I know there are a bazillion MP3 threads, and I've read most of them.

I thought a new one pertaining to 2005 would be a good idea since the integrated XM may (or may not) throw a wrench in the works. While waiting on my '05 TSX to arrive I wanted to discuss and decide what I want to do for MP3 playback.

What I know about the Acura MP3 player:
- plays CDA, MP3, WMA.
- Does NOT read Id3 tags.
- Shows track number and folder number (as disk number) on Navi screen.
- Allows for steering wheel control.
- Installs in the front console (non-stealth).
- Allows AUX input to still exist (I think?)

Questions about Acura MP3 player:
1. After a power cycle, does it resume play in the middle of an MP3, or does it start at beginning of file?
2. Can you fast-forward and rewind within an MP3 file (i.e. find a place in the middle of a file?)
3. Any other features I missed above?

What I know about Ipod / Audio-Interface:
- Icelink can make steering wheel controls work (FAQ says nobody has done it, is that still true?)
- The basic SNHOND3 only allows audio-in, no Acura controls.

Questions about the various Ipod Interfaces:
1. Both SNHOND3 and BlitzSafe state that Factory XM must be disconnect for them to work. Is this true on the TSX '05 XM?
2. Does Icelink also require XM to be disabled?
3. Exactly how much control do you have from the steering wheel / console... i.e. what works, and what doesn't?
4. How much would you expect to pay for a professional install?

If possible, I want to get to:
- Audio RCA inputs that any device can use.
- Audio control via steering wheel/console for a specific device such as an Ipod.
- Stealthy install (no visible wiring)
- Display of useful information on the Navi screen.
- '05 XM still working.

Things that would really be cool (slightly off-topic):
- 3rd RCA for composite video.
- Button to switch from Acura Navi to composite video source.

BTW, I don't own and Ipod yet... so any MP3 device would be fine... I'm just assuming that Ipod is the most supported for integration. But if I go for just a strait audio-in, what player would you recommend (20GB or larger)?

P.S. I know some of my questions can't be answered until some people get '05/Navi's to test. Mine isn't expected until end of February, so I've got time to wait on the answers... hehe

 

has factory integrated XM been confirmed yet? or is he talking about the factopry Xm running off of the fm modulator?

 

It's confirmed... I have an '05 brochure that clearly shows XM...

Here are some scans I just made of the brochure:





Sorry the second one is so grainy, but it's a tiny pic in the brochure, so I blew it up.

 

You can also read the press releases at www.hondanews.com

They've officially announced XM with a few other things a month or two ago.

 

ok so i guess my next question is what would be necessary to upgrade the stock setup to get the same integrated XM unit on my 2004 car?

as much as i like my xm in the not an ashtray install i would prefer to have it integrated to the navi like that one is.. im sure its either a plug in module or a new part to the existing navi unit.

 

Now that the 2005's are out, I want to re-ask:

Do you have to lose XM to install SNHOND3 or BlitzSafe on a 2005 w/Navi?

 

P.S. I'm no longer interested in IceLink or ICruz... I finally bought a high-capacity MP3 player, and it's not an iPod (I got the Creative Zen Xtra 40GB).

 

I traded my Neuros Audio 20GB for an iRiver H320 20GB.