Customer Reviews

Soundgate TOYPD2 iPod Auxiliary Input Full Controller with Text for Toyota Vehicles 1998-Newer Models

5 star:		(3)
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Purchased and installed this unit in a 2004 Lexus IS300. The actual wiring connection (literally plugging in a Y-connector/harness) was a breeze compared to the work needed to access the rear of the stock radio.

Some thoughts:

1. Check to see if you need a special cable/harness for your specific car/head unit before buying this unit. In my case, I needed one.
2. This unit may or may not display text on your particular radio. Your unit must have a "Text" or "Title" button, or have existing mp3 text capabilities for that. For the 2004 IS300, it will display the "disc" and track number, but no text or ID3 tags, but I knew that when I bought it.
3. This unit is completely identical to the VAIS Technology Soundlinq SL2i-UP unit, but with outdated firmware (2008). It will not support Gen.5 playlist browsing, so if you have one of those more capable radios, you'll be limited (unless you can somehow obtain and install the latest VAIS firmware update).

Once you install this, you'll never go back to using your CD changer again. You've now basically got a 99-disc CD changer via your iPod, with faster speed and superb sound. iPod will turn on/off/charge with ACC/ignition key, and is connected to the head unit via an intelligent interface. Different drivers can swap in their own iPods, if desired. I noticed that the unit seems to work better with the flash-based iPods, rather than those older ones containing a mechanical HDD.

The TOYPD2 is a great value compared to the other popular integration units: GROM (too buggy, less capable interface, based on user reviews), and Soundlinq SL2i (identical unit, same great features plus more, and with current/future firmware support, but you'll pay around $250 or more).

This product works on my factory multi CD system. I don't have the JBL system though. Anyways I went to a Tacoma Forum to find directions on removing the stereo and then followed this products directions to mate it. Using the TEXT button I can see the play list name and the title of the song. If the song name is to long you wont see the whole name. My stereo see's my iPod as a CD.

The iPod input contoller was exactly what I needed. Arrived in plenty of time for gift giving and was new,in the original package.