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I'm thinking about making a Droid Eris video out app...Need Help

Hi all. Bear with me as I'm new to the dev community for the Android OS.
Basically the story so far is I've got a Droid Eris. I saw that there is a cable available called the Act100 Video Cable by HTC. This cable plugs into the mini usb port of the phone and outputs a composite video and left and right audio signal, yellow red white cables. I have a TV in my car that accepts composite input.
Through some research I've found that the Eris does not support this video out function. A supported phone for example is listed as the HTC Touch Pro 2 on sites where you can buy the cable. I've read in forums where people have mailed HTC about eris video out compatibility and HTC said that it isn't in the software by default but to try and search for an app that enables it. Therefore, the hardware supports it but it simply isn't an option in the software. So I want to make an app that simply enables the feature on the Droid Eris.
This is where my questions start. I've had only limited C++ programming experience so I'm prepared for any learning curve. How difficult do you think it would be to make an app like this? I know of some begginer guides but beyond that where should I begin?

How do you find out that the hardware does, in fact, support this? I would think if this were possible it would have been made by now, but I'd love to be wrong.

I'm not 100% sure the hardware supports it. I just made a guess because in the post I read HTC support tells the guy to look for an app that enables it becuase it isn't in the software by default. It sounds like it might just have to be coded in. At leat I'm really hoping it can be.

Sounds fishy to me. Every portable device I've ever used with a TV out function required a hardware decoder specifically for a TV. This can be done in software I'm sure but the other issue I find is pushing it out over the USB jack. Analog video source pushed out through a USB chipset doesn't sound like it can be done. I'm not all that knowledgeable about the Eris' hardware specifics so don't quote me.
As far as a pure software app that will do it, that raises red flags as well. As far as I know apps on a stock ROM run in a Dalvik VM I believe. They're separated from the system itself, and it's the system that controls the hardware. It might be able to be done but I doubt it.
The Touch Pro 2 might have the ability to do it maybe through hardware, but as far as I know the Eris doesn't have any of that.
I'll let somebody with more hardware knowledge come in.

Thanks for the ideas so far. Well since the touch pro 2 can output video over usb it's obviously possible to push the signal over any other USB. It would just be a matter of, as you said, the Eris having the hardware. I guess I was under the impression that the hardwares were very similar. I'm really trying to investigate this as much as possible and no one even answered me on other forums. Please keep this thread alive!

I don't know for sure if this can work, but here are my thoughts. PDANet sends data over the USB port to enable wired tethering, so an app can send data over the USB port.
So since we know we can send/receive data over the USB port, we must address the issue of video output. I don't know if this will be easy because of the way USB->Composite converters probably work (read output of the USB pins into each of the Red, White, Yellow pins). What would potentially make this difficult would be that with Dalvik I don't know if we can control what pins we are outputting our data to.
If someone wants to post more information on how the video cable works it would be easier to determine if it is possible.

Check this out. The Droid Incredible does it over microUSB. I wonder if all we need is the right cable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJyt463AoOA

I would love to see you make an app for this if its possible. Is there an option on stock incredible for this or is it an app?

Nindoja: Yea I agree pin control is probably going to be important for something like this. I would prefer not to, but would rooting allow us to get around the Dalvik restriction you mentioned if it ends up being a problem?
ihtfp69 and conap: I did see that the incredible does the tv out over usb. I'm not sure wether it is an option or an app though... I also read that the incredible's files were leaked, including one called tvout.apk. I think I read that just trying to install it on the eris doesn't work but I'm really not sure. In the least having that file to work with might be a great start.
I haven't been able to find that file yet unfortunately. How similar are the Incredible and Eris hardware? If they are similar it could be good news for a software solution.
Thanks for the replys so far! Any other thoughts?

