Can I play videos on my iPod while using the Neo or USA Spec adapter? In other words, can I play a movie and listen to it through the system with one of these products? (I've pretty much ruled out the use of the Acuralink POS system)

My plan is to use this to listen to movies I know well, and don't need to see. Also, the 2nd step is to hook up my video output to the LCD screen with another interface at a later date. That interface will just have a switch to have the screen show normal acura stuff or my video out from the iPod.

So, can the Neo and/or USA Spec allow you to play vidoes and listen to them?

 

I would try asking that question to the support teams of each manufacturer. In my limited experience, Neo answers very quickly. USA Spec has never returned my email, but USA Spec has an extensive dealer network, and my local dealer, in McLean , VA was quick to answer questions over the phone.

 

I don't know if the iPod outputs the movie's audio thru the dock connector when playing video, but if it doesn't, there is a workaround. Some of the after market adapters, such as the USA Spec, provide an AUX input feature. You can use the iPod's headphone jack to connect to this input. On the USA Spec, you press the disc 6 button on the radio to switch to the AUX input.

Just ran out and tried this on my 06 RL with US Spec and iPod (older photo, not video model). I connected both the dock connector and the Aux connector to the iPod. Then switched to disc 6, which is Aux. It worked fine, and the dock connector continued to charge the unit while in this mode. Only one slight problem, when you switch from dock to aux, the iPod goes into pause mode, so you have to press the play button on the iPod to get it synchronized again. I have my iPod in the console, so the extra cable connected to it would not be a problem.

 

Oh I see. So you can use either the Aux or the ipod specific setup itself on the Neo or USASpec?

I wish I knew a person in Houston who had one of these that I could hook my iPod to and test it.

 

I haven't actually seen the Neo - maybe someone who has one will comment.

With the USASpec, the unit itself has a connection for the supplied iPod dock cable and a set of left/right RCA jacks which are used for the AUX input. During installation, a switch on the unit can be set to tell the unit to allow switching to the AUX input. When I installed mine, I ran a "stereo mini plug to RCA plugs" cable along with the iPod cable to the console. Once this is done, you can switch inputs using the radio controls, so you have both setups.

 

Awesome! Thanks for the information.

 

With the Neo, you can play videos on your ipod while your ipod is connected with the dock connector. You have FULL control of the ipod while the audio is sent through the Neo and into your head unit.

 

Thanks. Neo is the way to go. I went by my dealer and viewed the MusicLink from Acura... what a PIECE OF #$%#.

And it answered my question which is that you can't play videos while it's connected.


I went to my car stereo shop and got a quote for $1400 they will buy and install a Neo and a Nav2TV hookup for my iPod video and this will allow me to watch and listen to videos in the car. This will be great when my wife and daughter are with me for road trips!

I will just have to throw a switch and the nav screen will go from the Acura functions to the video input. I can set a destination on Nav and have it still give me the voice commands while a video is on the screen. Dang cool.

 

Wow they are charging you alot of labor for installing two plug and play devices.

The Neo should cost you less than $350, and I think the nav2tv was something like $400. But both just plug right in. Minimal wiring to connect the video from the ipod. install should take a couple hours tops. But at least you can hold them liable for any problems that might arise....

 

Good to know. I bet I can negotiate it down. I'm an idiot when it comes to these things.

These guys are the best in town too. I know the job will be excellent, but I also bet they're over-charging me some.

 

sasair,

do you have a reliable installer in virginia? hopefully, northern virginia...

 

By far the best guy in the area for most any car mod is I-MOD. that's his screen name here on acurazine. He doesn't over charge and he does great work, whether its performance mods or electronics. I don't think he does stuff like building custom enclosures for subs or amp racks and things like that, but I am pretty sure he would install a Neo or a nav2tv. He is very knowledgable on acuras/hondas and he is a super nice guy. You can PM him here, or visit his website. CLICK HERE By the way he is located in the springfield area, just off the parkway.

That being said, the neo and nav2tv are both pretty easy installs. The neo is slightly easier IMO, but both could be installed by any even slightly mechanically inclined. Instruction for disassembly of the dash are pretty easy to come by as well, so if you can follow directions, it should be a piece of cake.