While the USB cable that comes with the iPod works just fine, it’s not an automotive-rated device and isn’t designed to withstand the hot temperatures of a car interior.
We recommend your customer use our KCA-
iP100 iPod direct 1-wire cable. It’s inexpensiveand and it can take the heat.
In addition to the convenience, there are audio benefits to 1-wire iPod connection. Because the audio signal leaves the iPod as a digital signal, the D to A conversion takes place on the high quality D to A converters in the Kenwood head units as opposed to the D to A converter in the iPod. Most other manufacturers are still using the old analog serial bus cables which are not as fast and offer ho-hum sound quality.
Think Outside the Port
USB direct connect works on iPods and media devices but there are other benefits. The USB input is also a power source that can charge cell phones, Palm Pilots, Bluetooth headsets and can even work on in-car de- vices like mini coolers and portable fans (the limit is 500mV of current).
Enough with the One Liners
Kenwood is leading the pack with dis-
plays that are better in color, readability, and functionality. Many Ken- wood and eXcelon head units offer 3 or 4 lines of text that make it easier for customers to use. Our competitors are offering one and two lines of text, but when you think of all the stuff folks are using with their head units these days—cell phones, satellite radio, Bluetooth adaptors—two lines just ain’t enough.
Display and Amplifier On and Off Function
With the exception of the KDC-X991, all models KDC-MP338U or higher include an optional display off function that temporarily turns off the display when buttons are idle. Anytime the display senses idle time (not pushing a button), it turns off, but the lighting surrounding the radio stays on. This is a great feature at night when you don’t want the lights on but need to see the radio to operate it. As soon as you operate the radio, it lights back up!
Amplifier Shut off
Amplifier shut off is available on KDC-MP438U and higher and can be adjusted in the stand-by. If you are using the radio as a preamp head unit with amplifiers, it helps reduce noise and keeps the radio cooler because the internal amplifier is not on. If it’s not being used, why turn it on?
The KCA-iP200 cable is still available for customers with 2007 Kenwood head units. This inexpensive 2-wire cable enables high- speed iPod data at 12MB/bps and has a 30-pin cable that termi- nates at the receiver by USB and stereo mini.
Once connected, digital control, text from the files, etc., passes through USB; the audio passes through the analog (stereo mini) cable.
If a customer has an older iPod that can’t be controlled by our USB, they can purchase the KCA-iP500 that plugs into our 5L changer bus. If he or she wants to buy a unit that doesn’t have USB control like the KDC-MP338 or KDC-MP238, they’ll need the KCA-iP500 as well. This adapter is one of the smallest and easiest to connect on the market. It plugs into the changer port of Kenwood radios 2002 and newer. Our iPod adapter doesn’t require extra power and ground connections, so it’s easy to
install. (Note: the KCA-iP500 does not have a pass through for other 5L connected devices.)
External Media Control
With the exception of the KDC-MP208 and KDC-138, all 2008 Kenwood receivers have External Media Control for iPod connectivity with the KCA-iP500 iPod interface. The Kenwood receiver’s disc up and down button selects playlists; the Scan button changes the search mode, Play- list, Artist, Album, and Genre. In addition to iPod connectivity, External Media Control allows hook up of satellite and HD Radio. (Keep in mind that units with USB inputs offer superior iPod control.)
Our PC Is PC
Kenwood’s PC Editor (Music Editor) program is included in the KDC-X991 and Ken- wood models KDC-MP538U and higher. This year we’re doing something different and including the owner’s manuals on disc for models that have the
PC Editor disc. We figure the disc is already in the box, so why not save a tree or two?
Music Editor is an optional PC desktop program that allows you to search, manage and select music files from your PC, so no matter what you’re in the mood to hear, Kenwood makes it even
easier to find. Original desktop software, Kenwood Music Editor performs powerful search functions on USB mass storage devices or portables that can be configured as mass storage devices. Search for music files from your entire PC library; search by Genre, Artist, Album and Playlist. Kenwood Music Editor also includes Playlist Generation technology that ana- lyzes each song based on the tempo and categorizes them
into familiar genres like Pop, Rock, etc.
