Ok I am no expert on installing the IPod integration options for the TL, but I have been following them on the forums. This item was shown off at CES 2006, and most of us thought it was Vaporware but it has been released to the public. It claims full integration into any video source (with composite inputs). Here is the link:

http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=921

From what I understand (and I could be totally wrong), we would still need to install a video converter to show the info on the nav screen, but it claims a full menu system controlled by remote...which would also show song titles on the screen, etc. It also claims that it allows video and photos to be viewed on the screen. It needs some power from the car (unluke the USA-Spec option), but I believe it looks like a viable solution. Anyone that has better knowledge of these things want to chime in and provide more info would be welcome. And I am sorry if this was already talked about, I did a quick search and couldn't find anything.

 

To integrate it in our car, we would still need an aux input adaptor and video adaptor. On screen menu may be cool, but the whole interface is probably too cumbersome to use while driving.

 

 

This looks legit and im so close to ordering this. i think i might want to contact some people and talk to them

 

How do they get around the fact that video ipods only show pictures and videos...not song info/menus through the video out....I don't see on the site where it says "song info" will be displayed. As far as movies, I think the dvd player is easier with much MUCH better quality.

 

The adapter seems to support a lot of things that the Ipod really doesnt, makeing me think it can even play video on a non-video ipod. It probably just uses the Ipod as a storage device and decodes all of the media on the box using its own codecs. I really want someone to install it, because it looks like a great solution.

My major qualm will be with the IR remote, which doens't seem like the best interface personally.

 

Why can't apple just update the firmware on the Video iPod so the video out shows song info and not just mini videos and pics???? Would be awesome!

 

The same reason they don't have an FM tuner built-in to Ipods ($50 dollar attachment my a$$)

I found this link that confirms what I was thinking. They are bypassing a lot of Apple's frirmware and just making it work as a storage device.

http://www.ipodobserver.com/story/25013

 

Yeah, but even with thier $20 "video accessory cable" you cannot see the song info. IMHO this should be part of it. Screw the FM Mod (I think they all suck), they should have put in an FM receiver.

 

I'm thinking of going this route instead of a DVD player. I think pretty good video quality should be possible. I'm still waiting for some more reviews/new products.

 

does anyone have this in their car yet?

 

bump

 

Whats the purpose of bumping 2 old threads on the Valor iLink? If you wanted to find out if someone actually installed it, you could have searched and found this thread (that was also in the first page of this subforum):
IPOD integration using PIE X3 and Valor ILink Completed by vandido626