will only charge your phone. It sucks, but that's the way it is.
Pioneer has the app radio which will control your phone and also allows you to use Pandora on the actual H/U. That said I have never used it nor do I plan on it as its a dual din and I am just happy using bluetooth.
I have a JVC unit that works great with my nexus running linaro aokp jelly bean. The unit is x50bt. It will not play through USB only charge. However it is Bluetooth enabled so it can play anything including you phone calls through your car stereo. I have it setup so that my phone auto connects and plays Pandora automatically. The head unit displays song title and artist and also allows u to thumb up or down using the remote conyrol. I also have playlists set up in power amp for my MP3s. The built in equalizer in power amp along with the equalizer in the head unit work well together. I have the USB cable in the rear USB port so it is hidden in my CRZ. The tiny Bluetooth adapter is in the front and does not look out of place.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
nastystang05 said:
I have a JVC unit that works great with my nexus running linaro aokp jelly bean. The unit is x50bt. It will not play through USB only charge. However it is Bluetooth enabled so it can play anything including you phone calls through your car stereo. I have it setup so that my phone auto connects and plays Pandora automatically. The head unit displays song title and artist and also allows u to thumb up or down using the remote conyrol. I also have playlists set up in power amp for my MP3s. The built in equalizer in power amp along with the equalizer in the head unit work well together. I have the USB cable in the rear USB port so it is hidden in my CRZ. The tiny Bluetooth adapter is in the front and does not look out of place.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Per your suggestion, I purchased the X50BT. I am not disappointed. As you said, it does not support MTP, however I have a tiny 32gb Flash Drive(about the size of the Bluetooth Dongle) inserted in the front and the audio quality is simply breathtaking. I have my phone set to auto-connect via Bluetooth, which it does seamlessly. It even connects for audio however the BT audio stream sounds terrible when compared to the USB audio from the flash drive. I don't know if that's a limitation of my phone, the technology or the unit but it hardly matters since I can fit all of my music on the USB drive anyway. I just have to use Bluetooth or the 3.5mm jack for Pandora. Thanks for the suggestion, I really love this head unit!
Landara said:
Per your suggestion, I purchased the X50BT. I am not disappointed. As you said, it does not support MTP, however I have a tiny 32gb Flash Drive(about the size of the Bluetooth Dongle) inserted in the front and the audio quality is simply breathtaking. I have my phone set to auto-connect via Bluetooth, which it does seamlessly. It even connects for audio however the BT audio stream sounds terrible when compared to the USB audio from the flash drive. I don't know if that's a limitation of my phone, the technology or the unit but it hardly matters since I can fit all of my music on the USB drive anyway. I just have to use Bluetooth or the 3.5mm jack for Pandora. Thanks for the suggestion, I really love this head unit!
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Click to collapse
If you're rooted, you have to tweak the Bluetooth sound profile using voodoo or DSP manager for example (which one your kernel allows).
You could add some "gain" amp or reduce the "Mids" and raise the "Bass"..
I have a different sound presets for the:
-Phone speaker (added some mids)
-Headphones (optimized for my Sony headset)
-Blueooth (lots of bass and "Rock" setting, sound is pretty good)
Possible Helpful Info on UMS & MTP
Landara said:
Does anyone have a car stereo with a USB port? If so can you elaborate on what that is like to use? I am purchasing a new unit and that feature is one I do not truly understand. A few questions I have are listed below, but feel free to add anything else you think might be useful in making this decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread might have some helpful info. (especially if the OP dev actually wrote the code for it).
(just tryin to help
danielsaenz said:
2. Yes and no. The Pioneer HU that I have does NOT support MTP mode (which is what Jelly Bean, and I believe ICS) uses. Basically MTP is the protocol for storage on the Galaxy Nexus. If you can find a ROM or Kernel or any way to change the mode to "Mass Storage", then you'll be able to browse the file system.
Short answer: Unless your stereo support MTP or you can find a way to force "Mass Storage" (which I'm not familiar with a way how), your stereo will only charge your phone. It sucks, but that's the way it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just wanted to point out that even if you found a way to force USB Mass Storage, it is unlikely that your radio would be able to read the filesystem. Most radios will only read FAT file systems, while the Nexus uses EXT3 (I think, could be 4). So Bluetooth/AUX are really your only options.
