How Car Manufacturers Connect Your Car And iPod

An increasing number of car manufacturers are offering iPod connectivity in their models. With the popularity of Apple's iPod, car buyers expect to be able to plug in their favorite MP3 player when they're on the road. But beware. Manufacturers have chosen different approaches to claim iPod connectivity. Here's an overview of the different offerings and what to look out for. Solution 1 : AUX input I used to own a Saab 9-3 which had an AUX input in the central console. I was happy with that. I could connect my iPod to the Saab audio system with a simple cable and play my music through the speakers. Sound quality was good but there were two drawbacks. The first problem was music selection. I could just select shuffle and let my iPod randomly play for hours and hours whilst being tucked away in the central console but if I wanted to more actively select music I needed to pick up the iPod and that was not always very convenient/safe whilst driving. I ended up buying an iPod vehicle mount which made controlling the iPod easier but I never like the aesthetical aspect of having the wire going from the central console to the iPod sitting in its mount. The second drawback was volume control. I needed to crank up the volume on both the car stereo and the iPod for a good listening volume. But that also meant that when I switched from listening to the iPod to listening to an FM station I had to remember to first turn down the volume of the Saab audio system to avoid having my head blown away. So AUX input is fine if you want to be able to plug in any MP3 player or any device with a headphone jack but if you want true iPod integration, there are better solutions. Solution 2 : Full iPod integration with the factory fitted audio system Car manufacturers are increasingly investing in designing their factory fitted audio systems for seamless integration with an iPod. When buying a new car, the options list will increasingly mention a multimedia interface (or a similar name) that provides iPod connectivity. A car fitted with this option will either have a USB connector or a proprietary iPod connector fitted either in the central console or in the glove compartment. Depending on the manufacturer you will then be able to use either your standard iPod USB cable or the specific cable provided by the manufacturer to connect your iPod. These systems offer a great iPod experience since they are designed from the beginning to work with all the other audio, satellite navigation and phone functions. With the most advanced systems you'll be able to search and select music using steering wheel controls or even voice control. If the car you're considering to buy provides a multimedia interface, I would definitely go for the extra price tag. First because you will fully enjoy the iPod experience. Secondly because I believe it will increase the second-hand value of your car. But beware. These systems are often very difficult to replace so if the systems doesn't provide exactly what you're looking for you might be better off installing an after-market in-dash unit. Solution 3 : Installing an iPod connection interface as an accessory Some manufacturers don't offer on-board electronics iPod connectivity but offer the option to install an iPod connection kit once the car has arrived at the dealership. This can also be a good way to add iPod connectivity to a factory-fitted audio system provided the dealer works with good products. All interface kits are indeed not equal. Where some brands offer very good integration with the factory-fitted systems in terms of the way information of the iPod is displayed or the way to search and select music, other kits are more basic and could lead to disappointment. So when your car dealer offers you this option, ask for details and a demo and also check out your local specialized car audio dealer for alternatives. Specialized car audio dealers are often more knowledgeable about different possibilities and prices and are just as able as your car dealer to professionally fit after-market iPod interface kits. Solution 4 : Installing an after-market in-dash unit. Some manufacturers have decided not to invest heavily in proprietary factory-fitted audio and/or navigation electronics but to rely on solutions provided by reliable after-market car electronics manufacturers. These car models are designed to be fitted with double-din sized units that offer an integrated solution for navigation, audio with iPod connectivity and even Bluetooth connectivity. Car dealers suggest an in-dash unit and then install them at the dealership once the car is delivered. The advantage of these after-market in-dash units is that they can easily be replaced with newer models when technology becomes obsolete. These all-in-one systems are often also cheaper than advanced factory-fitted systems where audio, GPS navigation, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth are separate and sometimes expensive options. As in the interface kit scenario it is wise to check for alternatives with your local car audio professional before ordering with your car dealer. Conclusion Although more and more car manufacturers are offering iPod connectivity, their web-sites and brochures don't always provide detailed information on iPod integration. So if good iPod integration is important for you, make sure you ask your dealer for details and even better for a demo. There are some great factory-fitted systems out there but in some cases you could end up with a system which was not quite what you had expected and been happier fitting your car with a better and cheaper high-end after-market in-dash unit.