Zune - In-car control???

[spoonraker 10+ year member]

Are there any head units that can control Zunes? Not just aux input headphone jack pass through, but actually interface with the Zune? I know this can be done on iPods, but I think Zunes are the better player, but car control is an important feature for me.

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[DBfan187 5,000+ posts]

I think just the new Ford stock HU's.

 

[spoonraker 10+ year member]

I'm talking aftermarket here. This will be going into a 2001 honda civic.

Anyway, even if there are currently no head units that will control a Zune, is there any way at all to stream music from a Zune to your stereo without just using the headphone connector? The quality on that is terrible compared to a real data connection.

 

[mikey7182 10+ year member]

The newer Pioneers with Direct USB Control should be able to do it. There is a USB control add-on for some of the Alpines too, but it's like an extra hundred bucks or so. Pioneer's site says:

"...USB 2.0's speed and capability allow an elevated iPod® experience in the car, and nearly limitless expandability for portable media players and USB memory devices."

"...Not every USB device is compatible. Compatible with MSC (Mass Storage Class) and USB memory device only. Not compatible with DRM (Digital Rights Management) contents and MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) connection players. Unauthorized copying of music is strictly prohibited."

So if the Zune falls under that category, you should be fine. The Alpines seem a little more straightforward but you have to buy the external converter that plugs into the AI-Net cable:

"...Add the KCA-620M for USB playback of all your USB devices. Connect and control your USB MP3 player right from the head unit. The song information will show on-screen."

Any HU that the KCA-620M is compatible with, sounds like it will work for you.

 

[fishinfool88]

The zune is not plays for sure compatible, and doesn't show as a mass storage device. I know this can be hacked, but it's only a software hack for the computer. I believe someone is working on a firmware hack for this, but it's best to check the one of the zune forums. Hopefully, Microgay, will correct this and allow us the functionality that the apple dweebs have.

 

[spoonraker 10+ year member]

That's unfortunate, because by most accounts, the Zune is the better MP3 player.

I had already made up my mind to buy one, but then I realized that I hadn't considered car control, which is a huge part of my decision, and right now it's forcing the iPod into the lead.

 

[BassAddictJ 5,000+ posts]

i love my zune. i just have it going into my stock HU's aux in and im content.

 

[spoonraker 10+ year member]

Is there a way to actually make a headphone jack aux input sound good? I've heard a few of my friend's hook their iPods up to their stereo this way and it sounds like crap.

 

[casper97ta 10+ year member]

I use the aux input on my Clarion eq to run my Zune and it sounds excellent. My buddy does the same with his Ipod and it also sounds great. The zune put the ipod to shame. The new pioneers also have a headphone/aux jack right on the face.