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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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my nonsensikal froyo using XDA App

Push/drag stuff like video or pics straight to ur tablet or computer

Yea, hi, I know what I am talking about may be impossible at this point but is there/will there ever be a way for you to swipe the movie you are watching or a picture you are viewing straight onto the screen of your tablet or computer?
Sorry if this is something that could never happen I just had to ask...and also sorry if this is the wrong section.

Currently not possible with android. However, microsoft made this a couple years back:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxk_WywMTzc
It's basically a coffee table with an integrated touch screen. CBA to explain all of it right now. But it's quite amazing

Jacoby6000 said:
Currently not possible with android. However, microsoft made this a couple years back:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxk_WywMTzc
It's basically a coffee table with an integrated touch screen. CBA to explain all of it right now. But it's quite amazing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, I think google needs to focus on this as far as the placing your phone on the tablet and able to do this and that and more stores need to have that tech also so it will me super easy to do things.

I'm not going to say anything about what I've seen as I'm not sure whether or not it's confidential, but you can at least check out the trademark, as that's public.
http://www.trademarkia.com/btflick-85041412.html
I can't promise that this will ever actually materialize, but it sounds good.

I'm sure nfc will be used for this kind of thing once it's ubiquitous..
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

lagaba said:
I'm sure nfc will be used for this kind of thing once it's ubiquitous..
Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Ya NFC chips are starting to become more and more popular and the new WebOS tablet and phones can do something like that where you set your Palm Pre (I guess it would now be the HP Pre) on the WebOS tablet and it can transfer stuff, so far I've only seen it transfer URLs, but I'm sure the technology will catch on and later be used for other things. Just a matter of time.

Ok, but why?

Ok, so Ubuntu and now Debian can run on HD2. It's great, it's amazing but is it any use?
Why would you need a software designed for a pc to work on a device with less than 4 ro 5 times the screen size and with so less buttons?
I am by no means going against this, I am just thinking what use could this be.
No tomatoes please.

1. Make your phone cooler
2. You have a new "computer"

PC in a pocket. there are things that a full desktop environment can do, that a mobile one cannot. there are tools available to desktop PC's that haven't been ported to mobile ones for lack of necessity.
personally i do a lot of side job computer repair for friends and such, and it would be a lot nicer to have my phone double as a laptop, rather than carry around my actual laptop wherever i go. of course i dont always need my laptop when i do repairs, but sometimes i do for one reason or another.
so having a much more mobile and lightweight alternative to that is a very big bonus. and of course like the previous post.... it it pretty fun to show off ;-)

Uhh dude, why not? Why put a differnet rom on a phone, because its Great to do that and give ya a good feeling about it, even beter if you can make one.
Same here, its cool, its something else, its sweet.

ofcourse, doing things directly to the phone is way more trouble than having a laptop but you can leave some automatizations like 1click script to have your ssh or ftp server. or just place a test http site to show to your client on its own pc and you have it ready on the go. there are millions of posibilities. is up to you how far you can go.

Well, I can only really think of one application fire me. I work at subway and my boss wants us to take courses at subway university, which is online. But they aren't supported by my mobile browser, so having a quick ubuntu desktop on my phone would provide the advantage to study when I'm not at home. But other than that, ubuntu is just awesome!
Sent from my HTC HD2 Nandroid using XDA Premium App

It's more advanced in many aspects, though it could be annoying sometimes

Ok, but why?
Because we can

Because HD2 is King.....
And a King can have any number of queens....

If you have to ask this question ("why"), then u really don't get xda-developer
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA Premium App

You could run it as a Server. Strong processor, very little power consumption.
For example.

you forget one thing. you're not forced to put it on the device!
No one is forcing you to change to android or install WP7. yet you might go for them because they offer you more eye candy, applications, or just because you want to.
and that's what people here are doing. simply one more option for people who need a portable PC OS, for fun, or because they need it.

hardik1us said:
Because HD2 is King.....
And a King can have any number of queens....
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+1, HD2 is king of kings

hopkinskong said:
1. Make your phone cooler
2. You have a new "computer"
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Click to collapse
That's intersting, but i want know, it's the "computer" everything worked fine!
Because if i can't used it make a call,or send msm, that's too bad.
bu the way, how can i get it? thanks!

hardik1us said:
because hd2 is king.....
And a king can have any number of queens....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
国王可以有任意数量的皇后~哈哈,x:d

I like ubuntu on my home computer, but its a little awkward on my hd2... still, its so awesome to be able to do so many things with the hd2!!!