Has there been any development on this?

nope, none public at least

Bumpity bump bump. this needs to happen!
Sent from my Eris using XDA App

Theoretically couldnt One figure out what app and supporting files the incredible uses and then Just Port those files to the eris. Just like people have done with the gallery Candy genie apps?
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App

Izeltokatl said:
Theoretically couldnt One figure out what app and supporting files the incredible uses and then Just Port those files to the eris. Just like people have done with the gallery Candy genie apps?
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App
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Did you read the thread at all? The problem isn't only software.... the apps the incredible (and other phones that have video out) use make extensive use of dedicated hardware to output the video stream.
We don't have that on the eris, so that would be really hard, and very slow, to emulate in software. That's assuming it could even be done over our USB port.

shouldnt be that hard, the same thing has been done for PSP...although its USB video out to PC.
its probably a step in the correct direction.
goto youtube.com and search for 'remotejoylite' one word, should be second video down, shows it in action via usb cable.

nindoja said:
That's assuming it could even be done over our USB port.
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Am I missing something, but haven;t at least three comments made before this one confirmed, several phones have video out, via USB. I think the assuming iot is possible part is over. The real question that no one has answered is if the Eris has the hardware to support this option. I don't have an answer, but wanted to point out that the possibility of video over USB has been answered.

If you look on Google you can find the tvout.apk and tvout.odex from the Incredible dump. Might be able to do something with it.
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App

Here is TVout.apk and TVout.odex
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=319214&d=1272756479
I think with the right cable and the right software we can get this to work.
We might also need system/lib/libTVOUT.so
From what I can tell, on a stock ROM the TV out functionality is provided by system/app/TVOUT.apk and a system/lib/libTVOUT.so
here is a link to a forum about the MyTouch and the tvout.apk and cable:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=454333

mjgdroid said:
Here is TVout.apk and TVout.odex
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=319214&d=1272756479
I think with the right cable and the right software we can get this to work.
We might also need system/lib/libTVOUT.so
From what I can tell, on a stock ROM the TV out functionality is provided by system/app/TVOUT.apk and a system/lib/libTVOUT.so
here is a link to a forum about the MyTouch and the tvout.apk and cable:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=454333
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Question.
Has anyone seen this work?
How do you make it work?
Do you select it from the launcher?
Is it in settings?
Because we would have to find a work around if it is.
Or just add it to the menu.
Ha.
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App

KHancock321 said:
the Incredible dump.
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App
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Sent from my nonsensikal froyo using XDA App

TV Out?

I know that the Samsung Galaxy is DNLA capable with a compatible telly for streaming movies, etc but I've also seen videos online of a TV Out function on the Galaxy S via the 3.5mm port on the phone but I was wondering if anyone can confirm this and has used it?

Yeah I bought a cable for the TV-out, it's not the prettiest picture on a HDTV as it's composite, but it is fine if you are in a hotel and want to watch a film or surf the internet from your phone. It's not good for gaming as there's some lag.

Do you think it would work ok for like a SNES Emulator?

Tachikoma_kun said:
Yeah I bought a cable for the TV-out, it's not the prettiest picture on a HDTV as it's composite, but it is fine if you are in a hotel and want to watch a film or surf the internet from your phone. It's not good for gaming as there's some lag.
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From where did you purchase the cable please?
A link would be ideal.

Beards said:
From where did you purchase the cable please?
A link would be ideal.
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...706110&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_2827wt_952

al3ash8 said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...706110&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_2827wt_952
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Many thanks.
Do you know if this is the same link that Tachikoma_kun purchased from?
Reason I ask is I note Tachikoma_kun is in the UK the same as I and I'd like to hear if he purchased from either a UK retailer or on Ebay.co.uk.

Beards said:
Many thanks.
Do you know if this is the same link that Tachikoma_kun purchased from?
Reason I ask is I note Tachikoma_kun is in the UK the same as I and I'd like to hear if he purchased from either a UK retailer or on Ebay.co.uk.
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I bought mine from eBay.co.uk from a seller called "Superetrader", it was a CA-75U cable for Nokia N95-N96-N97, etc. It cost £1.94 including delivery.

This is the one that I bought:- http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400136001596
The seller also does a great pull-up leather case for the SGS for the vast sum of £2.99 inc postage which I bought at the same time.

Is it possible to get a usb mini to hdmi cable, an then some how use it to display hd vid to your TV...?

bandoo said:
Is it possible to get a usb mini to hdmi cable, an then some how use it to display hd vid to your TV...?
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Probably not, you might be able to get a VNC client on the phone and view it on a computer, but I doubt you can output HDMI over the USB port as you would have to design the hardware especially for that, and it would be a listed feature.

