Some threads discussing Ipod integration or adding a Line-In to the TL mention controlling an external device as if it were an emulated multidisk changer.

This raises a few questions:
1 - is the multi-disk changer a Honda unit we can get from another model
2 - is this just re-using the DVDA input so it thinks it is the stock DVDA input?
3 - was this LIKELY a planned option that did not make production ?
4 - how many disk changer unit would it be
5 - would this integrate if a car has XM
6 - would the new changer do DTS CDs ?

Re the DTS: I'm thinking it might be able to decode the DTS because the 5.1 data is decoded well downstream of the Line IN.

 

1. If Honda offers such option for any other recent model, it is very likely to work
2. It is reusing XM input
3. More likely, that protocol is enabled in the head unit, but why would they offer another CD changer, if the car already has one?
4. Whatever Honda offers. Or look up Honda adaptors for aftermarket changers
5. Yes
6. Highly unlikely.

I have a question for you:
1 Why?
It seems like a lot of trouble and money. You can put in a 60GB iPod, load it with uncompressed WAVs or losless AACs and have the same quality and huge capacity.

 

Thanks for the eyeopener. Ipods not just for mp3s? Uncompressed WAVs! Now I see why lots of people are buying the adapters. 60G is sweet.

If the TL has a built-in provision for an external changer that does not require some interface box and the controls all work we could have another bank of DTS disks on-line so to speak. A scrapped Honda could render a changer for peanuts compared to an Ipod+adapter.

Why would the re-used XM input use CD-changer controls?
If it uses the XM input would it not also use the XM controls ?

 

The OEM head unit has a 14-pin connector on the back that contains an audio input as well as a serial bus interface. This input is not specifically "hard coded" to the XM button. The operating system of the radio can assign this input to anything that Honda/Acura likes. In our case, the XM is the default use for this input. However, it seems that they have thought ahead and also allowed this input to accept input from an external cd changer (or something emulating one). This has allowed dual use of this single input. If you press the XM button on your radio, it connects to the XM receiver in the trunk. If you press the DISC/TAPE button, you can select the internal CD changer, the Tape Player, or connect to the external cd changer if it's present.

I don't know if any previous Honda/Acura External CD Changer will work with this system. This white 14-pin connector on the back of the radio is rather new(~2004). The older connection was blue and configured differently. I'm thinking that maybe the blue one was from when OEM used Bose, and now OEM uses Alpine. Were any Honda/Acura cars from 2004+ fitted with OEM external CD Changers from Alpine? I don't know. BTW, this external CD changer would play only regular CD's, NOT DVD-A or DTS or MP3.

jjh1234