2012(12) XC60: can reversing rear-parking camera be fitted?

[Fat Magpie]

So after a fair bit or research on the subject its not good news.

Its possible but expensive, the sat nav screen is connected to the sat nav unit with a RGB video connection, I believe the actual physical connector looks like a VGA connector.

The video camera in the rear tailgate spits out composite video probably a phono type connector.

RGB video and composite video are not immediately compatible so you need to buy a device, a gadget. This device is wired between the sat nav unit and the dash display screen, its plug and play and until activated the unit just passively passes the RGB video from the sat nav unit to the screen.

As soon as you go into reverse the reversing camera fires up and the composite video signal is (which you have wired to this gadget) is then converted to RGB video by the gadget, the gadget then switches this feed to the screen instead of the sat nav video.

I hope that makes sense, I think its too much hassle and cost, I will probably buy a rear view mirror with video display, its way cheaper and easier to install.

[Fat Magpie]

Here are two devices I found i.e. the gadget needed to do the video switch and convert.

http://www.volvotech.eu/Video/vbb4-ppvp?filter=1

https://navtv.com/product/258/rgb2-....eShowProduct=1

[Fat Magpie]

So after speaking to the manufacturer of one of these kits I bought one. Total cost approx £220, IMHO if it save one minor ding or scrape its worth it.

I will write up a quick install guide when it arrives and I fit it.
Stay tuned

[cejsmith]

I have a 13 model year v60 that has a front camera but no rear, would it be possible to add it to that as it must already have some of the kit?

[Fat Magpie]

Im not sure what system a v60 has, is it RTI?

[shotgun1]

Thanks, that's some super research! Just a quick question: on 2012 Sensus system if you have infotainment upgrade (which means you can play DVDs, stream music via Bluetooth etc.) I believe there's an additional input behind the 7" screen for a rear-view camera and from what I understand I can wire up an aftermarket camera to it and have software installed by Volvo which will activate it. Would that be correct or have I misunderstood!

[Fat Magpie]

A quick update, the kit arrived. Its well put together not cheap, I suspect this is the kit Volvo dealers use to retrofit a camera.
Tonight I was out figuring out how the cars interior trim came apart at the rear to run a cable.

A write up is coming.

[Fat Magpie]

Originally Posted by shotgun1

Thanks, that's some super research! Just a quick question: on 2012 Sensus system if you have infotainment upgrade (which means you can play DVDs, stream music via Bluetooth etc.) I believe there's an additional input behind the 7" screen for a rear-view camera and from what I understand I can wire up an aftermarket camera to it and have software installed by Volvo which will activate it. Would that be correct or have I misunderstood!

Hi Shotgun1, if it has an input for playing DVD's etc you can fit a camera, the screen/system does not know the difference between video off a DVD and video from a camera.

[shotgun1]

Originally Posted by Fat Magpie

Hi Shotgun1, if it has an input for playing DVD's etc you can fit a camera, the screen/system does not know the difference between video off a DVD abd video from a camera.

Thanks so much! Your research is going to help a lot of people and has definitely helped me!

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by cejsmith

I have a 13 model year v60 that has a front camera but no rear, would it be possible to add it to that as it must already have some of the kit?

13 year model rear camera is a dealer fit accessory.