Digital tv receiver

[Fredde9912]

Hello I remember reading a post on the old D2 parts forum on rms-e retrofit that also included an upgrade to digital tv receiver. Does anyone remember or maybe have something saved from this post? I would like to have working digital tv in my 2002 A8.

[MikkiJayne]

I don't recall how that exact swap was done, but I believe the RNS-e does have composite or RGB video inputs, so maybe just an aftermarket digital TV tuner connected to those aux inputs? Or was it controlled from the RNS-e directly?

[Fredde9912]

I don't recall how that exact swap was done, but I believe the RNS-e does have composite or RGB video inputs, so maybe just an aftermarket digital TV tuner connected to those aux inputs? Or was it controlled from the RNS-e directly?

I'm fairly certain it was a oem hybrid receiver. From something like a B7 or late C5. As I remember the 2002 A8 had the correct antennas and wiring to use the hybrid receiver. Big I can't remember exactly what was required or what the part number of the receiver was.

[HPsauce]

There are other ways without upgrading to an RNS-E.
It can be done with an RNS-D (I did and on an RNS-C too!) but you need a converter to change the typical CVBS signal from a tuner to the RGB that the RNS-D expects on its external video (TV) input.
Note that ANY RNS-D can do it, you don't need one that has analogue TV already.

Note that it's VERY UNLIKEY to have the right antennas, you'll need to fit your own and reception can be an issue.
I'm not sure if the car already has analogue TV (and obviously aerials) if they are suitable, it's a different frequency band.

[MikkiJayne]

I'm fairly certain it was a oem hybrid receiver. From something like a B7 or late C5. As I remember the 2002 A8 had the correct antennas and wiring to use the hybrid receiver. Big I can't remember exactly what was required or what the part number of the receiver was.

Gemini has this to say about it:

The exact OE part number for the original Audi CAN-bus hybrid (analogue and digital DVB-T) TV tuner designed for the RNS-E navigation system is 8J0 919 148 or the revised version 8J0 919 148 A. [1, 2, 3]

## Part Number Breakdown & Application

* 8J0 919 148 / 8J0 919 148 A: This hybrid digital tuner uses the 8J chassis prefix (originally designated for the Mk2 Audi TT), but it serves as the universal VAG upgrade path to get digital DVB-T television on RNS-E units across multiple vehicle lines. [1, 4, 5, 6]
* Supported Models: It communicates directly over the CAN-bus infotainment network. It works with the RNS-E system in the Audi A4 B7, late-model Audi A6 C5, Audi TT 8J, Audi A3 8P, and the Audi R8 (which shares its RNS-E architecture with the TT). [4, 6, 7]
*
## Crucial Retrofit Considerations
If you are planning to source or install this unit, keep the following technical requirements in mind:

*
* Older Tuners are Analog Only: Avoid part numbers 4D0 919 146 C or 4D0 919 146 D. While they are perfectly compatible with the RNS-E system, they are older, strictly analog receivers. They will display nothing but static since analog television broadcasts have been permanently deactivated globally. [8, 9]
* DVB-T Standard Limitations: The factory hybrid tuner uses the older DVB-T (MPEG-2) broadcasting standard. Depending on your country or region, if local over-the-air digital television has transitioned entirely to DVB-T2 (MPEG-4 / HEVC), this OEM tuner may only pick up audio without video, or fail to find channels altogether. [4]
* MMI Is Different: Do not confuse this with part number 4E0 910 148 or 4F0 919 129. Those are hybrid tuners built specifically for the fiber-optic MOST-bus MMI High systems found in the A6 C6 and A8 D3, which are completely incompatible with the RNS-E. [10, 11]
*
[1] [https://kufatec.com](https://kufatec.com/en/8j0-919-148-tv-t ... 1628676543)
[2] [https://kufatec.com](https://kufatec.com/en/8j0-919-148-a-tv ... 1628676561)
[3] [https://www.cars-equipment.com](https://www.cars-equipment.com/en/shop/ ... uct_detail)
[4] [https://www.ebay.de](https://www.ebay.de/itm/174922093754)
[5] [https://www.ttforum.co.uk](https://www.ttforum.co.uk/threads/rns-e ... n.1888523/)
[6] [https://www.ebay.co.uk](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/196138337430)
[7] [https://en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_Navigation_Plus)
[8] [https://wiki.ross-tech.com](http://wiki.ross-tech.com/index.php/Audi_Radio/Navigation_System_%28RNS-E%29)
[9] [https://www.ebay.co.uk](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265782706079)
[10] [https://www.ebay.co.uk](https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/1328404026)
[11] [https://www.prestigemotorservices.co.uk](https://www.prestigemotorservices.co.uk ... 80048.html)

