iPod interface, maintain ipod controls, steering wheel controls, possible?

This is my ideal ipod/iphone setup, but I don't think DICE supports this. Just checking to see if anyone knows if there is a DICE alternative that supports this or if DICE supports this and I just can't find info on it.

I want to use the iPod/iPhone to select the song. Not the lockout mode where the stereo controls the ipod/iphone (basically making the ipod impossibly to easily use, why not just get a CD changer?). But I ALSO want to be able to use next and previous track on the steering wheel controls. This is in fact possible with the ipod dock connector, as http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Griffin+...&skuId=8673205 that can do it (I have that device right now). The question is is there any IBUS interface that basically just interfaces the next and previous steering wheel controls to the ipod?

I'm surprised if the DICE does not do that. I do this very thing with the Dension Gateway 300. Works perfectly. When powering off the radio or shutting off the car, it pauses the music play as well. On the iPhone I use an app called FluxTunes for more car-friendly controls. Work great!

the DICE unit is capable of that. there's a 'smart' mode on all the Silverline Pro kits that have that option.

Originally Posted by Orion329

the DICE unit is capable of that. there's a 'smart' mode on all the Silverline Pro kits that have that option.

So just to confirm, the iPod can still be used by its own controls, but the steering wheel next track commands are passed through still? What is displayed on the screen at that time?

Thanks for the info guys.

Gateway will display 'iPod UI' on the head unit

there are a number of modes for the DICE unit. there's one that will simply show a DICE logo on it, leaving you to only head unit/steering wheel controls. then there's also a mode that's devoid of head unit display or control. but if you get the "pro" version of the Silverline kit and put it into what i believe they call their 'smart' mode, it will show the normal iPod interface on the iPod, while still allowing you to see artist/track/album on the head unit and control next/previous with the steering wheel controls. i rarely use any of the browsing capabilities of the head unit (like going through artists, album, genre, etc.) because i have a full 80gb iPod worth of tunes, so having the iPod interface accessible is important to me, but i love being able to change tracks with the steering wheel.

hope that clears things up.

i'm surprised a sponsor hasn't jumped in here yet...

Originally Posted by Orion329

the DICE unit is capable of that. there's a 'smart' mode on all the Silverline Pro kits that have that option.

You're absolutely correct.

Originally Posted by thefrog1394

So just to confirm, the iPod can still be used by its own controls, but the steering wheel next track commands are passed through still? What is displayed on the screen at that time?

Thanks for the info guys.

Screen will still have song/artist/album info on display as if listening in normal "locked" mode.

Originally Posted by Orion329

there are a number of modes for the DICE unit. there's one that will simply show a DICE logo on it, leaving you to only head unit/steering wheel controls. then there's also a mode that's devoid of head unit display or control. but if you get the "pro" version of the Silverline kit and put it into what i believe they call their 'smart' mode, it will show the normal iPod interface on the iPod, while still allowing you to see artist/track/album on the head unit and control next/previous with the steering wheel controls. i rarely use any of the browsing capabilities of the head unit (like going through artists, album, genre, etc.) because i have a full 80gb iPod worth of tunes, so having the iPod interface accessible is important to me, but i love being able to change tracks with the steering wheel.

hope that clears things up.

i'm surprised a sponsor hasn't jumped in here yet...

Thats exactly what I want, thanks for clearing that up for me. I'm surprised they don't advertise this mode more or explain it. It seems like this is what most people want from an interface.

Just wondering though, is there a long indexing or processing or whatever period when you first plug in the ipod? I.e. from plugging in your ipod how long until you can start playing? Thanks!

Originally Posted by thefrog1394

Thats exactly what I want, thanks for clearing that up for me. I'm surprised they don't advertise this mode more or explain it. It seems like this is what most people want from an interface.

Just wondering though, is there a long indexing or processing or whatever period when you first plug in the ipod? I.e. from plugging in your ipod how long until you can start playing? Thanks!

It needs about 4-5 seconds to enable the "handshake" with the iPod, then you are well on your way.