Zune Integration

[rotus]

So, I'm tired of waiting for someone to come up with Zune integration that I can control from my stock head unit (or even an aftermarket HU). In my previous vehicle that had no AUX input, I used the Zune dock with remote and wired that into an fm modulator (antenna wire interception type). Power came from a 12v to 5v USB adapter so I could use the stock cable for the Zune Dock. The system worked fine except for the little bit of noise I got from the power. I was going to take care of that with a noise suppressor, but I ended up getting the MS3 :D

In the MS3, there is really no good space to put the Zune on the console, so what I am planning to do is hide the Zune on the Zune dock in the center console. So that I can see what is on the screen, I am thinking about adding a small 3.5" or 2.5" monitor to the blank area of the head unit and grabbing the video out from the Zune dock's 3.5mm to RCA out. So that I can control the Zune with the dock's remote, I am going to get an IR repeater.

Anyone see any potential problems or conflicts with my setup?

Infrared repeater:

http://cache.smarthome.com/images/8191.jpg
+
http://cache.smarthome.com/images/8130w.jpg
+
http://cache.smarthome.com/images/8170s_n.jpg

Screen:

http://www.aeicomp.com/Image2//000.210_LCD25L_PI.jpg

If anyone is interested, I'll try to do a step by step and writeup. I know the Zune is not the most popular player out there, so I don't know what kind of demand there is for something like this.

[liquid_ag]

thats cool. i dont have a zune, but i look forward to watching this thread :)

[rotus]

maybe you'll want a Zune after I'm done...

maybe..., but probably not.

I actually want a ZEN 32GB, but there are no remote control options for that right now and I already have the stupid Zune. I hate that you can't use Spiral Frog or other DRM protected music with Zune.

[liquid_ag]

i just put my itunes on my ipod lol

[rotus]

i just put my itunes on my ipod lol

So sue me, I'm cheap. Spiral Frog is free, but I use emusic and that works with teh Zune. It gets me 50 d/l per month and costs $15/mo.

I just don't feel like paying .99 per song from iTunes or moar(!) from Zune. I would rather buy the whole cd and rip that.

[liquid_ag]

gotcha

[sumo_bob]

the zune 2.0 is supposed to be much much better than it's older sibling, but I still have my doubts.

[kansei]

the zune 2.0 is supposed to be much much better than it's older sibling, but I still have my doubts.

anyone with the 1.0 can get all of the added features of the 2.0 for free via a software update.

[rotus]

I did teh upgrade, still doesn't sync with WMP.

I talked to my frined teh car stereo guru. He suggested just hacking into the dock and extending the ir receiver. That'll save me over $100.