Stereo & Electronics - Which iPod install??

Hi Everyone

I'm looking to see if anyone one here has used the Harman Kardon Drive+Play iPod control system in their F-body. I like the idea of having the text display that shows what is currently playing, and It also gives you more control over the iPod than the USA Spec IPOD Interface.

So besides the point that this kit doesn't include the right connectors to go from RCA to the back of the factory head unit, has anyone used it or seen it?? All opinions welcome, I'm curious to see what everyone else has done.

some information:
2001 Firebird, Factory head unit, and I'm looking to hardwire this thing, no FM for me...
Thanks!!

http://www.installer.com/ipod/

here are a few options

I 2nd installer.com. Great stuff on that site. Got my ipod adapter from them, good people.

the drive+play does come with RCA outputs, you do not need to use the FM mod. You will need to get an adapter to convert your cd-changer port on the factory deck to rca outputs. Peripheral, PAC, and others make them I believe.

mike

Thanks Mike, I figured that there was some sort of adapter out there, just wasn't 100% sure.

Does anybody have any opinions about the drive+play? (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Rvl2k7sSAiC/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?wm=fp&I=108DP1US) Is it too tacky? Has anyone ever seen one of these things in person?? Is it the greatest thing since sliced bread for the iPod? I'm going to end up getting something in the next month, but I'm torn between that and the USA Spec IPOD Interface (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Rvl2k7sSAiC/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=227450&I=581PA11G45).

Thanks in advance!

i have the harman kardon drive and play in my 99 camaro and i like it. it works good and allows me to choose songs with ease. if you wanted to see it in person go to circuit city and they have it set up so u can play with it. be sure to bring ur ipod with you. as for mine i put the brain in the glove compartment the ipod is in the center console the screen is right above the middle ac vent and the controller is where the ash tray used to be. it opens and closes with it. ill try n get some pics but i would definitely reccomend it.

I would get it, but its fm so you have to change radio stations all the time to get away from all the static and the sound isnt that great.

it's not just FM, it has regular RCA outputs as well. If you have a head unit that can take an aux input, or can convert your changer port to aux input, the drive+play can hook right into it, no FM needed. That's how I have mine setup.

Hmmm......Now this is alot different. I heard that it can only be transmitted through FM, but now the tables have turned. Is it really easy to use? Is it easier than picking up your IPOD and changing the song manually? Any information on it would be greatly appreciated.

well, I own 1, about to own 2. The first one, I installed my self, using the supplied 1/8" output to RCA cable adapter, and ran it into the aux input of my Blaupunkt radio. I can assure you with 100% accuracy that you are not locked into the FM tranmitter.

I have a 2nd D+P on the way that I'm installing in another car of mine.

Yes, it is much easier to control the d+p instead of the ipod. With the ipod, you need to reach down and grap it, and look down at the screen to make your selections. With the d+p, you can mount the screen up high, removing the need to have your eyes very far off the road. The controller is also very easy to use by feel without looking at it.

the unit does include a built in wireless FM transmitter that is less then stellar, but for those who must use FM, they offer an add-on wired fm transmitter that gives much better results, but the best is using the included wired audio output that can be run into your aux inputs.