Getting a Prius, need info about bluetooth and JBL

BlueConnect is an after market, or dealer installed, accessory. It is not a Toyota OEM option.

How to Get BlueConnect

You can find additional information at Auto Intelligence - BlueConnect

The Installation Instructions Video answers most of your questions.

It is not integrated into the radio; it does not mute the radio; and, if installed in the sunglasses cubby, it takes up all the available space there.

 

I don't know anything about the BlueConnect but I have the package #5 and use the bluetooth extensively. It's a great help and works great, too.

 

Welcome to PriusChat, bacardi151. The factory Bluetooth mutes the audio when the phone is active, and it lets you voice dial by number or by name (recorded by the car, not the dial-by-name you may record in the phone). It is also integrated with controls on the steering wheel to answer and end calls, as well as the navigation system: Look up a destination, perhaps a restaurant, press the screen Info button to see the address and phone number, press the phone number to call the restaurant.

Maybe you want to re-think BlueConnect...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bacardi151 @ Jun 23 2007, 01:50 PM) [snapback]466964[/snapback]</div>

1. I've never heard of Blue Connect before.
3. Yes, it mutes the stereo and the car rings.
4. The factory Bluetooth doesn't occupy any cubbies.

As for JBL vs. not, while I wouldn't call the JBL stereo deserving the "premium" moniker (I've heard much better stereos), it's definitely not terrible. I've heard the non-JBL stereo sucks though but haven't listened to one personally.

 

I heard California may in the future ban non-handsfree cellphone use in the car while driving.
If true, other states may also follow.

Blueconnect may eventually be a required "option" (!) if you choose not to get the factory Bluetooth.
I didn't intend to get Bluetooth, but now that I have it, it's the feature I use and appreciate the most.

The JBL sound system, on the other hand, is not a great bargain and can cause a lot of headaches
if you want to do upgrades. But because the Bluetooth is integrated into the JBL amp, you have to
get the JBL option if you want Bluetooth handsfree (I think).

The JBL system doesn't sound terrible. But for the premium I had to pay, I think it SUCKS. I'd rather
spend that money on aftermarket equipment of my own choosing to replace a non-JBL system. But
then I wouldn't have Bluetooth integration... Sigh...

I had a brief chance to listen to a non-JBL system in a friend's Prius, and I must admit it sounded very
tinny and harsh. I wondered if it was because of the equalization settings, the source, or something else...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Jun 24 2007, 05:14 AM) [snapback]467201[/snapback]</div>

It is already the law in the State of California, but it does not go into effect until July 1, 2008.

California Vehicle Code Section 23123

The OP, however, lives in Georgia.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Jun 24 2007, 08:14 AM) [snapback]467201[/snapback]</div>

CT and a number of other states have had laws like this for a while - it's blowing my mind since there have been a number of studies showing that hands-free doesn't make much of a difference. Cell vs. Non-Cell, however, does.

To the OP: The 2007 I rented had stock stereo and it was OK. It was capable of decent volume but sounded a bit muddy... but in my experience most do.

 

I've been looking into Blueconnect and found it now has an optional wiring harness for muting the radio.

I picked one up on ebay for $90, new in box although it was silver and not bisque. The blueconnect folks are sending out a correct color speaker trim for $9.00

grathke