Rear Seat Entertainment System (SA6FH/SA6FR)

Rear Seat Entertainment System

Rear seat entertainment system
As of 07/2012, the new generation of the rear seat entertainment (RSE) will start. The Rear Seat Entertainment system is a rear entertainment system and available in the following versions as optional equipment:
- SA6FH: Rear Seat Entertainment Professional with radio remote control
- SA6FR: Professional rear entertainment system with operation using a rear-compartment controller

The rear seat entertainment system is functionally independent of other entertainment sources available in the vehicle. Via iDrive, the Rear Seat Entertainment system can be activated or blocked in the "Settings" menu.
The Professional rear seat entertainment system provides the following functions:
- Operation using remote key
- Operation via the rear-compartment controller (FCON) with an operating facility on the left or right
- The driver's and front passenger side can be operated independently of one another
- Playback of all the entertainment sources available in the vehicle
- Playing CDs or DVDs via the DVD drive
- Confirmation for settings made on the rear seat entertainment system as well as display (CDs, DVDs) on two 9.2 inch colour monitors (TFT)
- Audio playback through the vehicle speakers
- Connection for external devices (e.g. video camera, gaming console, USB stick)
- Television reception in the rear passenger compartment (only in combination with optional equipment)
- Navigation in 2D and 3D with navigation transfer to the driver
- Control of temperature distribution for seat heating on the rear seats (only with optional equipment)
- Rear-seat telephone unit with cordless handset (only with optional equipment)
- BMW Online with Internet (only with optional equipment)
- Support for the iPod and 1 USB port
- Wireless connection for wireless headphones (standard Kleer)
- Clear and simplified differentiation of the sources headunit and Rear Seat Entertainment
- Central volume control (headphones, speaker)

Functional description
The RSE control unit can be switched on as of terminal 30B ON. After terminal R OFF, the RSE control unit can be switched on within the after-running period (approx. 30 minutes).
The control unit for the Rear Seat Entertainment system (= RSE control unit) is a bus user on the MOST.
The rear monitors serve as the display units for the RSE control unit. The images shown on the rear monitors are all created in the RSE control unit. The RSE control unit transmits all image information via APIX data cables to the rear monitors (APIX stands for "Automotive Pixel Link").
The radio module (standard Kleer) and the two aerials for the radio link to the wireless headphones are integrated in the RSE control unit. The radio module uses the 2.4 GHz radio link to transmit audio data with 2.37 mb per second in the uncompressed 16 bit stereo sound for a distance of up to 10 meters.
Depending on the version, the Professional rear seat entertainment system is controlled with the rear-compartment controller or radio remote control.
The signal path of the radio remote control corresponds with that of the remote control services. This means that the remote key signals are received by the aerial for remote key service. The signals are transmitted via the remote key receiver in the aerial amplifier to the Car Access System (CAS). The CAS outputs the signals as a message on the K-CAN2. The central gateway module (ZGM) is the data interface between K-CAN2 and MOST.
The RSE control unit is a bus user on the MOST. The remote key that has been learned in for this specific vehicle is the only one that is operative.
When a DVD is being played in the DVD drive of the rear seat entertainment system, the image cannot be displayed in the central information display (CID). Display of the image via the rear monitors is also not possible if a DVD is being played in the DVD drive of the headunit. However, audio playback is possible in both cases. If a DVD is being played from a DVD changer, the sound and vision are output via the head unit and Rear Seat Entertainment system.
Depending on the version of the rear seat entertainment system, the volume is adjusted with the radio remote control or rear-compartment controller.
Audio playback takes place optionally over the speakers of the vehicle or headphones With audio playback through the speakers, the audio signal is sent by the RSE control unit via the MOST to the head unit or Top Hi-Fi amplifier. The volume of the speakers can be adjusted using the multifunction steering wheel, the controller, the rear-compartment controller or the infrared remote key. In the case of playback through the speakers, volume control is speed-dependent. Tone setting is also possible.
If audio is played back through the headphones, the volume is adjusted on the wireless headphones. For hardwired headphones, the volume is adjusted with the radio remote control or rear-compartment controller. The wireless headphones receive their signals from the radio module in the RSE control unit. A maximum of 4 wireless headphones can be registered (see Owner's Handbook).
External audio devices and video devices can be connected to the cinch sockets and USB port. Operation takes place via the external device.
The TV receiver receives the TV signal via the TV aerial. The picture signals are transmitted from the TV receiver via a CVBS line directly to the RSE control unit. The TV receiver transmits the TV sound on the MOST bus. In the equipment version "Rear Seat Entertainment Professional", the RSE control unit has two inputs for CVBS lines that are assigned to the two sides of the RSE control unit (left and right).
The RSE control unit is connected to the Headunit High (HU-H) via Ethernet. The extended functions of Ethernet mean that high data loads are transferred quickly and in high quality to the Headunit High.
The graphic below shows the control unit (RSE control unit) and control panel of the rear seat entertainment system in the Professional version (from 07/2012) from the front.







The graphic below shows the control unit (RSE control unit) and control panel of the rear seat entertainment system in the Professional version (from 07/2012) from the back.







Structure and inner electrical connection
A plug connection connects the RSE control unit to the vehicle electrical system and MOST.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the picture signals are transferred from the TV receiver (VM) or DVD changer (DVDC) directly or through a video switch via a CVBS line to the RSE control unit.
The APIX data lines are used to transmit the image information from the RSE control unit to the rear monitors. The rear power distribution box supplies the RSE control unit with terminal 30B.
The locator lighting (terminal 58g) for the buttons is controlled by the footwell module (FRM). The RSE control unit is also connected to the headunit via Ethernet to transmit the expanded functions and high data loads quickly and with a high level of quality (not shown).







Pin assignments
The graphic above shows only the supply and bus connection. The current pin assignment is recorded on the wiring diagrams in the ISTA diagnosis system (Integrated Service Technical Application). Click on the component code in the wiring diagram to activate the "Installation location" and "Pin assignment" tabs.

Nominal values

Observe the following setpoint values for RSE (Rear Seat Entertainment) control unit:

Size Value
Supply voltage 9 to 16 V
Overheating protection (switch-off) from 65 °C
Temperature range -40 to 65 deg C

Diagnosis instructions

Failure of the component
If the communication to the RSE control unit fails, run the standard checks (global testing procedure). If there is an internal control unit fault, the following behavior is to be expected:
- Fault entry in the RSE control unit
The jack sockets of the rear seat entertainment system cannot be diagnosed. As these sockets are fitted directly in the front panel, a visual inspection is sufficient to check whether there are any defective parts or other foreign bodies in the sockets.
There is a service function in the diagnosis system to teach the radio remote control of the rear seat entertainment system and activate the radio module.
We can assume no liability for printing errors or inaccuracies in this document and reserve the right to introduce technical modifications at any time.