The cables exist... but probably not compatible with Galaxy S...
http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/...l&subsubtype=data-cables-kits&tab=accFeatures
1. We need to know whether the hardware is capable.
2. If its hardware capable, then hopefully someone can build the software. If not... then we are stuck with composite lols.

I tried searching a bit, found a lead to some Japanese boards. So i opened a thread in 2 boards.
The guys over in DoCoMo boards in Japan and futaba/2ch claim it to work.
On the other hand, those guys are master trolls, i don't know if it would be wise to trust their word on this.
So i'd wait a bit more, but it at least gives some hope for it to be compatible.
Do remember that we didn't even know about the composite TVOUT when the device was launched.

Tachikoma_kun said:
I bought mine from eBay.co.uk from a seller called "Superetrader", it was a CA-75U cable for Nokia N95-N96-N97, etc. It cost £1.94 including delivery.
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Geryatrix said:
This is the one that I bought:- http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400136001596
The seller also does a great pull-up leather case for the SGS for the vast sum of £2.99 inc postage which I bought at the same time.
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Thanks guys.
Yes, I have purchased from SuperETrader before and did not have any problems with them then.
I'll order one in the next few days when I return home.

Pika007 said:
Do remember that we didn't even know about the composite TVOUT when the device was launched.
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You may not have but I got it from the manual a few weeks before it was launched.

Well, you had the manual before the launch, i didn't...
Anyway, this is wierd. I searched a bit on some sites, and tried to filter down everything to samsung phones that support HDMI.
No results. By specs, none of samsung's phones support HDMI.
So why the hell does this product exist, and why does it say on the product page
"by connecting your compatible SAMSUNG phone"
But... no phones is compatible, by official specs.
You confuse me, Samsung, you seriously do.

Pika007 said:
So why the hell does this product exist, and why does it say on the product page
"by connecting your compatible SAMSUNG phone"
But... no phones is compatible, by official specs.
You confuse me, Samsung, you seriously do.
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Do Samsung themselves claim HDMI support on the phone?
It can send files via DLNA, and you can connect it to anything that can display an input from a composite connection.
I don't see why you are so angry, other than the fact you assumed it would allow HDMI.

Agreed... there is no mention and never has been mention of any HDMI connection.

Tachikoma_kun said:
I don't see why you are so angry, other than the fact you assumed it would allow HDMI.
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He's not that angry, though it's hard to judge someone's intent from some text... and anyhow, he's not stressed that the galaxy s doesn't support HDMI out, he's confused as to why Samsung appear to have a cable on the market for which no Samsung phone on the market appears to have a use for, let alone the Galaxy.

Tachikoma_kun said:
Do Samsung themselves claim HDMI support on the phone?
It can send files via DLNA, and you can connect it to anything that can display an input from a composite connection.
I don't see why you are so angry, other than the fact you assumed it would allow HDMI.
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The way i put it down was a bit off, i'm not even a bit angry. there's no reason for me to be. I bought this device regardless of HDMI support.
I'm just very confused, as SquidgyB says.
It's very odd that such a cable exists if there isn't a single product that supports it, supposedly.
Though i didn't think for a moment i'll get HDMI support from this phone (and actually, when i bought it i thought DLNA was the only way i can get a video output, so even the 3.5 composite was a pleasent suprise), i'd be happy if it turns out to support it.
I think we will all be.

SquidgyB said:
He's not that angry, though it's hard to judge someone's intent from some text... and anyhow, he's not stressed that the galaxy s doesn't support HDMI out, he's confused as to why Samsung appear to have a cable on the market for which no Samsung phone on the market appears to have a use for, let alone the Galaxy.
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You could buy the official guide for Half Life on the Dreamcast from Amazon. A game that never made it to release.

[Q] Can anyone with the Epic 4G confirm the lack of TV OUT?

