Car Stereo + Computer

[LandyAndy]

Hi Guys
Can anybody tell me if its possible to play CDs/DVDs stored on a laptop/external storage thru a car stereo unit with a USB input????
The idea is to fit a decent car stereo/speakers to the camper trailer and be able to watch DVDs and or listen to CDs stored on the Laptop rather than cart my CD collection around when camping.
If its possible,would one use the windows media player to manage the collection???
Thanks
Andrew

[flagg]

You will not be able to plug your Head unit directly into your laptop.

For the USB input, you should be able to use a 2.5 in HDD / CF card that you can also plug into your computer. (I doubt a DVD player will work as it needs commands from the USB Host)

Other options depends on your head unit..

I have a panasonic unit and I can play anything via the Cd changer in (with the addition of a $20 dongle)

[Boxhead63]

80gb ipood,works wonders onmy Kenwood head unit.

Cheers
Rob

[hoadie72]

I have a 32gig iPod Touch plugged into my Kenwood 7" double DIN screen for watching DVD rips, TV shows and playing MP3s.

I've just re-read your question.. are you talking about using the sound output from your laptop as in input into your headunit? Sure, that'll work if your headunit has RCA or aux-in inputs.

[Delta_Farce]

hoadie72's idea is the way I would go. Run a 3.5mm stereo to RCA plug from wherever to store your laptop to the back of the head unit, then just plug the laptop in whenever you want to listed to audio from it. I think Harvey Norman have pre-fabbed cables to do this, if they don't Jaycar or Dick Smith will.

Controlling the laptop from the head unit would be more difficult. An iPod or external HDD is probably the best way to get your head unit to control your music collection.

[richard4u2]

just yesterday i was looking at a little red gismo cant remember the name but ask around at a computer shop , the unit you can plug an external hhd and then usb to your unit , that should work me thinks i think this unit hasnt been out long

[Basil135]

Why not just copy your music to a 4gb flash drive, and plug that into the USB on your head unit.

That way, you keep your laptop & discs all nice & safe.

[Taz]

Another option is to fit an FM radio inside the camper along with the better speakers. Then grab yourself a little FM transmitter and plug it into the speaker output of your laptop and tune the radio into it. That way you can watch the DVD's ect on your laptop and listen to it thru the camper speakers.

[LandyAndy]

Thanks People.
I think Tazs idea is simplest,along with Delta Farces.Basically only need the aux sound input from the laptop,wireless FM is even better than a physical link to the head unit.
I want a car stereo so one can listen to the radio etc,a bit more refined than having to have the vehicle stereo playing.
Plus DVDs can be watched with quality sound rather than relying on a computer mini sound system.
Andrew

[LandyAndy]

Another question for those in the know.
My laptop has Bluetooth.If I buy a head unit with Bluetooth,is it possible to play a soundtrack on the laptop via Media Player to the headunit via Bluetooth????
Thanks
Andrew