Scotty6486

Here's a couple of videos of the Apple TV in action. Not finished yet, still need to install a web browser and Boxee for better streaming video support. Booting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lPq7iUrqPA In action showing song search function: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNHEGuTrtYY

Thanks for all the compliments, much appreciated. Looks like this Friday I'll be installing an AVIC-Z110BT to replace the Eclipse unit, I'll post a few more pics then.

After a loooong search for a newer SC400 I finally found a 1999 Silver on Black with 60k miles. The first thing I did right off the bat was replace the factory rims with chrome 17" GS350 wheels. Next it was time for an upgrade of the audio system. The equipment to be installed. I chose the AVN5510 as my source unit for it's excellent sound quality and 5 volt preouts. I chose the Alpine MRP-F300 and MRP-M500 amplifiers for their size as they are mounted under the parcel shelf. For speakers I upgraded the factory 4" speakers to Infinty Kappa 6.5" components up front and Kappa 6.5" speakers in the rear. For some nice sounding low end I chose a single Alpine 12" Type R subwoofer and it works very nicely with the MRP-M500 amp. I had done a few installations of the Viper 5701 and really liked the range and the way remote works and functions, so to protect and warm up my SC400 the Viper was the way to go. Also, the new integrated remote start relay pack and on-board shock sensor made installation a breeze and allows for a nice clean install. Along with the Viper 5701 I added the Viper SmartStart for infinite range for the Remote start with the iPhone application, it's also a simple single connection add on to most newer Viper remote starts. I used the new Metra 95-8157B dash kit for a nice clean factory look. I also decided to remove the factory volume knob and after hours of sanding, filling, and painting I was able to get a nice factory paint and texture match. For the Alpine Type R I used a sealed custom box designed to fit nicely in the left corner corner of the trunk, it provides .75 cubic feet of airspace and also is a good match for the Alpine sub. Finally for multimedia integration I chose to install an Apple TV for it's nice clean interface and simple to use remote control. The installation of the Apple TV was fairly straightforward. The components used for the install were an Apple TV, power inverter, Jobsite IR repeater(operates off 12 volts DC), component to composite video adapter(from svideo.com), ground loop isolator, and several sets of well shielded RCAs for audio and video to the Eclipse Navigation unit. The Apple TV is installed in the location of the factory amplifier and cd changer. To mount the equipment I cut a piece of 3/4" MDF to fit the corner of the trunk and used wire ties for the Apple TV for easy removal in the future. The install turned out pretty clean considering the amount of components that needed to be installed. The IR receiver is mounted to the right of the navigation unit just below the glove compartment. To cover the factory changer opening I fabricated a matching cover for the opening that can be removed for easy access to the Apple TV. Here's a picture with the trunk still partially disassembled. Here's a picture of the Apple TV booting. And a picture in the song selection menu. The Apple TV works really well, the only downside is my Eclipse Nav unit's low resolution display that can make some small text hard to read. It also is currently set to boot when the car is on and takes about 20 seconds to start up which is pretty reasonable and Apple remote works great with the Jobsite repeater. Anyways, there's a current list of modifications I've done to my vehicle so far. As a long time reader of the forums thanks for all the inspiration!

Haven't put one on my IS350 yet but I have a Camry Hybrid which uses the same smart key system and it was surprisingly easy, I used the DEI XK05 module for the key bypass (haven't checked to see about IS compatibility) and pressing on the brake still shuts the vehicle off, plus the steering wheel lock is still on during remote start operation so it is completely secure. Also it should be noted as long as the remote start is properly installed it voids no manufacturer warranty. It may be a little more expensive to do a vehicle with a smart key, but it is very possible. Look at the Python 872p (made by the same company as Viper units), it's a nice 2-way alarm remote start that has very factory looking remotes.

It's pretty shallow, like maybe 3" total. The gas tank is immediately below the sub and limits what can be put in that space, plus the sub is free-air so most aftermarket subs won't work or just won't sound very good. On an old LS400 I had I just opened up the space for air to pass through and purchased an enclosure that fit nicely in the corner of the trunk without taking up too much space.

Yeah, for some reason the Lexus Corporate thought the dealer would help me with the purchase of another vehicle, which I didn't understand. They let me know today they are replacing the ECU again as well as some MUX controller. They said they had a Lexus engineer come in from Chicago and I guess that's what he determined was wrong with it. It's supposed to be completely done this Wednesday. Finally!! Looking back on it was a bit odd that it had only been leased for a total of 8 months, however I was told that it was normal for a corporate lease to be short. Not sure about the whole accident thing, had a clean carfax and the dealer I purchased it from seemed surprised to hear there had been some paintwork done to it. I explained that and the combination of it being in the shop for 4 weeks right after I bought it was not acceptable and that was when they agreed to take it back. The weird part about it is Lexus said if it was determined to be collision damage they would not warranty the repair. So I guess the accident and my problems are unrelated. Now I'm off to find another IS350(I think) similar to mine which so far has been very difficult.