Full ipod integration?

rleduc · 04-04-2008, 10:03 AM

Hello All
I know there are other threads on this forum that talk about this so if someone wants to point me in the right direction that would be much appreciated.

My question is this: Is there an ipod kit that offers full touch screen control for an ipod? I have the premium package (in Canada there are only 3 options, base, premium, and nav). The premium here is the one with the jbl, vsc, backup camera, but not the nav)

Is there also an option for video, eg from an ipod touch to the vehicle's information screen?

Any advice, weblinks appreciated.

aaf709 · 04-04-2008, 10:38 AM

You have several choices. There's the VAIS at Toyota/Lexus Audio,Video and Information Solutions (Lexus Auxiliary input,Lexus iPod integration,Lexus XM integration),
the DICE at DICE ELECTRONICS- iPod Car Integration - Hard-wired and there's something at Coastal Electronics at ULTIMATE IPOD (but you have to get their Ultimate Lockpick as well).

rleduc · 04-04-2008, 12:36 PM

Thanks for the quick response and weblinks...much appreciated.

The ipod touch compatibility of the soundlink looks especially attractive.

Have you had any experience with any of these and if so, what is your experience with the touch screen control on the prius with regards to ipod control?

aaf709 · 04-04-2008, 01:36 PM

I have a 2005 so your mileage may vary.

I have the DICE, which I bought through the Prius Shop here at PriusChat. In fact I got the iPod because of the DICE (long story). Recently I upgraded to the DICE Silverline.

The DICE works fine for me. I plug in the iPod and turn on the audio. I've set the DICE for the SAT mode. This allows me to use the tuning knob on the radio to quickly go through songs, playlists, artists and the like. The song title, artist and album is displayed on the MFD. I can also fast forward and reverse using the MFD. The radio controls on the steering wheel also work. The DICE also charges the iPod.

Others have the VAIS and are happy with that. It costs more, but seems to be more stable with the 2006+ Prius. It also will charge the iPod, but I don't believe it has the ability to use the tuning knob on the radio for iPod control.

beboyle · 04-05-2008, 12:35 AM

Actually the VAIS gives you fully integrated iPod control through the MFD and steering wheel controls.

rleduc · 04-05-2008, 09:00 AM

Thanks beboyle
That was the unit I was thinking of getting. I'll have to order it online and install locally because there is no local distributor.

How tricky was installation, how good was the install manual, and anything in particular (re prius integration) I should watch out for?

aaf709 · 04-05-2008, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rleduc

How tricky was installation, how good was the install manual, and anything in particular (re prius integration) I should watch out for?

When I installed my DICE, I used the installation guide for the VAIS 100i, which can be seen at How To Install the VAIS AIC-100i iPod Adapter

Basically you remove the bottom glove box and the trim to the right of the MFD. There's a white block of wires that you unscrew (but don't disconnect) to get it out of the way. The VAIS (or DICE) plugs into the radio right behind the tuning knob.

dkafrissen · 04-07-2008, 10:20 AM

What affect does all this Moding have on the Warranty?
Also if I have the charger plugged into an iPod on the aux you get feed back, does this also happen with the Dice or VAIS?

Arlene.s · 04-07-2008, 11:49 AM

I had my iPod adapter (I believe VAIS) installed at the dealer. It works fine, in CD Changer emulation. The only problem is that I can only see 6 playlists - or "CDs". I did a little work-around by arranging the playlists according to genre, and listening in "random" mode. Be sure to correct line level output on the iPod, and engage soundcheck. I also got new speakers and an amp. The only problem is now I hear how terrible the quality is of the average iTunes song.

aaf709 · 04-08-2008, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkafrissen

What affect does all this Moding have on the Warranty?
Also if I have the charger plugged into an iPod on the aux you get feed back, does this also happen with the Dice or VAIS?

There should be no effect on the warranty. If you went to Toyota to have them install an XM or Sirius, they would plug it in to the same spot (both VAIS and DICE have an extra plug just in case you have a satellite radio).