I read on another site that Samsung/Sprint removed the TV OUT function from the EPIC 4G. I am specifically referring to the 3.5mm to RCA cable that would allow you to view whatever was on your phone on your TV.
I know that you can use the DLNA function to stream to your DLNA TV/PS3/XBOX or buy the USB to HDMI to do this but I already bought the NOKIA cables that would allow me to use the 3.5mm jack to do the same thing (though not HD) like you can on the Captivate and Vibrant.
Thanks to anyone who can take the time to confirm/deny this rumor. I sure hope this is BS coming from an EPIC hater.
BTW: I ordered my phones (1 for me and 1 for my wife) through Sprint Telesales and now have to wait for them to ship otherwise I would check this myself

SEANprizzle said:
I read on another site that Samsung/Sprint removed the TV OUT function from the EPIC 4G. I am specifically referring to the 3.5mm to RCA cable that would allow you to view whatever was on your phone on your TV.
I know that you can use the DLNA function to stream to your DLNA TV/PS3/XBOX or buy the USB to HDMI to do this but I already bought the NOKIA cables that would allow me to use the 3.5mm jack to do the same thing (though not HD) like you can on the Captivate and Vibrant.
Thanks to anyone who can take the time to confirm/deny this rumor. I sure hope this is BS coming from an EPIC hater.
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Nope doesn't worked , Samsung & Sprint did the CDMA cripple,

There is no TV out with the Epic. It's been confirmed all over the internet. We can only hope it will be put back in once the Epic gets TW 3.0 + Froyo.

hydralisk said:
There is no TV out with the Epic. It's been confirmed all over the internet. We can only hope it will be put back in once the Epic gets TW 3.0 + Froyo.
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SON OF A .....
This was a major feature that I was looking forward to using. It would have been great to use at hotels and my mom's where she is one step above rabbit ears
Would either of you know if the USB to HDMI cable would allow us to use the TV OUT function or is it DLNA only?

See also this thread. It started out focused on the TV out issue and related matters before it got hijacked.

Thanks Boomer. I'll check it out.

hydralisk said:
There is no TV out with the Epic. It's been confirmed all over the internet. We can only hope it will be put back in once the Epic gets TW 3.0 + Froyo.
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I think this is the only option we have. Although, can a stock i9000 ROM that has the TV out option be used on the Epic?

Cheap Wifi Video streaming from Nexus 7

Edit:
So it seems the consensus is that this will probably not have HDMI out (through a cable)
But obviously it can stream it's video over wifi (or bluetooth?)
So I want to know if anyone knows of a cheap solution. Like using Apple TV or Nexus Q (But MUCH cheaper)
Also, would wifi streaming, say Netflix, AND wifi streaming to the TV destroy the streaming quality of Netflix?
Let's figure this out!
So I don't think this has an HDMI port (Maybe micro to Hdmi?)
But does anyone know cheap wifi HDMI out solutions? Like Apple TV, but CHEAP.
This is one thing worrying me about this tablet. ($300 for the Q is horrible)
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Censura_Umbra said:
So I don't think this has an HDMI port (Maybe micro to Hdmi?)
But does anyone know cheap wifi HDMI out solutions? Like Apple TV, but CHEAP.
This is one thing worrying me about this tablet. ($400 for the Q is horrible)
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It supports MHL, so all you need is a $15 adapter to connect to hdmi

aaronpoweruser said:
It supports MHL, so all you need is a $15 adapter to connect to hdmi
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Can you provide a link as to where it says it supports MHL? I haven't been able to find anything about this.

badbeat33 said:
Can you provide a link as to where it says it supports MHL? I haven't been able to find anything about this.
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Sadly no, but if you watch the keynote you can see them using it on stage to display the screen

picked up a Samsung one for my phone from a local pc retail store last week... $45 Canadian. Had other models around $15.
Sent from my SGH-I727R running AOKP build 40

Sweeeet, still have an mHL from my last phone! Thank you
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

aaronpoweruser said:
Sadly no, but if you watch the keynote you can see them using it on stage to display the screen
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The one used on stage may have been one of those with that mysterious 3rd port that we won't have.
It's a great tablet, still planning to get one, but they probably left it out the spec for a reason.

aaronpoweruser said:
Sadly no, but if you watch the keynote you can see them using it on stage to display the screen
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That's may not the same model that's shipping though. We may not get this feature on the consumer version.

Check out around the 9:00 mark of the keynote. Whether it makes it to production is to be seen but obviously they are putting video out.. also on the Google Play Store under tech specs they don't mention the Galaxy Nexus has MHL.. but it does

Once MHL is confirmed I'll probably have to order up another Nexus 7 to use as a media server. I'd just mount it to my stereo cabinet and run it through my receiver. Too bad the HP Touchpad never had MHL support, it'd give new life to my soon to be retired device.
The Q would upset and confuse anyone who didn't already know what it was if they saw it in my living room. I'm not very impressed with the amplifier on it either.

