Android head unit with multiple video inputs

[Stuart Parr]

What I'm after might not exist, at least not off the shelf. But who better to ask than the community here?

We have just purchased a new horsebox and it has 3 cameras installed - one covering the stalls, one at the top of the lorry looking down and one reversing camera. Unfortunately, the head unit is missing so I need to get a replacement. I could just get a regular head unit for the cameras but then I'd have to mount a tablet elsewhere for sat nav and/or music so I'd rather kill two birds with one stone.

What I want is an Android head unit with at least 3 video inputs, preferably with switching for the reversing camera but on screen selection would be ok. I want to be able to use sat nav on the head unit and also view the camera inputs.

 

[SpookDroid]

Not sure if such a tech-unicorn exists, but you can always get a video splitter (or a mixer if you want to play with all the video sources into one output, but that's way more expensive). Sure, you might have to manually switch inputs but it's a cheap alternative.

 

[Mooncatt]

Not sure if such a tech-unicorn exists, but you can always get a video splitter (or a mixer if you want to play with all the video sources into one output, but that's way more expensive). Sure, you might have to manually switch inputs but it's a cheap alternative.

I'm thinking a splitter may be necessary too. I tried to look and didn't find any units with 3 video inputs. The best I found was one RCA input and one HDMI input.

As for which stereo to go with, avoid the Android based units at all costs. They are made by no-name fly by night companies with garbage specs and little to no customer service. You'll be better off sticking with a traditional radio from the name brand manufacturers. Most of them now have Android Auto to connect your phone or tablet to (which is not the same as running the full Android OS), and you can also get them with their own navigation built in.

What you want can be done, but not with a cheap all in one solution of questionable durability. This is going to cost you, so just be prepared for some sticker shock unless you are willing to make some sacrifices. For example, a stereo with built in GPS navigation should easily run $1,000 or more. I'd personally consider something like a cheaper and basic regular unit, then buy a stand alone GPS. It'll be a bit more clutter, but save a decent chunk of money.