I don't get feedback with the iPod with the DICE and I doubt it would with the VAIS. I do get feedback if I have something (with a charger) plugged into the AUX input on the DICE (maybe with the VAIS' AUX as well). A ground loop isolator fixes that.

04-04-2008, 10:03 AM	#1
rleduc The glass is always 1/2 full. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Timmins, Ontario Posts: 14 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Full ipod integration? Hello All I know there are other threads on this forum that talk about this so if someone wants to point me in the right direction that would be much appreciated. My question is this: Is there an ipod kit that offers full touch screen control for an ipod? I have the premium package (in Canada there are only 3 options, base, premium, and nav). The premium here is the one with the jbl, vsc, backup camera, but not the nav) Is there also an option for video, eg from an ipod touch to the vehicle's information screen? Any advice, weblinks appreciated.

04-04-2008, 10:38 AM	#2
aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,838 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Full ipod integration? You have several choices. There's the VAIS at Toyota/Lexus Audio,Video and Information Solutions (Lexus Auxiliary input,Lexus iPod integration,Lexus XM integration), the DICE at DICE ELECTRONICS- iPod Car Integration - Hard-wired and there's something at Coastal Electronics at ULTIMATE IPOD (but you have to get their Ultimate Lockpick as well).

04-04-2008, 12:36 PM	#3
rleduc The glass is always 1/2 full. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Timmins, Ontario Posts: 14 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Full ipod integration? Thanks for the quick response and weblinks...much appreciated. The ipod touch compatibility of the soundlink looks especially attractive. Have you had any experience with any of these and if so, what is your experience with the touch screen control on the prius with regards to ipod control?

04-04-2008, 01:36 PM	#4
aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,838 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Full ipod integration? I have a 2005 so your mileage may vary. I have the DICE, which I bought through the Prius Shop here at PriusChat. In fact I got the iPod because of the DICE (long story). Recently I upgraded to the DICE Silverline. The DICE works fine for me. I plug in the iPod and turn on the audio. I've set the DICE for the SAT mode. This allows me to use the tuning knob on the radio to quickly go through songs, playlists, artists and the like. The song title, artist and album is displayed on the MFD. I can also fast forward and reverse using the MFD. The radio controls on the steering wheel also work. The DICE also charges the iPod. Others have the VAIS and are happy with that. It costs more, but seems to be more stable with the 2006+ Prius. It also will charge the iPod, but I don't believe it has the ability to use the tuning knob on the radio for iPod control. __________________ "Blue Belle" Seaside Pearl Purchased April 16, 2005 MODS: Wheelskin Steering Wheel Cover, GT Seat Covers, DashTopper Dash Cover, MFD Sun Hood, Pioneer AirWare XM radio, DICE Silverline iPod Integration, BT Override, Goodyear ComforTreds, Coastal Tech's Auto-Lock kit, NAV Enhancement kit & EV mod

04-05-2008, 12:35 AM	#5
beboyle Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Phoenix Posts: 33 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Full ipod integration? Actually the VAIS gives you fully integrated iPod control through the MFD and steering wheel controls.

04-05-2008, 09:00 AM	#6
rleduc The glass is always 1/2 full. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Timmins, Ontario Posts: 14 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Full ipod integration? Thanks beboyle That was the unit I was thinking of getting. I'll have to order it online and install locally because there is no local distributor. How tricky was installation, how good was the install manual, and anything in particular (re prius integration) I should watch out for?

04-07-2008, 10:20 AM	#8
dkafrissen Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maplewood, NJ Posts: 7 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Full ipod integration? What affect does all this Moding have on the Warranty? Also if I have the charger plugged into an iPod on the aux you get feed back, does this also happen with the Dice or VAIS?

04-07-2008, 11:49 AM	#9
Arlene.s Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Switzerland Posts: 1 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Full ipod integration? I had my iPod adapter (I believe VAIS) installed at the dealer. It works fine, in CD Changer emulation. The only problem is that I can only see 6 playlists - or "CDs". I did a little work-around by arranging the playlists according to genre, and listening in "random" mode. Be sure to correct line level output on the iPod, and engage soundcheck. I also got new speakers and an amp. The only problem is now I hear how terrible the quality is of the average iTunes song.