The iPod Connection
Using your iPod in your car
audio system
By
Paul Sonoda
iPods are not cheap. In fact, they are some of the most expensive personal electronics in the market place. Yet that does not stop people from buying more and more of them. It does not stop the aftermarket for going crazy over them. And it does not stop aftermarket companies from creating and producing more accessory and interfaces for iPods than any other portable media device.
Why so popular
The iPod is not a success, it is a phenomenon. The recipe is simple: combine lots of storage capacity with a slick easy-to-use controls and a great software interface. The iPod is the first and still the best large capacity portable audio media device. It feels like quality. The iPod is a true statement to successful industrial design. Now most people can carry their entire music collection in the palm of their hand.
But that is only part of the reason for its success. The real coup is how Steve Jobs got the iTunes off the ground with so many song titles available. Apple made it popular and easy to buy compressed audio files when it was available for free on other non-sanction sites. The massive selection and good audio quality of iTunes music files are the backbone to the success of the iPod. The other reason is less obvious but the true beauty of the iPod: back door access and control via the data port. Allowing iPods to interface and integrate with other audio systems. There are several ways to integrate an iPod into your audio system. Here is an in-depth look.
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topUniversal Adaptors
Universal adaptors are designed to get the audio output of your iPod into your stereo system. FM transmitters are the most common types of devices. They take the audio output from the iPod and convert in into a FM signal and broadcast it to your FM tuner in your factory or aftermarket radio. Some are even built into a cigarette light adaptor. This has a particular advantage of being able to transfer from vehicle to vehicle quickly and also provide power to recharge your iPod. Another adaptor type is a cassette adaptor. Here the iPod’s audio signal is converted to allow playback through a tape deck. The advantages of these types of systems are ease of implementation. The disadvantage is sound quality that is limited to the performance capability of the FM tuner or tape deck. Also this type of interface only directs the audio signal; it does not allow remote control of the iPod. . Typical pricing ranching from $20-to$50 makes this the most affordable interface option available.
Original Equipment Interfaces
One of the great things about the iPod is the interface capability. This allows original equipment interfaces to control the iPod as well as pass audio signal though into your factory audio system and recharge your iPod. These devices typically work by utilizing the CD changer inputs into the factory radio. A control box takes the control signals from the factory stereo and translates it to commands that the iPod can understand. In return, the iPod sends information about the song, track and artist back through the interface. Depending on the interface and factory head unit, this information can be displayed on your head unit or other factory display. Systems are available from Monster Cable (http://www.monstercable.com/iCruze) PIE, (http://www.pie.net), PAC’s (http://www.pac-audio.com) iPod to car, Peripheral’s iPod2Car (http://peripheralelectronics.com) and other companies. Typically, the interface box is identical with different adaptor cables for different car manufactures. The Monster Cable unit goes one further by providing an option large display that presents all the information on an iPod display. Depending on the unit, internal setting may be needed to set-up the interface for working with your factory head unit.
As with all OE interfaces, make sure that your generation iPod is one that works properly. Most of the newer model iPods will work with no problems. Pricing ranges from $100 to $250 for these units. This system has the advantage of appearing to integrate seamlessly into your factory system. Also the audio signal is passed directly through the system. The disadvantage is two-fold. The OE interface is typically the most expensive option. The sound quality is limited to the internal equalization built in for the CD changer. Also, most interfaces eliminate the ability to connect both the factory CD changer and the iPod interface. If you have a factory CD changer, you have to lose it to gain iPod integration. That is the price you pay for the benefits.
Aftermarket Integration
Of course the aftermarket community does not want to be left out. Taking cue from the OE interfaces, most audio companies now offer or plan to offer iPod interfaces. Companies with iPod interfaces for their head units are Alpine (http://www.alpine-usa.com), Clarion, Pioneer (http://www.pioneerusa.com), Kenwood (http://www.kenwoodusa.com) and others. Clarion’s VRX755VD (http://www.clarion.com) is the first car audio head unit that includes controls function for an iPod. Very cool. One of the primary advantages to interfaces offered by aftermarket companies for their head units is compatibility of text information. You are most likely to get the best possible iPod song text information from displays via their interface. Prices range from $100 up.
What do you do if your head unit does not manufacturer an iPod interface? Don’t worry, if your head unit has a changer port, most likely there is an accessory company that offers an iPod interface that will connect your iPod. A simple web search for iPod interfaces displayed many options for connection your iPod. Granted you will have to sift through the results, but you do have options.
More Choices
As adaptors and interfaces for the iPod grow, new option come available. The Harmon Kardon Drive+Play Factory Receiver iPod Interface is one such animal. Not only does it provide a big display like the Monster Cable unit, it also provides control capability, a built-in FM transmitter and direct audio line output. Scosche (http://www.scosche.com/scosche_bluetooth.aspx) now has a Blue Tooth interface for the iPod. Basically cutting the wires, now you can integrate your iPod to your home, car or even a set of head phones without any wires! Don’t think the iPod is the only game in town. Other company offer excellent high capacity hard drive based media players. Sony Network Walkman™ Digital Music uses a 20GB hard drive and can be interfaced with Sony head units with changer controls.
Summary
Someone asked me the other day if I thought it would be a good idea to get an iPod. I had to stop and think. Like many people, I received the iPod as a gift. As much as I hate to admit it, I love this thing. Even though I might not have bough one otherwise, I can’t imagine giving it up. The flexibility and mass storage of songs on my iPod spoil me. Changers are no longer enough. I can always find a song I want to hear and enjoy. And with the ability to interface into my car audio system, I no longer have to carry all those CDs in my car. Bottom line, if you love music and have a lot of it, and iPod is a killer device. And with the interface options available, there is no reason why you can’t and should enjoy it in your vehicle.
Universal
Adaptors
