iPod’s popularity certainly has a major say in the Car audio industry today, not directly from apple but from the millions of iPod users. Due to the massive amounts of people who regularly use iPod’s on a daily if not hourly basis Car Audio Brands and Vehicle Manufacturers have had to redefine how car audio and entertainment works and what is expected from each component within the system.
Vehicle manufacturers are more aware of the demands of the public and use additional add-ons as a selling point in an aid to promote new ranges and vehicles. However the majority of factory iPod car kits are simply an AUX input into the audio system. This allows music to be played through the speaker system, which for some users is enough. However this option does not offer any of the more advanced features that aftermarket kits do.
So the big question is do vehicle manufacturers see a future with iPod car kits or are they waiting for the next big invention?
The investments from Car Audio Brands suggest that the iPod is going to be here for a minimum of several years. The larger brands such as Dension, Alpine & Kenwood have taken iPod integration to the next level, although in separate directions. Alpine & Kenwood have built fully iPod compatible aftermarket stereos, with new features such as imprint technology & HD screens that allow users to configure the components depending music quality and type. Combined with Made for iPod & iPhone you can get the most out of your iPod by finding and playing music and videos much easier than ever before.
Dension however has made larger strides by combining iPod technology with factory fitted equipment. The Dension Gateway range provides an iPod connection into your factory fitted stereo, ensuring that the original look is maintained. The Dension Kits also provide Steering wheel control for the iPod and music, Text display on a lot of vehicles including the new CAN cluster display vehicles within the VW & Audi Group and the retention of your CD Changer via a CD Retention Kit at additional cost.

However it’s the new components that Dension are developing that offer the greater indication of where iPod integration may be heading?
The soon to be released AVR is designed to work with the gateway 500 fibre optic kit allows different sources of entertainment to be played simultaneously, So for example the adults might want to listen to their favourite music in the front of the vehicle while the kids enjoy their favourite DVD in the back. This step is a major advance in the car entertainment world and will open up several avenues for further development in the future.
Another one of Dension’s products nearing completion is the Wi-Drive, this device when complete will allow you to integrate your vehicle into the wireless home network, and this has many advantages at first glance. Such as instant file transfer from computer to vehicle and vice versa. However this device holds many more possibilities than first anticipated. A wireless internet network connection can be made with the use of mobile USB dongle currently available from various mobile networks providing internet access to all of the users in your vehicle.
The possibilities of car audio and entertainment & iPod integration in the future are endless, devices such as the AVR and the Wi-Drive will open up many avenues for the next stage of development. For example;
Security devices could be invented that provide live streaming from the vehicle to your own computer monitoring your vehicles safety combined with “web cams” installed in your vehicle you could see exactly what happening to your car live. Live streaming or the download of music and videos from iTunes could be played on TV screens installed in the vehicle through the use of the Wi-drive and AVR while you’re on your journey, simply select and go through your iPod to choose all the latest Apple iTunes has to offer.
Television channels broadcasting live online could be watch instantly allowing new entertainment channels to be integrated into future vehicles, controllable at various points in the car. Maybe the kids want to watch different TV channels? No Problem now.
One thing is clear, the Car audio and entertainment business is moving on. New and improved technology being created continually and the iPod certainly can be at the centre of it all.

You might be thinking what’s the difference? How do they work with my ipod? Which is the best? Well the answer is quite simple.

The FM Modulator and FM Transmitter both reproduce an input signal that can be turned into a playable audio signal that your stereo can decode. However this is done in differing ways.

The FM Transmitter decodes the data and transmits through the air in different radio frequencies. This is then picked up by your stereo (aerial) and played in the same way as you would listen to the radio. However this method can cause several major problems, as the transmission can be heard by anybody listening to that specific frequency.  Which in its self is a major problem unless you are broadcasting personal information?

The problem occurs as this can be considered illegal broadcasting via pirate radio. Basically taking over the airwaves with an unauthorised signal, & potentially overhauling a legitimate broadcast on their frequency range. Which in turn leads us to the other problem with this system, If the frequency that you are trying to replace is VERY strong it will replace your transmission. Sometimes playing both signals, other times playing interference over the audio.

The FM Modulator works in a very similar way to the FM Transmitter, however it has one difference. The FM Modulator does not transmit any signal. The Modulator is hardwired to the back of the stereo via the Aerial socket, so rather than broadcasting the signal it’s sent down the wire. The interference is minimal and the sound quality is much greater (pretty much CD Quality). The only disadvantage of this system is that the unit has to be installed to the stereo.

Dension FM Modulator

MP3 FM Modulator

The installation of the Gateway 100 & 300 units are usually trouble free, in fact the most troublesome part of the installation is removing the head-unit. We have listed a few features regarding the installation that will help you when deciding whether or not you should try it yourself. (Please remember that The Gateway 100 & 300 products are car and radio specific and have different pin setting for different units)

Preparation,

Disconnect the head-unit (stereo) from the battery. If you have a security code applied ensure that you have it recorded.

Remove the Head-Unit

Often the radio will have a specific radio Key that will need to be used when removing the Stereo, (available at http://www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/iPod_Car_Accessories/Radio_Keys/). Simply insert the keys into the slots and pull out the head-unit.

Remove the Original Harness

Remove the harness that is attached to the stereo, these harness look different in different car models and manufactures.

Replace the Dension Harness

Attach the Dension Harness to the stereo and then re attach the old harness to Dension harness. The Denson attachment should then be connected to the Dension PCB (black box).

Attach & route the application

When the harness have been connected together, connect the Dension application (Dock Cable or Active cradle) to the PCB and rout into the position that you would like it to be kept, (for dock cables this is usally in the glove box, active cradles are usually attached to the Dashboard)

Insert the head-unit  

Insert the head-unit back into the original position and re connect to the battery.

Remember,

The Key code for the radio, updated iPod software & Dension software also resolve 99% of installation problems

For more detailed instruction refer to the Manual when purchased, or visit http://install.dension.com

Dice have announced that the new units for 2008 will have greater compatibility with vehicles & Models. The new units have the same hardware & connections as before. Its the Firmware with-in the PBC that features the new Dice upgrade. On selected vehicle models this allows for greater ease of use and also provides text compatibility (although Text compatibility is not available on all units).

Honda are one of the first car manufacturers capable of using the upgraded firmware, with the majority of the new 06-onward models being text compatible, but Dice are currently working very hard to ensure that all major manufactures have text compatibility in the near future.

View all Honda iPod Car Kits visit www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk or follow the link Honda Dice iPod car Kits

www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk has created a new feature that allows the user to find the best kit for your vehicle. The Car Kit wizard is located at the bottom left of the Navigation panel on all pages of the site.

The new feature works by listing all the products available for specific Cars & Models, so say for example you have a BMW 3series E36, 1997. Click the Car wizard button, click BMW, Click 3 Series, and see what kit is best for you. Easy as that.