So, there are a number of alternatives out there now, but I'm looking for help choosing an iPod connection for my TL. I'm currently using (and strongly recommend) the Griffin Smartdeck cassette adapter but I would like to move into the 21st century.

Here are the criteria I use which are unclear to me. Can you help fill in the blanks? I'll answer for the SmartDeck:

- Dealer installable (Acura or vendor): N/A
- No visible wires: No
- Displays song on NAV system: No
- iPod accessible while playing: Yes
- iPod pauses during incoming call: Yes
- Navigate through steering wheel controls: Yes
- Audiobook-friendly (retains location in book): Yes
- Additional software required: No
- Audio navigation: No
- Audio select source through Nav system: Yes
- Compatible with active XM account: Yes
- Audio Quality: OK
- Charges iPod: Yes, with additional adaptor (pre-Nano and Video iPods only)
- Audio source: Headphone jack
- iPod location: Wherever the cord will reach

If someone could answer these questions for the other contenders (Music Link, PIE, D+P, Blitzsafe, etc.) Life Would Be Good.

Thanks for all of the useful information so far...

Ron
2006 Anthracite TL
Don't go to Los Gatos Acura - they suck!

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As I heard, reliabity of command for SmartDeck is not that good.

 

Try this thread: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131537

 

It's OK - sometimes when I say next track it starts spinning and doesn't come back until I hit next track again. It's mildly annoying but much better than not having the controls at all.

It generally works great.

Ron

 

Cool - I hadn't seen that. Thanks.

Ron

 

It's a decent intro, but I can't find answers to many of the questions above. For example, for which solutions can I switch sources audibly? Which solutions enable the steering wheel controls? I had heard that Music Link doesn't support bookmarks in audiobooks - is that true?

Thanks again,

Ron

 

I have an 04 TL w/NAV... I bought the Griffin Smartdeck and my TL didn't like it... I'd inject the adapter in the cassette deck, it'd spin around for 15-20 seconds and then spit it back out. What's up?

I wonder if it's the lack of cassette reel tension? Who knows? I took it back to Best Buy. Anyone else experience the same problem?

 

Just tried the Smartdeck on an 05 w/NAV with the same result. Oh well, back it goes to Target.