You can use it as a server, very very very low consumption. It did the trick for me (mail + web, very light, very fast!)

michael.hu said:
That's intersting, but i want know, it's the "computer" everything worked fine!
Because if i can't used it make a call,or send msm, that's too bad.
bu the way, how can i get it? thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't make phone calls with a computer do you.
I think the most attracting part is to plug in some keyboard and mouse, fire up some commands through terminal over the mobile network -- A dream machine!!!

WHY!? Cause you can. why do some people have like 10 hauses, 50 cars, 5 boats... 2 planes. cause they can. thats why android, wm6.1, wm 6.5.x, mwp7,7.5, ubuntu... cause we can

[Q] Any recent updates on OTG (with y-cable for power) support?

So the latest thread I could find regarding OTG support was a couple weeks old now and I figured I'd ask around in case there were any new developments on the subject.
Back in November when I bought the phone I thought it supported USB devices but now, according to some sources, it looks like google removed this feature from the ads back in early December. Needless to say I hadn't gone back and re-read the ads since I purchased the phone in November so I was completely unaware that this feature had been 'removed' since I bought my phone.
My problem is that I picked up a wired gameklip in anticipation of using it on a few flights that I have in January, but now with the lack of OTG/host mode support it looks like I won't be able to use the PS3 controller with the N4 unless I root and use a bluetooth connection, which could be problematic on a flight.
While I know that many people do use bluetooth devices on planes w/o any problems I'd prefer to use a wired connection if at all possible. I do have an external power source that could provide power via a y-cable, assuming that is required, but have there been any updates WRT enabling OTG/host mode on the N4 in the first place?

Here is a kernel for the n7,not sure if its compatable or not.If you want to try it make sure you do a nandroid backup first.
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/37755-timurs-kernel-robust-usb-host-power-management/page__st__40
Sent from my SGH-I927 using xda app-developers app

Thanks. I'll check that out a bit later. Though I am pretty new to rooting and loading kernels so I'll have to do a bit of research before I jump in and hit the ground running.

Kodiack99 said:
Here is a kernel for the n7,not sure if its compatable or not.If you want to try it make sure you do a nandroid backup first.
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/37755-timurs-kernel-robust-usb-host-power-management/page__st__40
Sent from my SGH-I927 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I WOULD NOT FLASH THAT IT IS FOR THE NEXUS 7 (all caps because i can already tell flashing that would be bad news)
shame on you for linking random stuff knowing that some person who is inexperienced would probably flash anything they see.

zephiK said:
I WOULD NOT FLASH THAT IT IS FOR THE NEXUS 7 (all caps because i can already tell flashing that would be bad news)
shame on you for linking random stuff knowing that some person who is inexperienced would probably flash anything they see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, this is why I'd be doing my research first. I had a feeling the N7 Kernel wouldn't play nice without some heavy modifications but figured I'd check around a bit and see if I was missing something... but thanks for pointing this out for others, it's obviously good info.
I'm new to rooting & ROMs with [recent] android devices but I've done plenty of stuff on old windows phone platforms (among others). Hell... I've written my own linux kernel before. Granted it was years ago in a school project and I probably couldn't do it again now if I tried... but I've done it :silly:

Agreed,I should have thought before posting the link.You can however post in the thread and see if the dev has plans for a specific n4 version of the kernel,he is a pretty goog guy.
My apologies
Sent from my SGH-I927 using xda app-developers app

intel8052 said:
Nah, this is why I'd be doing my research first. I had a feeling the N7 Kernel wouldn't play nice without some heavy modifications but figured I'd check around a bit and see if I was missing something... but thanks for pointing this out for others, it's obviously good info.
I'm new to rooting & ROMs with [recent] android devices but I've done plenty of stuff on old windows phone platforms (among others). Hell... I've written my own linux kernel before. Granted it was years ago in a school project and I probably couldn't do it again now if I tried... but I've done it :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good for you (no sarcasm intended), reading is imperative but I'm pretty sure someone sees a link and automatically says "OOOOH MUST FLASH." It does happen to people and then they wonder why their phone isn't booting up.
@Kodiack99: It's okay. I wasn't really angry at you or anything but was more of a "dont flash it!!!"

