- In this report
- Overview
- Satellite radio
- HD Radio
- iPod & connectivity
- Car stereo upgrades
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May 2008
iPod & connectivity
Here are options for music storage and audio integration
Hard drives/USB ports
An increasingly common feature in aftermarket and factory audio systems is a built-in hard drive for music or photo storage. In new cars, it’s currently available in models from Cadillac, Chrysler, Ford, Infiniti, Lexus, and Mitsubishi.
A few aftermarket units are also available, including models from JVC and Pioneer. Both are bundled with navigation or audio-system upgrades and cost $1,000 to $2,200. Capacity varies, typically between 10 and 30 gigabytes.
Cadillac’s optional 40GB hard drive in the CTS can store thousands of songs but will not accept photos. The MyGig system, available in many Chrysler models, includes a 30GB hard drive for storing music and photos. With either, you can copy CDs from the factory-installed CD player or through a USB port or input jack.
Aftermarket and factory radios with USB ports are becoming more commonplace, allowing users to play music files transferred from their home computer or other device to an easily portable flash drive that connects to the port. Industry experts say to expect more systems with USB ports and other connectivity options both from carmakers and aftermarket suppliers in the future.
iPod and MP3 player integration
With the ongoing growth in portable audio systems, carmakers and aftermarket car-audio manufacturers continue to offer ways to integrate audio systems with iPods and MP3 players. Many offer input jacks allowing users to play a variety of devices through the car’s audio system.
Some, like Mercedes-Benz, have gone a step further and offered iPod docking stations mounted in glove boxes that not only provide power for the device but also enable the driver to use the car’s steering-wheel-mounted audio controls to operate them. Similar systems are available from BMW, Cadillac, and Scion.
Aftermarket units are also widely available with input jacks and with iPod compatibility. Alpine and Sony, for example, allow a user to operate an iPod using the system’s controls and display. Alpine also offers a docking system that allows viewing and operation of iPod menus through a separate display that mounts on the windshield with a suction cup.
You can also have a car-audio shop install an adapter kit that allows you to play and control an iPod through your current car radio, and sometimes even link it to steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, each typically costs about $100 to $200.
Bluetooth A2DP
Bluetooth technology is widely in use for making hands-free telephone calls, and you can expect to see, or listen to, more music using Bluetooth in the future. Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, or A2DP, enables a wireless connection between devices like an MP3 player and a car’s audio system. It’s available on a limited number of units now. Expect more in the future that will enable you to listen to your iPod or other device through your car system without a wired connection.
An increasingly common feature in aftermarket and factory audio systems is a built-in hard drive for music or photo storage. In new cars, it’s currently available in models from Cadillac, Chrysler, Ford, Infiniti, Lexus, and Mitsubishi.
A few aftermarket units are also available, including models from JVC and Pioneer. Both are bundled with navigation or audio-system upgrades and cost $1,000 to $2,200. Capacity varies, typically between 10 and 30 gigabytes.
Cadillac’s optional 40GB hard drive in the CTS can store thousands of songs but will not accept photos. The MyGig system, available in many Chrysler models, includes a 30GB hard drive for storing music and photos. With either, you can copy CDs from the factory-installed CD player or through a USB port or input jack.
Aftermarket and factory radios with USB ports are becoming more commonplace, allowing users to play music files transferred from their home computer or other device to an easily portable flash drive that connects to the port. Industry experts say to expect more systems with USB ports and other connectivity options both from carmakers and aftermarket suppliers in the future.
iPod and MP3 player integration
With the ongoing growth in portable audio systems, carmakers and aftermarket car-audio manufacturers continue to offer ways to integrate audio systems with iPods and MP3 players. Many offer input jacks allowing users to play a variety of devices through the car’s audio system.
Some, like Mercedes-Benz, have gone a step further and offered iPod docking stations mounted in glove boxes that not only provide power for the device but also enable the driver to use the car’s steering-wheel-mounted audio controls to operate them. Similar systems are available from BMW, Cadillac, and Scion.
Aftermarket units are also widely available with input jacks and with iPod compatibility. Alpine and Sony, for example, allow a user to operate an iPod using the system’s controls and display. Alpine also offers a docking system that allows viewing and operation of iPod menus through a separate display that mounts on the windshield with a suction cup.
You can also have a car-audio shop install an adapter kit that allows you to play and control an iPod through your current car radio, and sometimes even link it to steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, each typically costs about $100 to $200.
Bluetooth A2DP
Bluetooth technology is widely in use for making hands-free telephone calls, and you can expect to see, or listen to, more music using Bluetooth in the future. Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, or A2DP, enables a wireless connection between devices like an MP3 player and a car’s audio system. It’s available on a limited number of units now. Expect more in the future that will enable you to listen to your iPod or other device through your car system without a wired connection.
