I am wondering if anybody here knows if I were to get an ATSC convertor box, could I watch over the air digital broadcast television by using a Garmin Nuvi 5000 GPS as the display device?
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=11547
The Garmin indicates that it "includes a composite video input so you can connect it to a rear-view camera for backing up safely." Do any of the convertor boxes use composite video outputs?

"All" of the converter boxes include that feature - it's a requirement. Sound becomes your next problem.

That is a good point. Garmin points out that it works with back up cameras and obviously it has a speaker for GPS, but it might not carry the TV audio.

It won't work while mobile.

Well, MAYBE if you got a Zenith/LG unit and you're also using a SmartAntenna. But I wouldn't count on mobile reception very much.

It won't work while mobile.

And that's a good thing. As if ]idiots[/B] driving while on the phone isn't enough, we don't need morons trying to watch TV while driving. :mad:

I am not interested in watching this while driving. In fact, I don't even think that ATSC will work while in motion. I would like to have the option while parked, however. Also, I would like to have the ability to listen to TV audio while driving, but I think that will soon be a thing of the past. I have some devices now that allow TV audio from NTSC channels through my vehicle stereo. I like to listen to the local TV news audio. Our Dodge Grand Caravan does allow driver video while parked, but fortunately when the van is in drive it switches to something else. When in reverse it switched to the back up camera. Actually with some of the local radio stations trying to figure out what to do with their HD-2 and HD-3 sub-channels it is sort of too bad they don't simulcast the local news broadcasts of the HD radio.

"All" of the converter boxes include that feature - it's a requirement. Sound becomes your next problem.

You could always just use a wireless FM transmitter for sound.

It won't work while mobile.

I am just curious, does ATSC start breaking up right away while in motion? Is it at 5 MPH, 10 MPH, etc.?

I am just curious, does ATSC start breaking up right away while in motion? Is it at 5 MPH, 10 MPH, etc.?

Not sure, as I've never tried it. Make an interesting test, though.

There are a number of devices that allow a portable CD/DVD player to inject audio into the FM radio in the car already. Perhaps thats a viable option?

It won't work while mobile.
You have also said that you have never tried it.
Where does it say that ATSC will not work for mobile?

It looks like if Samsung is doing something about it A-VSB for mobile broadcasting (http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/samsung-builds-on-atsc-develops-a-vsb-for-mobile-broadcasting/)

You have also said that you have never tried it.
Where does it say that ATSC will not work for mobile?Trust me, if you do your homework, you'll know. It's been widely known and accepted for years that the current Digital TV / ATSC system will not work reliably for mobile reception. Even LG (8VSB patent owner) will tell you ATSC wasn't designed for mobile use.

As for mobile digital TV in the US, see here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1019843
&
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1019850

Note: Ken,
Smart Antenna protocal EIA/CEA-909-B updates on a 100 millisecond basis and is very tolerant of slow moving objects like houseboats and people suffering from slivered multipath prolems from local nearby airports.

Most boxes are still one-shot "A" protocal boxes sadly, but I am in contact with a manufacture in Taiwan currently that is making one. I will post as info arrives...

I agree it isn't the protocol of choice, but congress has indeed saddled us with this one so lets make the best of it...

Not much is being said about 12-Volt based installations. It isn't the fact some boxes are 12V and some 5V or 9V. The thing that is concerning me is that a lot of stuff is made in different parts of the world.

Using this case as an example, the standard inexpensive computer speakers nowadays are positive ground, the vehicle is negative ground. These boxes being RF based are 50/50 on which they are. And most TV's made to be dual-use units are negative ground if intended for North America.

Connect a negative ground TV's F-Connector to a positive ground RF appliance and you'll short right across the coax's shirld causing damage.

I have been monitoring the 12V box thread waiting for actual owners to measure/confirm box voltages and polarities so I can update a list I started.
Lets just say the thread is all but asleep sadly.

You have also said that you have never tried it.
Where does it say that ATSC will not work for mobile?]

I have tried it. It doesn't work worth a flip.:)

As if idiots on cell phones driving cars isn't enough, now all we need is TV for the driver to watch while talking on the phone.

I have tried it. It doesn't work worth a flip.:)

As if idiots on cell phones driving cars isn't enough, now all we need is TV for the driver to watch while talking on the phone.I agree it is not for the driver to watch and not be paying attention to the road.
In my case it was for the kids in the back so it looks like I will have to make a switch to VHS/DVD.
I hope that ASTC will one day work with a mobile/portable application.