guys, what do you think of this? (see link below)... from the description it sounds like it will solve all of our problems with integration an iPOD or other external device to our '04-'05 cars stock head-units.

http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=765

 

hmmm it looks interesting but I'm not all that stereo savy... does it allow use of the factory XM?

 

Is it similar to the Dension model? I recently purchased the Dension model and had it installed over the weekend. I am quite happy with it. Other than the small lag between the interface, I am now driving around with 4000 songs at my disposal! Oh baby...

 

Do you access everything on the iPod through the head unit or do you still need to have access to the iPod itself? If so, can you access different song lists? It would be neat if you could just plug the iPod in and keep it in the glove compartment (away from prying eyes).

 

ohh boyyy I like the sound of this. 6 CD in-dash is just not enough!!

 

I don't mean to burst your bubble guys. But this just looks like PIE's version of the Icelink Plus. It still will not display song and text information on the screen like the 06 models will have. Also, in the description it mentions that you cannot use an external changer with this adapter. The XM module plugs into the external changer port, so you would mostly have to unplug it to use this.

Compatibility & Notes: (please read before purchasing this part )
1. The HON03/PC-POD is NOT compatible with factory installed navigation systems
2. Compatible with the 6-disc in-dash Changer radio however an external Changer connection is not possible.

This is what I'm getting from the description. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong though.

 

will this work on 2004 models?

 

It is indeed the Icelink and yes, there isn't anything displayed on the screen. But being that I have the non-nav model of the TSX, I am not expecting to see anything on the screen to begin with. Perhaps with the Nav system, you should expect more, but for those of us without Nav, this is a great addition. You can set it up to control through your stereo or through the ipod itself.

Personally, I love the interior of the TSX, but the stereo design means an after-market product is difficult to install and the look is iffy. Personally, I was looking at the Alpine DVD unit with ipod support, but in the end, for $200 instead of $1000 I got access to my ipod and the interior design was not altered.

I can now put away my CDs, and play everything through my ipod...in the end, that's all I want and it's pretty much all we can expect for 2004 and 2005 models.

 

I have an '05 non-Nav, so this will work for me as well. I have only two questions:
- will it work with iPod Nano?

- can I still play CDs that are loaded in the OEM 6-disc changer while the iPod is connected? For example, can I have 3 discs loaded in the changers (#1 to #3) and use disc #4 to #6 to access 3 play lists on the iPod?

 

If you can hold out, I think Acura will come out with an official iPod integration kit soon.

http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipodyourcar/

 

Yeah... we've seen that, much discussion on it on AZ as well. The big question about that official kit is about retro-fitting onto the '04/'05 car... do you know if it works on those?

 

I think you're right. At this point, I'll wait until the official integration kit from Acura kit comes out. Sounds like it should be here by year end.

 

Even though I have the impression that the official kit is not retro-fit for '05 (I wish it works for '05 but was told otherwise), I will definitely wait for it to be out and then pick my best route. Besides, I don't even have an iPod at this point

Still trying to decide what year-end gift to get for myself

 

the ipod integration kit sounds impressive, but is there a solution to work with the unit that will also provide me a way to hook up an aux sound source in as well? i have the nav2tv conversion for my navi...i want to be able to control my ipod AND have a way to connect sound from say, a dvd player.

 

It should work with the nano. As far as I know the Nano, has the same dock connector as the Ipod. So all of the accessories should be compatible.

You will still be able to use the CDs in the changer. The CD changer and CD-C aka AUX inputs are seperate modes/sources for the factory deck. When you are in CD mode, pushing 1-6 will change to different discs.

When you are in CD-C (aka Ipod mode if you buy this adapter), pushing 1-6 will access the 6 different playlists from your Ipod.

 

There is no way to have steering wheel control of your Ipod and still hook up an AUX source. If you don't mind losing steering wheel control of the Ipod and are willing to control it seperately using the Ipod as an interface, you would be able to hook up an audio selector such as the Soundgate AUX3 and switch between the different audio sources.

 

Thank Kenny! That set up is cool! I don't ask for much, and that works well enough for me!!!

