jpohl402

If your Ipod plays Videos, I PRESUME the factory Comand screen can NOT support the Video feature - correct ?
Or can you play videos on a North American, Non-Euro Comand ??

Thanks

Cartronics

You can if you add the Video In Motion module to the COMAND. It allows 3 video inputs (one primarily for an optional backup camera).

jpohl402

info please...
products to buy, price, etc

Cartronics

You can see all the info at cartronics.com (we are a sponsor). It differs slightly per model and year of car, so there is a year and model selector under Mercedes.

jpohl402

what if car already has factory ipod dock & cable in glovebox, but you want text to show up on comand display (like on your website) ...does one have to purchase the $549 itronic audio kit as well ?

Cartronics

The factory iPod system is really just an Aux input. It suffers from poor signal to noise ratio and does not support the text information (or control) on the COMAND.
The only way to get that is to have the iTronic Audio. It works over the fiber optic network and displays the song info on the COMAND and allows control via the COMAND as well. Optionally you can also use the video portion of an ipod/iphone/ipad via the Apple Composite Video cable out to the VIM.

jpohl402

so one could use an apple video composite cable, plugged into comand to view videos, but no text correct? tell me a bit more about that....

but most importantly, if one wanted your itronic audio & also video in motion, they could just buy your replacement comand system & swap that out ?
no coding, programming, just plug her in - allowing for text ipod display on screen, bluetooth phone, new nav system, dvd player, ipod video player, backup cam, with factory look though slightly different correct ? lastly will it work with all factory satellite radio components (if car already has sat)...? again, basically plug & play? is ipod then controlled by same cord in glovebox? ...i see the sd card slot as well.... do you lose any functionality (ie. 6 disc changer)?
is she touch screen?

Cartronics

With the VIM, you can use any video source to display on the COMAND (including from the iPod video cable). It is independent of using the COMAND to control the device.

The replacement system can do all the things you mentioned, but the only thing it can not do is use fiber optic based satellite radio. We are working on that now. The iPod control is different cable (the factory one is not used).

jpohl402

is it touch screen & does the factory 6-disc still work ?


tell me more about your itronic audio, so you use the same factory ipod control in glovebox & just plug in module, not doing anything in star computer, then the playlist info stuff shows up on screen?

and you're saying with your video in motion, you can use the factory ipod connector in glovebox to display videos thru ipod, though you can not control through comand whatsoever?

so with replacement system, no sat available - though if i bought VIM & itronic (NO replacement comand) then the factory sat would continue working....

Cartronics

It is touch screen, and depending on car (we would prefer you call us for specific details, as this post will last a long time, and the specs are constantly changing) you retain your changer.

The iTronic Audio replaces the function of the changer and replaces it with iPod control(you don't actually remove the changer), nothing is done with the Star DAS at all. It can coexist with the factory ipod (which is not on the network at all, as it is only an AUX input device).

The factory Ipod system is virtually useless. You can do better to replace it with an Aux input, then just use the Apple Composite cable with the VIM and you would have audio and video on the COMAND, and have control on the ipod itself.
If you want to get control on the COMAND, you add the iTronic Audio.

The iTronic devices are all certified and none of them interfere with SAT, Teleaid, Amp, etc.

jpohl402

ok thanks for the info.
last question - if one buys the replacement unit, that is the ONLY cost (short of install) correct ?

Cartronics

That is correct

jpohl402

hey,
do you have any more photos of replacement unit ? detailed photos

also, if one buys the video in motion - can you play dvds on the single slot comand drive screen?
if you dont want the backup cam at all can someone get a discount?

Cartronics

We have a video scheduled for the replacement unit for the end of next week. Probably shoot some new photos too.

The Video In Motion should not be confused with the VideoKey (DVD Unlock) - Until 2010, most North American cars can not actually play and decode DVD video (the test is if you can actually see video while in park). To unlock it while in motion you need the VideoKey. The VIM does not have anything to do with the internal DVD drive, but allows EXTERNAL video input like backup camera, FLiR camera, iPod video, rear video input/output, video games, etc etc..

jpohl402

ahhh gotcha.....

so if your car (2005 e55) plays NO video whatsoever IN PARK, completely stock, with NAV and SAT radio - and your purchase VIM, you will not be able to play videos through the screen at all? And even if you got the unlock deal, you would need to hook up an EXTERNAL dvd drive to slip in a regular DVD?
IE no chance of ever using comand CD drive to play DVD movie UNLESS you purchase your replacement unit?

also, if one was to buy itronic audio - can you re-wire CARTRONICS ipod cord into glovebox, so you could leave the ipod in glovebox on the little stand they make on glovebox door? then glovebox can be locked, nobody touch ipod period, and you play songs/switch folders/etc on comand screen through itronic audio...? And if you buy the replacement unit, the same thing could be done ? (leave ipod in locked glovebox)....

GregMB

Watched the video demo of the iPod being controlled through the COMAND display.... Very nice! I would gladly give up my 6-disc changer connection for that iPod interface.

Any chance that you will eventually support "album art" on the COMAND display for the song that's playing...or the album flipper visualization when scrolling through artists or albums? That would be awesome.

Is the iPod "locked out" with this solution like the MB solution (where you only see the MB logo on the iPod and the scroll wheel no longer works) or is it possible to scroll through the menus and select songs that way also? My passengers sometimes enjoy playing DJ and it would be nice if they could just use the iPod interface they're familiar with (on the iPod) instead of having to mess around on the COMAND screen menus.

Sorry for the highjack, but some of these aftermarket iPod systems are just too cool!


-G

Cartronics

jpohl402 -No, I think you misunderstand. The VideoKEY DVD UNLOCK, will allow those cars that can play video in park, to do so also while moving. The unlock is not for cars that can NOT play a video while parked. It is for cars that CAN play a video while parked.
The VIM is a different product, and will allow you to play any video source you provide on ANY Comand (regardless of year) while moving or parked. You simply supply the source you want played on the screen.
Yes, the factory ipod cable can be changed to our cable. Although most drivers prefer it in the center armrest. The glovebox is a long way away, and in the way of the passenger.

GregMB - The audio in a Mercedes is not connected on the same system as the video... although it could be done with our VIM kit for displaying art (but not for selecting).

jpohl402

RE: video in motion....

thats what I meant, maybe I phrased it wrong... your explanation makes sense !!!

so basically if someone has a north american car that plays NO video in park - there is ZERO way (regardless of unlock-key) to use the comand dvd drive to watch a video (unless your replacement unit is purchased)....
so in order to watch movies on screen with your VIM you choose between ipod video or EXTERNAL dvd drive - thats it.

Cartronics

correct! Previous to current model MB, the North American cars do not have video decoding circuitry in the DVD drive. They will play sound, but no video, as the circuitry to decode it from the DVD does not even exist.