Dension iceLink Plus iPod Car Integration Kit for Cars with Select Sony Head Units (UniLink)

by Dension

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 6.5 x 3.5 inches ; 0.3 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009PU93E
• Item model number: I20-Sony
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Dension's iceLink Plus lets you play your favorite Apple iPod music and playlists through your existing car entertainment system's CD changer port. This kit's cable set is designed for compatibility with select Sony car stereos that support external CD changers via UniLink.

When connected to the iceLink Plus, your car's system will view the iPod like it would a CD changer. CD-like iPod controls available through iceLink Plus include: start and stop commands when you select/deselect your system's CD Changer source, traditional Next/Back, FF/REW, and random/repeat/scan (if your head unit supports this). The iceLink Plus re-interprets the radio controls from your vehicle to the iPod to emulate a fully loaded CD changer. You'll even get direct access to the iPod's first 5 playlists via your system's disc-select controls.

Menu options for advanced features and settings include Playlist browser, AlbumPlay, languages, iPod battery charging mode, and more. Use your radio/head unit or the iPod itself to navigate among playlists, albums, and songs and maintain ready access to the iPod's easy-to-use interface. Read the song title and artist information right from your radio. The same information is also displayed on the iPod, so if your radio doesn't support text display, you can always just look at the iPod.

Your system's CD changer port will also provide all the power your iPod needs, so you'll no longer need a cassette adapter, a cigarette-lighter charger, or a bulky, quality-sapping FM transmitter. The iceLink Plus offers 3 different menu-selectable charging modes, which can be selected in a menu: charge always when iPod is on, charge for 2 hours maximum after the ignition is turned off, no charging, and charge whenever ignition is on.

If you get a new car, you may need a new iceLink cable set, but the basic hardware will be perfectly compatible. To check compatibility for another car's head unit, please visit www.dension.com/icelink_comp.htm.

What's in the Box
Docking cradle, docking cable, a Mini iPod insert for the docking cradle, a Mini cradle, a user's manual, and warranty information.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Ice Link for Sony, August 28, 2005

By 

J. Lacey (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dension iceLink Plus iPod Car Integration Kit for Cars with Select Sony Head Units (UniLink) (Electronics)

This is a cool product and *almost* ideal... but the model for Sony head units does NOT support CD-text input, which is one of the big features! I wound up returning mine. Otherwise worked well and was easy to install. But I would recommend waiting for refinement and more options.

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy Install (for DIYers) GREAT Sound..., March 28, 2006

By 

KC Nettles (Boston) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dension iceLink Plus iPod Car Integration Kit for Cars with Select Sony Head Units (UniLink) (Electronics)

I purchased the Ice>link plus for my '03 MINI Cooper.

There are two ways it can be connected(different hardware for each option): Directly to the back of the head unit (needs to be purchased directly from Dension) and into the plug intended for the factory optional CD Changer which is behind the right rear access panel in the boot. The first method requires removing the console pillars and the head unit but the wiring is compact and only needs to be run a short distance. The connection in place of the CD Changer is easier but requires you to hide the wire from front to back. I got the CD Changer connection and had it connected (without hiding the cable) in three minutes. I used it this way until the weekend when I had time to run the cable behind the right rear panel, under the sill and into the glove compartment.

I can control things from the multi-function-steering wheel but I don't have the ID3 tags showing on my radio screen. I gather from the Northamericanmotoring site this is because enabling text doesn't work with pre-'05 head units.

I'm very happy with the Ice>link as none of the "FM" iPod devices would consistently work and the sound from them when they did was awful. The sound is a good as playing cd's directly on the stereo.

1.0 out of 5 stars Beware of Product Claims, November 29, 2005

By 

OzMan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dension iceLink Plus iPod Car Integration Kit for Cars with Select Sony Head Units (UniLink) (Electronics)

As per the previous comment, the unit DOES NOT provide track information on the Sony head unit. I purchased it because the marketing material said it would show ID3 tags on units that had this. Well my Sony unit has this feature and it did not show anything but erroneous track information. Dension support admitted this is the case. I also could not get the head unit to advance, start and stop the iPod - which may be a fault in my particular unit. So if you are looking to use your Sony head unit rather than the iPod for navigating tracks, you will have to look elsewhere. Not much value for money in my opinion and I am returning mine too.