[MikkiJayne]

By the way, I have gathering dust on a shelf a friend's mk2 RNSe unit (with the high res screen) wearing a modified C5 surround which is about as close to a plug & play (mechanically at least) unit you'll find for a D2. The mk2 uses VIN identity over CAN as its immobiliser, and I have the matching adapter box to make it work (can't remember the name) along with a bunch of other RNSe niceties like a Bluetooth module. I'm never going to fit it to anything and he's sold his D2 so if you're interested in it PM me and we can see if we can work out a deal

[HPsauce]

There was DEFINITELY a long thread on the other forum by Ian (IT) about installing Digital TV and it included details (with lots of photos) of how to fit the relevant modules to connect to the inbuilt aerials so that the correct frequency signals went to the tuner. I remember looking at it and deciding, given the work involved in taking out rear seats and interior trim, to just use separate aerials for my install! It worked for many years, both in my old (PF) S8 with RNS-C and the current one with RNS-D. If the forum ever comes up find and copy that thread.

For all sorts of reasons, including easy streaming via my phone, poor DVB=T reception and low resolution, I've given up on my DVB-T install. The video input to my RNS-D is solely used (very usefully) for a reversing camera.
Wishing you lots of fun with this one!

BBCone.jpg

Way back in 2012, RNS-C in one of the first UK S8's. It already had Analogue TV so DVB-T was my bespoke add-on.

[HPsauce]

IF the other forum EVER comes back up I think this is the relevant installation thread: https://forum.a8parts.co.uk//showthread ... 544&page=3
I saved that link with this description: "RNS-E Retrofit into a D2.... - Page 3 - A8 Parts Forum".
No idea why I started at page 3 though....

Edit: IMHO the BEST option I've ever added was the reversing camera, even more useful on a LWB model surely?
Quite how you interface that to an RNS-E I don't know, but if you're solving the TV input problem it's hopefully similar. RNS-D needs a CVBS-RGB converter.
I do recall reading that an RNS-E can be coded to automatically switch to the camera when selecting reverse, unlike the RNS-D.
(I did some trickery involving relays when I had both TV and camera to partially solve that)

[Fredde9912]

IF the other forum EVER comes back up I think this is the relevant installation thread: https://forum.a8parts.co.uk//showthread ... 544&page=3
I saved that link with this description: "RNS-E Retrofit into a D2.... - Page 3 - A8 Parts Forum".
No idea why I started at page 3 though....

Edit: IMHO the BEST option I've ever added was the reversing camera, even more useful on a LWB model surely?
Quite how you interface that to an RNS-E I don't know, but if you're solving the TV input problem it's hopefully similar. RNS-D needs a CVBS-RGB converter.
I do recall reading that an RNS-E can be coded to automatically switch to the camera when selecting reverse, unlike the RNS-D.
(I did some trickery involving relays when I had both TV and camera to partially solve that)

Thanks I will keep an eye out if the forum reanimates. I don’t plan on swapping in the rns-e but it semester the digital tv is a bit of a bigger project than I first thought. I was sort of remembering it being as easy as swapping the tv tuner but I guess not. I bought an aftermarket unit for use in my v8 which was getting the RSE retrofit but now finding the w12 it’s most likely that the new one will be getting the RSE. Although on a w12 I feel that keeping to oem parts might be better so will try to find some RSE front seats or headrests. My initial plan was to modify the stock headrests and run the wiring myself but we will see how it all works out. Step 1 will be getting the car in good working order before doing the retrofits. I think I will transfer the black leather pack 3 parts from my V8 and keep the w12 comfort seats. The v8 will keep its Audi exclusive oak green seats but will be black without extended leather.

[Fredde9912]

By the way, I have gathering dust on a shelf a friend's mk2 RNSe unit (with the high res screen) wearing a modified C5 surround which is about as close to a plug & play (mechanically at least) unit you'll find for a D2. The mk2 uses VIN identity over CAN as its immobiliser, and I have the matching adapter box to make it work (can't remember the name) along with a bunch of other RNSe niceties like a Bluetooth module. I'm never going to fit it to anything and he's sold his D2 so if you're interested in it PM me and we can see if we can work out a deal

Thanks but I will be staying with the rns-d in the w12. Although in my Allroad the rns-e screen is failing so will probably have to look for a new one there.