iPod & USB Devices
iPod integration and USB Devices
Universal serial bus (USB) drives are about the size of a keychain and cost as little as $20 at our store store. Just pop them into your PC and copy your mp3's to them to store digital music files.-- making them a great alternative to stacks of CDs
Thumb drives are "fast, inexpensive and much more portable," says Keith Lehmann, vice president of consumer electronics maker Kenwood.
Since thumb drives can store all kinds of files, they could eventually bring photos or video to car stereos. JVC and Blaupunkt's upcoming models will be capable of posting a video image on the stereo's display screen.
iPod Integration
There are several different ways to connect your iPod to your car stereo: iPod adapters, auxiliary input adapters, FM modulators, and cassette adapters. Each solution offers a different level of sound quality, along with different requirements for making the audio connections.
iPod adapters
You'll find two types of adapters that are designed specifically for connecting your iPod to your car stereo: factory stereo adapters and brand-name stereo adapters. The former type connects your iPod to the stereo that came with your car (Stock Radio), while the latter connects your iPod to a brand-name (or aftermarket) stereo. Either type provides a direct audio connection for the best possible sound quality.
Auxiliary inputs
Auxiliary inputs are typically found only on brand-name car radios. However, adapters are available that can convert the CD changer port on the back of a factory or brand-name stereo into an auxiliary input (check your manual or call a Sales Advisor to see if you need an adapter for your stereo).
FM modulators
If your factory or brand-name stereo doesn't have changer controls, an auxiliary input, or an available adapter, you can listen to your iPod with an FM modulator (also sometimes called an RF, or radio frequency, modulator). A wireless FM modulator transmits the source signal to your receiver over a standard FM frequency, which you can then tune to on your stereo. A wired FM modulator offers slightly better performance, since it plugs into the stereo's antenna input.
Wireless FM modulators
Wireless FM modulators make it even easier to listen to your iPod, allowing you to make connections without removing your receiver or running extra wires. The trade-off, however, is in sound quality. While wireless modulators are convenient, they are susceptible at times to outside interference and static. Installation is easy — just connect the modulator to your source and plug in its cigarette lighter power adapter. Some iPod accessories even combine a wireless FM modulator, a power adapter, and a mount for your iPod.
Cassette adapters
While they're not as common as they once were, wired cassette adapters are still a convenient way to connect your iPod to a cassette-based audio system. In fact, it's a great way to connect an iPod to a rented or leased car, since you don't need to remove the receiver or disturb the installation in any way. A cassette adapter, however, is a less than perfect solution for a permanent installation because it doesn't provide power for your source, won't sound as clear as a direct-wired connection, and clutters your dash with unsightly wires.
With that in mind, connecting a cassette adapter is a relatively simple installation. The cassette unit loads into your receiver and trails a cord with a 1/8" mini-jack plug on the end. Just connect it to your iPod, plug it into the adapter, power it up, and go. Once again, though, we suggest investing in a cigarette lighter power adapter to keep your iPod charged up while you're on the road.
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