No Standard IPOD Interface ?

[stream]

Originally Posted by Zebedee

The dealer said it was a Toyota part, he said they use it on the Camry too. On the work order it says the part # is PT545-00082. You can search PriusChat and find several references to it or Google for many more.

Interesting.

I'm wondering what the difference between that product and the interface coming in September will be. Perhaps only the ability to have both iPod & SAT, and also a USB connection.

Prius Team, can you shed any light on this?

[925PriusGuy]

I am finalizing my 2010 V order and my dealer knows nothing about the USB-Ipod issue. I'm not sure I understand what the cuttover date would be for ordering to insure that my Prius comes with the USB feature (order in September or order for a September build-not sure how long the lead time is)... any ideas?

[Teknolust]

Originally Posted by wave_slider

I understand that the Bluetooth connection doesn't sound quite the same as a direct connection via cable. I really don't see how the sound quality could come close to a direct link.

This is a common misconception I suspect caused by the horrid FM transmitter solutions that preceded this technology. Keep in mind that Bluetooth was designed as a wireless replacement for USB connections and was done so with connection quality, range, and security in mind. The sound quality using A2DP is nothing short of fantastic, definitely don't knock it until you have tried it out.

By comparison, FM transmitters would convert your source audio to analog and then transmit it over the already crowded FM airwaves using a very low powered transmitter. Bluetooth A2DP is designed to transfer a uni-directional 2-channel stereo audio stream to the stereo with support for the common native digital formats such as MP3, M4A, AAC, etc. This allows for the stereo to manage the decoding of the file and play at its native encoded quality. The resulting quality is fantastic and you don't have a noticeable degradation in quality like you had with FM transmitters. In addition most A2DP devices have a range of 10 meters (30 feet), which greatly exceeds what would be required for a good signal inside a vehicle.

Say for example you were to download an album from iTunes (current iTunes Plus quality is AAC 256K). If you were to burn it to a CD and play it via the stereo versus uploading it to your iPhone/iPod Touch and streaming it over A2DP you really wouldn't be able to tell the difference in quality, especially so on a car stereo.

Obviously not everyone has an iPhone, iPod Touch, or A2DP supported phone, but if you do its a great option worth considering. I personally think it will fill the gap nicely until a USB connect option is available come September.

[AirKuhl]

I can second the above post. I re-bonded my iPhone 3G after updating to 3.0 and can confirm that the audio quality is basically equivalent to using the aux plug. BT will buffer the signal to smooth over any potential glitches, so you'll notice a second or 2 delay when starting or stopping a song via the iPhone controls.

Just picture the Prius as a big set of headphones with a little next track/volume/pause button. It's no more or less than that. Calls work perfectly over the BT connection, the music just pauses, then comes back after you hang up.

It's nice to automatically have the phone, music and car bond without ever removing the phone from your pocket. Only downside is no charging and having to use the iPhone controls to see song titles or change playlists.

[Teknolust]

Originally Posted by AirKuhl

t's nice to automatically have the phone, music and car bond without ever removing the phone from your pocket. Only downside is no charging and having to use the iPhone controls to see song titles or change playlists.

Agreed. I hope that manufacturers continue this trend and build in support for AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile). This would allow for full remote control from the stereo such as navigation and selection of content. *Hint hint Toyota*

[darkleafar]

Originally Posted by stream

Interesting.

I'm wondering what the difference between that product and the interface coming in September will be. Perhaps only the ability to have both iPod & SAT, and also a USB connection.

Prius Team, can you shed any light on this?

I second his request to shed some light on this. I am a prospective buyer and I am wondering whether I should wait till September to buy my Prius? I really want, and I would dare say NEED the I POD interface, but I also want to subscribe to the XM because of the traffic updates. Please Prius team, do comment on this.

[Therand]

Originally Posted by Zebedee

I have a Prius V with the nav package. I just had the Toyota iPod interface installed by my dealer. I like it a lot - the iPod connector is in the glove compartment, and the nav touch screen and steering wheel audio controls provide full control of the iPod. The UI could use some design work, it's basically the Satellite radio user interface reused for the iPod. But you can do everything - browse playlists, albums, artists, songs, etc. Jump tracks forward/back. Current song is displayed. No need to ever touch the iPod.

Does it auto-pause the current song/playlist when you power off the car? I have a long commute and like to listen to audiobooks. I currently use an aux jack in my Highlander but if I forget to pause, I end up wanting to tear my hair out.

So for me, auto-pause would be worth every penny. I've been considering getting the IPod connector for my Prius but I want to make sure before I spend the money.

[Danny]

Here is a link to the only iPod integration solution that I know of right now:

PriusChat Shop : 2010 Toyota Prius OEM iPod Interface Integration Kit [PT545-00082] - $209.99

It does NOT work with the navigation systems to the best of my knowledge, so I too am interested in hearing the product number of the item Zebedee had installed.

[Therand]

Originally Posted by Danny

It does NOT work with the navigation systems to the best of my knowledge, so I too am interested in hearing the product number of the item Zebedee had installed.

I'm seeing some places saying it and XM are mutually exclusive.
Since I don't listen to XM, I'm not worried about losing it.

It would be nice to know for certain if it works.

[wvgasguy]

Originally Posted by Therand

I'm seeing some places saying it and XM are mutually exclusive.
Since I don't listen to XM, I'm not worried about losing it.

It would be nice to know for certain if it works.

Since the XM tuner is now standard with the JBL I can't imagine it interferring with any of the other options. If you don't want XM just don't subscribe. (If these tuners really do cost $300+ like last year then it looks to me like a lot of money is wasted by installing them in cars where noone wants it. Looks like designing with a plug in tuner for free for those that want XM would have been cheaper)