Prototype Build TP with HDMI

So I just snagged a prototype/developer model Play that does have HDMI out on it and I'm wondering in advance what the best choice of bootloader and/or firmware to use for maximum performance and battery life without interfering with the HDMI out functionality.
I did my best to sort through the ten million "I wish my Play had HDMI out" threads and what I could glean from MAYBE legit prototype discussion threads sound like it probably has parts of its modem removed to make room for the HDMI (which is fine since I want it as a portable/dockable game device) and that battery life might have a problem, which I would guess is from constant signal search that can probably be disabled.
But does anyone here actually have one of these? I'd love to benefit from someone else's experience with them instead of having to make all the mistakes myself and figuring everything out the hard way!
Thanks!

Mind posting some photos?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I actually -just- won an auction for one of these off of Ebay... So I like the OP want to know, what's the real story with these units? I know they were display units for the stores to show off but besides that I mean. Do they have functional cellular radios? Are they unlocked? If I do a system restore through the normal menus will it screw itself over and never be able to use the HDMI properly? Does plugging in the HDMI turn off the XP's screen or does it splits its horsepower between the two screens?
Couldn't pass up on buying one, seems like a piece of history. I will post pics when it arrives (like a week) if that interests anyone.
Seller posted: " This is a fully functional Sony Ericsson Xperia Play 4G R800AT - Prototype Build TP HDMI. This phone cannot be activated or used on ANY service. This is a prototype phone. Phone's hardware/software is fully functional."

bonapartist said:
I actually -just- won an auction for one of these off of Ebay... So I like the OP want to know, what's the real story with these units? I know they were display units for the stores to show off but besides that I mean. Do they have functional cellular radios? Are they unlocked? If I do a system restore through the normal menus will it screw itself over and never be able to use the HDMI properly? Does plugging in the HDMI turn off the XP's screen or does it splits its horsepower between the two screens?
Couldn't pass up on buying one, seems like a piece of history. I will post pics when it arrives (like a week) if that interests anyone.
Seller posted: " This is a fully functional Sony Ericsson Xperia Play 4G R800AT - Prototype Build TP HDMI. This phone cannot be activated or used on ANY service. This is a prototype phone. Phone's hardware/software is fully functional."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LoL yeah me too! I'm not at all surprised the guy who bought the other one also came here straight away with exactly the same questions as I have. There's still one left, if anybody wants it. We haven't received them yet but you can see the pictures the seller posted on eBay if you just search for "xperia play hdmi". I agree it would be nice to see the actual mainboard and once I give mine a complete function check I'll probably open it up and take some pictures.

I think that you have something different in your roms/kernels what let your Plays to use hdmi. So there is probably now roms or kernels u can use without loosing hdmi. Only root and mods
Sent using TF300T - CyanogenMod 11.0/GEASS (F2FS)

I actually sold my Xperia PLAY about a month ago, sad to see it go but I moved on to a Nexus 5 in December and it took me all that time to let it go. Mine was not an HDMI model though, it was an early AT&T model without the branding.
For those curious I added the photos from my old prototype Xperia PLAY.

evilwise said:
So I just snagged a prototype/developer model Play that does have HDMI out on it and I'm wondering in advance what the best choice of bootloader and/or firmware to use for maximum performance and battery life without interfering with the HDMI out functionality.
I did my best to sort through the ten million "I wish my Play had HDMI out" threads and what I could glean from MAYBE legit prototype discussion threads sound like it probably has parts of its modem removed to make room for the HDMI (which is fine since I want it as a portable/dockable game device) and that battery life might have a problem, which I would guess is from constant signal search that can probably be disabled.
But does anyone here actually have one of these? I'd love to benefit from someone else's experience with them instead of having to make all the mistakes myself and figuring everything out the hard way!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would love to see some pics as well.
There are some ROMs out there that are meant for those without radios/cell planes, such as Xperia NXT Gaming, but your HDMI might not work properly.
There were stories a few years ago about someone who said they had a prototype unit, but not many actual cases. One guy even tried modding an HDMI in there.

