AlexMIB

Hi, I've just got 2013 GL350.

I have a question about rear entertainment system. Does it only play DVD? Can I play videos from USB stick or memory card? If yes, what formats are supported?
If it's only DVD, does it only play DVD-formatted movies or I could burn a DVD with .avi or .mp4 files?

Thank you!

yk0786

You can play DVD or hook up an iPad via the component wires

AlexMIB

Thanks, do you know if other file formats are supported?

mideastern13

Same question for 2015 GL 500

Tranman

I've hooked up a Raspberry Pi running OSMC (branch of Kodi) and Retropie for games in the center console. If you have the Mercedes Multimedia cable with the 30pin and 1/8 aux input - you can use a iPod AV composite cable to play to the front console and rear headrests from any composite source.

BTW you can't use the generic 1/8 mini plug to RCA cables since they are wired wrong for mercedes. It comes out garbled. You need the iPod/iBook Apple cables.

Streetdaddy

Can you link the cables i need? Amazon? this guy?

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Merce.../dp/B00J0FQVBI

So are you saying i can watch movies on the front screen while the car is driving?

Tranman

Yes, that's what I'm saying! it works with any NTG 4.5 system with the Mercedes multimedia package - the connector in the center console (or glove box in the cars).

Also, in order to watch video on the front screen while moving, you'll need to install a DVD in motion solution (like this one http://www.dvdinmotion.com)

The cable you linked isn't the right one, you need the Apple 30pin version with Aux mini plug. Couldn't find one on Amazon, but here's two eBay auctions to the cables you need to feed a composite signal into the front screen and you can also feed the rear headrests if so equipped.

Mercedes A0028272704



http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-iPod-iPh...5Xzv2j&vxp=mtr

Apple iBook AV Cable
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-iBook-59..._-GsRvffvZsCnQ

Streetdaddy

Wow! I love this board already! Ive got an old 921 and usually spend all my time on that forum but this one rocks, too. Thx Tranman!

So let me get this straight… I plug that first cable ( black ) ... into the console. Then I hook up the white one to my iPhone. And then the components go to the TV? am I going to have cables running everywhere? Can I see your set up?

Tranman

No time at the moment to get a photo up. But here's the layout of my system.

Center Console Multimedia Port > Mercedes 30 Pin Cable/Aux Input > Apple iBook AV Cable > RCA couplers > Composite Video Source (RCA).

My composite video source is a Raspberry Pi that multi boots with Kodi and RetroPie.

I just have everything shoved up in the center console for now, I use the USB port in the center console to power the Raspberry Pi. I control the Raspberry Pi with a mini wireless keyboard and PS3 controller.

Now if you want to use an iPhone to send a signal to the center console, there are a couple solutions.

1. Get a Apple Lightning to HDMI Dongle to HDMI-AV cable which connects to the Apple iBook cable. Not very elegant and very bulky.
   
2. Get a MiraBox 5G which can directly connect to the Apple iBook cable and you can AirPlay Mirror wirelessly (also works with Android phones too), it works really well! - https://www.amazon.com/Mirabox-5G-Mi.../dp/B01M5JGNPL

vroooom

With MiraBox, can we use Nav & DVDs with sound coming from the car's sound system and Bluetooth headphones?

Do you use the Raspberry Pi to stream online videos? How does it connect? Do you use the phone like a hotspot?

Thank you!

Tranman

I don't quite understand what you mean by the first question. The Mirabox just acts as a AV source. So it would go through the cars audio system and if the rear monitors are switched to the front aux it would play through the headphones.

And yes you could use the Raspberry Pi to stream videos if you have the right applications installed and use your phones hotspot function. I use RaspPLEX to stream from my home Plex server. But for YouTube and the like I use Mirabox and Airplay from my phone since it's easier.

xxGenericSNxx

I have a 14 GL with NTG4.5 with the factory 30 pin iPod/ 1/8 inch aux cable and bought the iBook cable (and no rear entertainment). I can get audio to come through the sound system when I select AUX under the audio menu but no video. How do you get the video to display through the front COMAND screen with the aux cable?

Tranman

There is an AUX option under the VIDEO menu. If you don't have it you may be able to enable it through the engineering mode menus.

Jason B

Wait, so if I have an iphone, and want to play YOUTUBE videos. I can play them on my phone which will play on the front screen and rear screens???

And that DVD VIM you listed, there is no hardware? Just burn the disc and it removed the warning while driving?

srfrboy

What accessories port allows you to play video when the vehicle is stopped through the Command screen? I basically want to play videos from my iPhone 7 on the Command screen.

Tranman

If you are using a Mirabox 5G (or equivalent with RCA composite outputs) to feed the Video AUX then yes.

And the DVD VIM I linked is exactly that. They apparently code it for your VIN and sets it as a European flag since they don't restrict VIM.

Tranman

Please refer to Post #7 & #9 for specific part details.

You need to have the following:
• Your car must have a Mercedes Multimedia package
• Mercedes iPhone 30pin with Aux plug cable
• Apple iBook AV Cable
• Mirabox 5G

xxGenericSNxx

Thank you very much. I got it to work! I'll try out the Mirabox next. Do you know if that has a USB port to keep it powered or will I need to hardwire? The Amazon link isn't very clear.

Tranman

You can either hardwire or use a micro USB cable to power it.

Jason B

Will this work for a x164 GL?

Have you down the VIM software upgrade yourself?

Tranman

I have that VIM installed on my x166. Not sure about x164, I would probably contact them to see.