Yeah If they confirm MHL I'm in. It does look like they had special versons with hdmi though. I'd be saddened to learn that I can't hook it to a tv. It was a deffinate buy for me before but without hdmi I'm out.

NinJustin said:
Yeah If they confirm MHL I'm in. It does look like they had special versons with hdmi though. I'd be saddened to learn that I can't hook it to a tv. It was a deffinate buy for me before but without hdmi I'm out.
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+1

Updated OP
So it seems the consensus is that this will probably not have HDMI out (through a cable)
But obviously it can stream it's video over wifi (or bluetooth?)
So I want to know if anyone knows of a cheap solution. Like using Apple TV or Nexus Q (But MUCH cheaper)
Also, would wifi streaming, say Netflix, AND wifi streaming to the TV destroy the streaming quality of Netflix?
Let's figure this out!

I don't think there's been a consensus either way as to whether or not this will have HDMI out via MHL. THAT is what we need to figure out.

badbeat33 said:
I don't think there's been a consensus either way as to whether or not this will have HDMI out via MHL. THAT is what we need to figure out.
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See here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1736916
So prbly no HDMI, and if it has MHL we won't know until it comes out. So we may as well prepare for it not having MHL.
If it has it, well then this thread could be useful for a different device.
If it doesn't, then this thread is important
Either way. This will help people feel better about their purchase if they know there is an HDMI alternative.

I agree. I hope there is MHL but if there is another HDMI alternative I'm all ears.

NinJustin said:
Yeah If they confirm MHL I'm in. It does look like they had special versons with hdmi though. I'd be saddened to learn that I can't hook it to a tv. It was a deffinate buy for me before but without hdmi I'm out.
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Actually I re-watched the videos, and the only cord they are using is plugged into the Micro USB SO:
A) There is MHL (at least on the display, but why not all of them?)
B) They were just keeping it charged while they streamed the video through the Nexus Q (more likely)
If only we could ask someone that just got one free at the event!
Edit: Just tweeted to Aaron Baker of PhoneDog.com who received a free Nexus 7 at the I/O to let us know in his full review if it has MHL/HDMI and Tablet support. We will see what happens.

Engadget has posted their review and says that you can use an MHL adapter. Can we take this as gospel? Hmmm...
h t t p ://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/nexus-7-review/

Omg awesome, just hope it isn't exclusive to developer previews
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

badbeat33 said:
Engadget has posted their review and says that you can use an MHL adapter. Can we take this as gospel? Hmmm...
h t t p ://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/nexus-7-review/
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Read the bottom
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/nexus-7-review/
Update: We received some bogus information on the MHL. We've now confirmed that the Nexus 7 does not support MHL, meaning there's no way to connect this over HDMI to get video output.

OUYA camera

So, I'm waiting for my Ouya right now, should be here within the week, and I'm wondering if anyone has found a camera that works with it. I have a Microsoft Lifecam HD mounted on my 42" HDTV, and if anyone could help me with figuring out how to make it work I'd be eternally grateful. I'd love to be able to Skype and whatnot on my TV without having to use my PC. Also totally unrelated, but how does everyone like theirs so far? I've been seeing a lot of negative stuff about the Ouya, I just basically need some confirmation that it does, in fact, rock.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium

Hm I might try to hookup my USB cam to it. I don't know if it works but sideloading a videochat app (Skype?) and trying it out should be fun. Might do it this week.
And I have to say, despite the bad reviews, my OUYA does rock. I already spent 20 dollars on apps and countless hours in front of the TV. Something I never saw me doing ever again.
I don't know what the people are expecting from it. Of course you don't need it if you already have a PS3/360 and/or a Smart TV but some seem to not understand that.
I hope the XDA community catches on to this thing and development speeds up so we can have nice stuff on our TV.

Prodepressiva said:
Hm I might try to hookup my USB cam to it. I don't know if it works but sideloading a videochat app (Skype?) and trying it out should be fun. Might do it this week.
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Yes please!