This ^
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2

poo-tang said:
This ^
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Yep that's one of ours. I'm surprised we got them for the price we got them for, and that the seller described them to be "for parts" which would have been a shame. Unless I get some nasty surprises when it arrives I wouldn't sell it for twice the price I paid.

evilwise said:
Yep that's one of ours. I'm surprised we got them for the price we got them for, and that the seller described them to be "for parts" which would have been a shame. Unless I get some nasty surprises when it arrives I wouldn't sell it for twice the price I paid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's definitely one of a kind

Leraeniesh said:
It's definitely one of a kind
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Three of a kind at best

Always wanted to get my hands on a prototype play with hdmi never could find one:/
Sent from my LT28i using xda app-developers app

The phone showed up in immaculate condition, as if it had never been used. The HDMI port is very rough as you can see, with exposed circuit board. At this point I haven't been able to get the HDMI to work - I can't find any options for it in the settings and trying two different HDMI cables on two different displays hasn't worked yet. It seems the seller was correct when he said the phone couldn't connect to its network, as putting my valid ATT Sim card didn't get me signs of life. WiFi works fine. If anyone has any questions or any ideas on how to make the HDMI work, I'm all ears.

You can dial *#*#7378423#*#* goto service test - hdmi test. Few options there to test.
I'm also curious about this,such a presious gem you have

Bakisha said:
You can dial *#*#7378423#*#* goto service test - hdmi test. Few options there to test.
I'm also curious about this,such a presious gem you have
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion, I tried that and the video test did not display on the one monitor I have access to at this hour.
The HDMI status options all show as being "unknown"
The EDID reading option/ Edid Hex Data reads as "unknown"

Maybe someone who used this model before you flashed soft from other Play version and coz this u lost hdmi drivers in rom/kernel
Sent using TF300T - CyanogenMod 11.0/GEASS (F2FS)

psxpetey said:
Always wanted to get my hands on a prototype play with hdmi never could find one:/
Sent from my LT28i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried the other type instead of hdmi mhq or whatever it's called?
Sent from my LT28i using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 12:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:44 AM ----------
Also did you try the hdmi option in service settings?
Sent from my LT28i using xda app-developers app

yes
i had this phone with HDMI port 3 years age and used that for telecom exhibition
if you search on xda can find my post , i remember that i uploaded video and pictuesr both . but like always , some childish guys tried to say that was a lie ...
this is a real phone but is limited and just was for special offers to Sony-erricson like exhibitions .

I remember those posts everyone knew the phone was real lol they just didn't believe you had it because there were never any pics or vids that I remember anyway. But since you had the phone why aren't you telling him how to get hdmi working instead of sharing drama about how onetime childish people didn't believe you?
Sent from my LT28i using xda app-developers app

Well I finally received my phone, postage due I might add. It is indeed in practically new condition and mine came with retail packaging including headphones and a little dock but no charger for whatever reason. The HDMI output seems to be a Mac style mini display port aka "Thunderbolt". I'm a real Apple hater so I had to order an adapter. When it arrives, I'll post my results. In the mean time I am willing to pull the back off and take some pictures of the board if people are interested in that sort of thing.
It reports
Baseband version 7X30A-AAABQMAZM-1290_21-42
Kernel version 2.6.32.9-perf
Build number 3.0.1.B.0.270
None of which seems out of the ordinary for an early build I guess... Anyway, I definitely won't update anything - other than rooting - until I get my display port adapter. Hopefully it will simply send an identical 854x480p signal out the port as it sends to the screen and it'll be as simple as that - one can only hope.