I am one step closer to some kind of iPod Just need to wait for the official kit from Acura/Apple for the complete picture.

 

Hey no problem

I would wait though. Good idea.

 

I'm quite content with my ice>Link but when I was reading the latest Macworld, I came across this little gem:

http://www.harmankardon.com/drive-1/default.aspx



News Release
Monday 19 September 2005, 14:45 GMT
Monday 19 September 2005
TECHNOLOGY
TRANSPORT
Harman Consumer Group International
Apple Expo: Harman Kardon(R) Introduces Car Audio Solution for the iPod(R)

PARIS, September 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Picture is available:

http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?nr=726867

Harman Kardon, a leading provider of audio products for the home, computer and automotive industries, unveiled the European version of Harman Kardon Drive + Play, an integrated iPod docking system specifically designed for automotive use, at the Apple Expo in Paris from September 20 to 24. Unlike other products on the market, Drive + Play provides complete iPod control, including full browsing and playlist handling capability, while minimizing distractions for drivers.

The Harman Kardon Drive + Play system includes these integrated components:

1. A backlit LCD screen, large enough to present five lines of iPod menu text, yet small enough to be mounted anywhere it can be easily viewed by the driver. For maximum convenience various display languages are selectable.

2. A five-button navigation control unit with universal mounting options mimics the iPod's user interface and can be mounted on the center console or other location for easy access while driving.

3. "The brain" serves as an information processor and connecting port. The European version of Drive + Play features a wired FM transmitter. A 3,5mm audio output jack connects Drive + Play to any vehicle that has an auxiliary input. The additional auxiliary input of Drive + Play allows the user to route other audio signals into the vehicle's audio system.

Drive + Play charges the iPod when docked, displays customized user menus such as playlists and user preferences, and shuts itself off when not in use. The European version of Drive + Play will ship in November 2005. www.harmankardon.com.


For additional information, please contact:

Harman Kardon Mobile Systems
Klaus Lebherz
Phone: +49-7131-480-293
E-mail: klebherz@harman.com
Distributed by PR Newswire on behalf of Harman Consumer Group International

 

I've seen that and it looks really cool!

The only question I have is how fast the menus are. I've heard the bandwidth of the dock connector on the Ipod limits how quickly menus and data can be displayed. I don't know how true this is, but I'm worried the menus will be a little sluggish. Hopefully not though.

 

Do we know for sure if this kit will display text on the headunit from the ipod?

 

I'm pretty sure the "Acura" mention refers to the 06 OEM integration and there will not be a retrofit kit from Apple... then again I may be wrong.

 

Change the User Interface back to the iPod, it works quicker BUT you loose advance features on steering wheel - no big deal.

 

it doesn't seem to do more than the icelink for ipod. i have the icelink and i love it. you can do rndm/repeat, etc, and play only the songs you want by creating upto 5 playlists and using the disc changer buttons to select them, why wait??

 

05 Navi and XM= Bastard children! We got the shitty electronics year for our car! 04's don't have issues and 06's have an aux adapter built in. 05.....the year the electronics engineers forgot about.

 

that sucks man. You guys get screwed out of Hondata too.

 

What I want to know is, what's available for non-ipod users such as myself. I have a Creative 30GB nomad jukebox. Is there anything that I can buy to use that in my car? 2004 Non-navi TSX.

James

 

blitzsafe?? do a search. there is quite a bit of discussion on it. it is just an aux in though so you cannot control it on your steering wheel.

 

As to retrofitting the TSX specifically, who knows. However, the link mentioned DOES say this:

 

I spoke to 2 local Acura dealers today. They still do not know anything beyond the original press release. They still expect them in mid to late December and do not know about using on a pre-2006 model.

I can't figure out why this is such a secret. Wouldn't it make sense if Acura's kit could work on 2004/2005 models, they would disclose it so owners wouldn't buy other options in the meantime?

 

05 w/nav and XM can add Aux inputs, we just don't have plug and play units. My 05nav/xm works fine, but I had to splice my wires.