Gnex to HU
Landara said:
Does anyone have a car stereo with a USB port? If so can you elaborate on what that is like to use? I am purchasing a new unit and that feature is one I do not truly understand. A few questions I have are listed below, but feel free to add anything else you think might be useful in making this decision.
1: Does the phone charge while connected to a USB port on a stereo?
2: Can you use the file system and player controls through your stereo or do you have to control the music and other audio through the phone itself?
3: Does the audio work from all sources with a USB connection(for example phone calls or turn by turn), or will it only play music player audio?
4: If you do have access to the file system from your stereo, will it display song titles and artist info etc? How cumbersome is it do control this way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed an Alpine HU, It is also does not support MTP. I really like using the Bluetooth but have found that I have to reboot my Gnex and or restart my car to get the Bluetooth to sync correctly. USB does charge but it is slow. One thing to look for is Bluetooth Parrot.
gkaurin said:
I just installed an Alpine HU, It is also does not support MTP. I really like using the Bluetooth but have found that I have to reboot my Gnex and or restart my car to get the Bluetooth to sync correctly. USB does charge but it is slow. One thing to look for is Bluetooth Parrot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have found if you just toggle the Bluetooth on and off on your phone it should sync.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I am finding that it is more of how my HU looks at my blue tooth. Thus restart car. I am wondering if it has something to do with Android BT. My gnex has worked this way with multiple roms and BT enabled HU.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I bought a cheap stereo from Wal-Mart a Dual stereo with Bluetooth, takes a SD card, front and back inputs and satellite compatible. It has the USB plug that charges but like the others, doesn't read the memory on the phone. I stream through Bluetooth all of the time with Spotify. My son's Galaxy SIII can connect too if I turn mine off without changing anything. It was a great investment. It is a convertible and the microphone works great at 70mph with the top down. For $118 I am very happy.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I don't believe the Galaxy Nexus will work with the USB of many head units since the Nexus uses MTP instead of UMS.
Hopefully someone can come up with a UMS for the Nexus.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
infazzdar said:
I don't believe the Galaxy Nexus will work with the USB of many head units since the Nexus uses MTP instead of UMS.
Hopefully someone can come up with a UMS for the Nexus.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the better way would for HU to be able to connect like they do to Apple products and have MTP support.
HU
I know that JVC / Ken-wood have apps for android. Looked more like a HU controller rather then playing from android. Never tested.
I think I figured why my USB isn't connecting from the AVH 4000 NEX to my galaxy note 3 SM-N900. It's possibly due to the MTP mode. I believe if the was a mass storage mode that will work, kinda like a USB stick. I don't think the firmware in my HU is properly picking up MTP, all it does is charge the phone. You need a kennel that has UMS enable for mass storage however the international note 3 SM-N900 currently does not have such kernels. There is only 3.... To my surprise. Maybe the last time I ever go with international models again. If anyone finds away around this let me know thanks.
My car does not have USB or card reader, but aux line!.
So I decided to go cheap and buy a Vieta FM Car Transmitter and BT Handsfree unit, and I does a decent job.
Perhaps in a future I'll go for a Parrot...
Hi All,
I have lately ventured into th Androi dheadunits world and have been really happy the functionality they bring with them.
I am using a USB dac hifimediy to get audio out from the HU. The HU is a HA version and is on 5.1.1
I dont get the generic Android sounds via the DAC. When the DAC is connected i don't get any sounds from HU. I only get any sound play from UAPP. Rest all the apps which play music doesnt output to USB dac even if i am playing low bitrate MP3
Is this behavior expected or there is something that can be done? Thanks in advance
P.S:Thread is already in MTCB general
P.S2: i have the "Prevent audio rout to USB" disabled in Developer options
Hey guys,
I just bought a nice USB-OTG DAC for Hi-Fi sound, the Audioquest Dragonfly Red. I really like the augmented sound it delivers - although I noticed a major drawback:
The maximum sound is strongly limited due to a false recognition of the true max volume by the phone. Loudness is controlled by the phone digitally, there're no buttons on the device itself.
