The iPod And the Auto Sound System
Apple Computer, maker of the iPod, has a cultural phenomenon on their hands. The iPod is the single most popular personal music listening device on the market today. Its ability to store substantial amounts of music, coupled with its tiny size and ease of use, has made it a hit across all age groups. Not even PC giant Microsoft’s competing Zune has even put a dent into iPod sales. (“iPod With Your Auto Sound System? – Get To Know the Cool …”) “And the market for iPod accessories has grown along with its popularity.” (“August | 2010 | System Mechanic”)
“What does all this have to do with auto sound systems, you ask?” (“iPod With Your Auto Sound System? – Get To Know the Cool …”) Well, since the iPod is such a popular product, it was inevitable that auto sound system manufacturers would begin adding the ability to interface your head unit with your iPod. “It just makes too much sense, both from a business and a usability standpoint.” (“iPod With Your Auto Sound System? – Get To Know The Cool …”)
“There are a quite a few products aimed specifically at integrating the iPod with your vehicles sound system.” (“iPod With Your Auto Sound System? – Get To Know The Cool …”) Heading the pack are head units that allow the iPod to be plugged directly into the head unit face. “These types of units allow the user to control their iPod through the standard interface, often displaying all the meta-info that is included, such as song title, artist, album, length, bitrate, et cetera.” (“iPod With Your Auto Sound System? – Get To Know the Cool …”)
If your head unit already has a USB port, you are good to go as well. There are adapters to allow your iPod to function as any other USB music storage device while connected to your auto sound system. (“iPod With Your Auto Sound System? – Get To Know the Cool …”) Playback can either be controlled from the head unit itself, or through the iPod, depending on your specific system and the adapter used.
If your head unit does not have either of these ports, do not despair. Most aftermarket head units will have line level inputs on the back, or a jack for an external cd player input (this jack often looks just like a headphone jack) that can be used with a special cradle for your iPod to allow you to playback through your auto sound system. These types of systems require you to select the song you want on your iPod directly; they simply provide a line-level output of whatever you are playing now on the iPod. (“iPod With Your Auto Sound System? – Get To Know the Cool …”)
All the above systems can provide power to your iPod as well, both charging its internal batteries and keeping it running for as long as you care to listen. (“iPod With Your Auto Sound System? – Get To Know the Cool …”)
If you are shopping around for a new auto sound system, odds are you either own an iPod or have thought about getting one. (“iPod With Your Auto Sound System? – Get To Know the Cool …”) Keep an eye out for iPod interface features when looking for a new head unit. Even if you do not have an iPod now, it is better to be able to simply buy one and plug it in later than to have to replace your head unit or settle for a suboptimal way of managing your iPod playback control.
If you think there is any chance you will have an iPod in the future, you should seriously consider getting a head unit compatible with it now and save the hassle in the future. “When you get your iPod, you will have the ultimate in portable music playback system ready to go for your listening enjoyment.” (“cheap mp3 player review”)
Best Wishes, Coyalita
Behavioral Health Rehab Specialist
See Tomorrow: “The Reasons Why You Should Add A DVD Player to Your Auto Sound System”
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