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Some new aftermarket audio interface possibilities

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by castlecain, Dec 7, 2005.

  1. castlecain

    castlecain Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2005
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    Location:
    North Carolina
    Here is a little further information on what I have posted about
    several times. I as well as some others who have emailed me
    privately have expresses a desire to find a MUCH more affordable
    interface to the Toyota standard radio to hook up their XM radio.

    There are two alternatives, either a "dumb" interface which may
    be what is available on the 2006 Prius, a simple AUX in plug to
    enable us to use something like a Roady II or other Delphi or Sirius
    radios which will let us use the XM or Sirius display but have
    a clean audio (not modulated) signal into the Prius Radio.

    OR

    There are the currently availablebut expensive "smart" interfaces which for me
    are a little too pricey.

    This may be an alternative. Look at this XM Radio page:
    http://www.xmradio.com/xm_direct/aftermarket.jsp

    I just purchased this tuner, and am waiting for the announcement
    of their new UNIVERSAL RDS interface due 2006 first quarter
    which seems, from the announcement I posted on my other
    visits here, to be within the price range some of us would like to pay.
    The NEW interface (see my other posts...castlecain ID) seems to
    be an intelligent interface which may be programmed to "learn" your
    radio RDS programming and it would probably ship with a specific cable
    for each in dash radio. Don't know yet what the exact specifics
    are, or even if the device will be for oem radios for the Prius. But
    my feeling is the new interface will be manufactured as a universal
    solution, only requiring a specific cable and plug, therefore one unit
    fit's all, and the cost to manufacture will be less than what is now
    offered on the above web page.

    By the way, I took a risk, bought the XMD1000 from Crutchfield
    at 49.00 with a 50.00 rebate, set it back in the cabinet for future use, while I continue to use my Roady II with modulator. Who knows, maybe I made the
    right decision and will be able to interface it soon for around
    35 to 75 dollars.

    Rod