According to my research, it is a known issue that the device is always started with level 22 of possible 64 levels of volume. This is intended to prevent harm to one's ears. But Android phones mistake level 22 as the total maximum and don't allow to go any louder. The manufacturer says that this can only be corrected over the ROM. There IS a workaround by using 'USB audio player pro', because this app directly controls the sound output. BUT, I want to listen to Spotify and Tidal, and these apps do NOT allow sound output control.
Any ideas?
I think the problem can be fixed by disabling safe headphone volume (can be done via GravityBox, not sure if there is another method) or redictering audio using SoundAbout app.
Both methods require root privileges and in my opinion this isn't a solution you're looking for.
Just sharing my ideas.
Yeah, redirecting sound output is about what I would have guessed. I just wanted to check if there's already a working solution for non-rooted devices before rooting mine.
The thing is, that I tried a couple of USB-OTG DACs, and only the Dragonfly red is having this issue. Unfortunately it's also the best sounding one...
you can find poll on reddit.
Alright, it's working with USB audio player pro. But - one major drawback:
Although Tidal is supported, this workaround does not allow for playback of offline Tidal tracks... So still no solution that'll work in everyday life...
I spent last few hours to look for options for making the Dragonfly Red work with my Z3C. This post on Pixel 2 https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/themes/pixel-2-usb-audio-control-t3704024 works perfectly to significantly increase the Red's volume, however, its interface doesn't fit properly on smaller screens (HD on Z3C).
Using the headset for the first time and I can see a notable sound reduction compared to gaming with a mi mix 3 5g I had before. I dont have a second wired headset to compare.
Any idea what could be going wrong? I have ultra sound enabled in-game. I also downgraded from that and the issue remains.
Comparing with Razer Hammerhead True Wireless I have, the sound is really loud on the second , so something is definately going on with the first headset interaction with the game.
Listening to music or doing anything else seems the same as before so the possibility of headset malfunction is out of the table.
Try disabling game booster
ApexPrime said:
Try disabling game booster
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes done already. Still the same.
The only difference I can find from my previous xiaomi Device is the addition of 24-bit/192kHz audio. Thats for wired Audio?
Me too facing this problem, when i use in ear earphones like i have jbl, the sound output is loud and clear, but when i switch to hyperx cloud stinger headphones, the sound output becomes very low, this case happens only in games, music youtube etc. have loud sound output, if anybody knows the solution of this problem please tell us.
Oops Wrong thread.
Wrong thread why? Wrong Device?
But really hoping I can find a solution. Even if I sell my headset how can I be sure the new one I will get will perform as it should?
have you tried to remove "improoved audio" from the turbo videogames settings? have you tried using a pair of in ears. if the in ears are at "high volume both in games and not. the problem resides in the internal amplifier. you can buy a more powerful cabled or bt adapter to solve the problem
GranoTurc00 said:
have you tried to remove "improoved audio" from the turbo videogames settings? have you tried using a pair of in ears. if the in ears are at "high volume both in games and not. the problem resides in the internal amplifier. you can buy a more powerful cabled or bt adapter to solve the problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have turbo turned off. Should I turn it on? Also my brother has some other jbl over ear wired headphones. Going not to check if the Audio is the same with those and coming right back here.
Out of curiosity i've tried a few pair of headphones with the adapter. The phone had enough volume to drive a pair of Beats (32 ohm) at 60% and a pair of dt990pro (250 ohm) at max volume. Id doubt the problema comes from the headphones used. Try to check under soud assistant if you have the "mixer" enabled or disabled. Maybe you've lowered the volume of that single app
GranoTurc00 said:
Out of curiosity i've tried a few pair of headphones with the adapter. The phone had enough volume to drive a pair of Beats (32 ohm) at 60% and a pair of dt990pro (250 ohm) at max volume. Id doubt the problema comes from the headphones used. Try to check under soud assistant if you have the "mixer" enabled or disabled. Maybe you've lowered the volume of that single app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I opened sound assistant, it has 3 options and the third is turned on, the first two are turned off. One is for playing sound through multiple apps and the second for multiple sound sources.