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2018-03-16, 19:19
(This post was last modified: 2018-03-16, 19:21 by Doogals.)
I'm interested in using the Pi Zero W as a (temporary) in-car entertainment system. It would be connected to a 12V cigarette adapter and HDMI splitter connected to two portable DVD players.
Is this a suitable task for the Pi Zero? I also have a Pi3, but finding reliable 2.5A in-car power supply is a challenge.
Basic Setup: 12V DC to 5V DC Adapter > Pi Zero W > HDMI Splitter > (2) 10.1" Portable DVD Players
Any input much appreciated, thanks.
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Klojum
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For the simpler tasks in Kodi/LibreELEC (music, low-res video), a 2 Amp power supply should be enough as well.
I never tested a dual monitor setup with a Raspberry Pi though.
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Sounds to me like you are trying to entertain two children. If that is correct, consider using 2 cheap tablets with Kodi and share the videos over UPnP from the Pi. You can use the Pi as a router so you will only need the Pi and the 2 tablets. Each person can choose they own shows. Works for me. Thought I would share.
Cheers,
Long Man
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If the splitter does what it should then Kodi/Pi won't even know it's present.
The only signals that are inputs on HDMI are hotplug, EDID and CEC.
Presumably hotplug and EDID will just be connected to the first monitor. as long as both monitors support the same resolution all will be good.
I suspect CEC isn't supported (or just connected to first input).
I don't expect any problems.
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2018-03-16, 23:20
(This post was last modified: 2018-03-16, 23:21 by doug.)
Boot time will be slower than the RPi3 (how patient are the kids?). Sd card corruption on power loss is something to keep in mind if you are just shutting off the power.
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2018-03-17, 04:59
(This post was last modified: 2018-03-17, 04:59 by doug.)
I only have an RPi2 so can't comment specifically on the Zero. However, I did notice overclocking improves boot times. A good SD card is important.
LibreELEC's kernel and system are read only. It's cutting the power during SD card writing such as to Kodi's database and logging that can cause corruption. Disable logging and keep a backup of your card.