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Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:41 pm
by rehmondo
Whilst test driving the Scirocco I was keen to test the MDI with my iPhone and old 40GB iPod (might as well make use of it), the demo had the standard radio that has the 6CD changer built into the unit not the glove box or arm rest - very handy.
Anyways much to my disappointment neither devices worked/showed up on the screen I messed about with the options but nothing, although I learnt you do need to activate the Aux in via the stereo, not already on!
I've been trying to find out more about this before I go back on Monday and I just read on a site what I assumed would be the case. You need an actual VW iPod cable to get it to work, according to the site the standard USB one that comes with it only supports flash memory sticks (I will try this on Monday), however on the site you can see what the iPod cable looks like and the fact that the USB can be removed (I tried with a lot of force but could not remove it)
Site here:
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f106dfb
For those of you who are thinking why not just use the AUX, well by using the MDI in theory you should be able to select your tunes from the steering or stereo console and the iPod can be hidden away!
PS I will take close up of the connections on Monday.
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:21 pm
by rehmondo
New pictures now available, I confirmed what the article said about the USB connector and indeed it worked fine with a USB Memory stick, once plugged in just select MEDIA-IN on the console, it automatically recognises all compatible files whether they’re in a folder or not, exact same thing happens when you push an SD Card in.
See more pics here...
http://flickr.com/photos/94745586@N00/s ... 178081494/
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:38 pm
by iroc
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:49 pm
by morrissey
Nice!
Shame on you Audi - for £150 I get to plug my ipod in with no track selection or display.
This walks all over what Audi have to offer
Nachsprung ohne Technik
(You can work that one out

)
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 7:52 pm
by rehmondo
Hey man, many thanks for those pics, so did the cable cost you? Or did the dealer give it free?
I got the Sat Nav option without the 6CD changer, it has the built in 30Gb hard drive, 10GB's which is used for the Sat Nav if you wish to copy the DVD onto the HDD. I might use my old iPod 40GB (2004 version) or might get one of those new 16GB nanos.
Can you confirm if it charges the ipod too? I was also hoping to use this cable to charge my iphone.
Many thanks again
PS Congrats on the new car, I can't wait for mine (due January).
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:00 pm
by Kev
Great pics. Thanks for that.
I might put my old nano in the car and treat myself to a new one. 1000 songs and a few choice playlists should be enough to while away the hours if the radio is rubbish.
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:03 pm
by iroc
rehmondo wrote:Hey man, many thanks for those pics, so did the cable cost you? Or did the dealer give it free?
I got the Sat Nav option without the 6CD changer, it has the built in 30Gb hard drive, 10GB's which is used for the Sat Nav if you wish to copy the DVD onto the HDD. I might use my old iPod 40GB (2004 version) or might get one of those new 16GB nanos.
Can you confirm if it charges the ipod too? I was also hoping to use this cable to charge my iphone.
Many thanks again
PS Congrats on the new car, I can't wait for mine (due January).
All Scirocco's get the lead as standard, and yes it does charge the ipod.
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:07 pm
by wigit
iroc excellant, looks very impressive and no doubt the touch screen aids things, we'll forgive you atomic kitten.....
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:23 pm
by iroc
andy wrote:iroc excellant, looks very impressive and no doubt the touch screen aids things, we'll forgive you atomic kitten.....
Yeah the touchscreen is brilliant. Don't tell everybody about atomic kitten.

Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 9:51 pm
by iroc
morrissey wrote:Nice!
Shame on you Audi - for £150 I get to plug my ipod in with no track selection or display.
This walks all over what Audi have to offer
Nachsprung ohne Technik
(You can work that one out

)
Noticed that the guys on the TT forum are not happy with the ipod kit.
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 10:16 am
by etotheip
Hey guys!
I can not get my USB connector to work in my car! Have tried with a number of devices i.e. usb stick, mp3 player
Does anybody else have any problems or know how to solve it?
Thanks in advance
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 11:25 am
by iroc
Go into setup and make sure the aux is set to activated.

Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 11:44 am
by etotheip
cheers will have a look

Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 12:06 am
by gossa
Plugged my little shuffle into the USB lead and was amazed that all the tracks came up on the screen, everying operated from the touch screen or steering wheel and it charges, sounds great too!
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 7:51 am
by alex
Is the iPod connector an optional extra if you already have opted for RCD510?
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 10:53 am
by squareeyes
palex wrote:Is the iPod connector an optional extra if you already have opted for RCD510?
I guess that it depends on the country you are in. UK models come with the Ipod cable and a USB cable. In Europe there appear to be more options available and this might be different.
Also, does anyone know if there is a list of what Ipods do and do not work with the adaptor.
So far Works that I have tried.
5.5 Gen
touch 1st gen
Does not work
3rd Gen
Iphone 3G
I was going to try and pick up a used IPOD to stick in the car as my old 3rd gen does not work however I need to make sure that I get one that is supported.
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 11:19 am
by cpjames
Thanks for this info guys.. I currently have a sony mp3 player which wont give this level of integration but this would certainly lead me to getting an ipod .. that integration is great :-)
Chris
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 11:59 am
by alex
I'm debating with myself whether to opt for the bluetooth phone thing or not (kinda ot), but I'm not 100% sure if it works... Would be kinda cool to have an iPhone both for calling and opening songs on the dash.
Atleast I'll opt for the ipod connector and buy an ipod touch... next best alternative to the satnav with the 30gb hdd..
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 12:23 pm
by danbailey77
From what i've heard the iphone doesn't wotk with the VW kit - has to have rSAP capability.
I've done some comparisons and would recommend that you use a portable hd instead of the Ipod. The sound quality is better, it works faster and remembers the folder you are in after you switch off the engine.
1. Sound quality - i know this was discussed in another thread but the ipod as far as i can tell is not a digital connection. The aux level changes the volume and if it was a digital connection it would have no effect. You also lose a lot of mid and warmth compared to a hd or flash drive connected.
2. Works faster, you can scan between folders/artists much quicker.
3. On the Ipod you have to start from the main menu after switching off. So if you have a lot of artists on it can take a while to find where you were.
Hope this helps. Please don't quote me on the ipod not being digital but from what i've tried it makes sense. Also the stereo can't read AAC files so must use the Ipod to play these and send sudio down an analog cable.
Re: Connecting an iPod/iPhone via MDI
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 12:34 pm
by iAmbu
So if I have my entire music collection in iTunes (some tracks imported from CD, some bought from iTunes Music Store), and I put these onto an external HD to connect to the 'roc, won't the purchased tracks be locked and un-playable?