Sony In Car Head Unit Control

[stuadam91]

I am looking to buy a new head unit and want to buy a Sony unit. I wanted to select one with an aux-input so I can connect the VP. Currently I use a Sony cassette adaptor, and although it works OK, the sound quality is not perfect. I did not want to get an FM transmitter as they are not really legal.

However, I have just discovered that Sony have introduced a special adapter to connect an NW-HD3 etc directly to the head unit and this apparently gives you full control of the Walkman. I assume it connects to the remote connector.

Two questions:

1. Has anyone experience of this adapter.
2. Does anyone think it might work with the VP? The remote connector is the same and the interface for the remote is very similar.

I would be grateful for the advice of those on the forum. Thanks!

[the_real_gazza]

Hi Stuart

I used to own an NW-HD1, and this used a different remote control conector to the VP. I tried to use the one from the HD1 on the VP, as it was a better unit but it did not work. I believe that the NW-HD3 uses the same architecture as the HD1, and therefore suspect that the head unit you saw will probably not be compatable with the VP.

[stix]

That's a shame... and a little bit naive on Sony's part.

More and more head units are providing Ipod support... if Sony really want to compete in this market they'd better come up with something soon.

I use an aux-input... works perfectly fine but you really need a passenger to choose the chunes.

[badde]

If you still plan to buy a new head unit, you can buy one from Sony that plays MP3 and ATRAC files.

Then you can create an ATRAC CD from within sonicstage and use it in your car (I put 350+ songs on one CD)

There's even a new head unit out that reads DVD's --> there you can create an MP3 or ATRAC DVD.

:smileygrin:

[stuadam91]

Hi Badde,

Thanks for the advice. I bought a head unit with ATRAC capability and it is really good. However, I have 2600 songs on the VP and did not want to burn lots of CD's. I keep a couple in the car when I don't have the VP with me.

The VP line out connected to the line in on the head unit sounds bloody brilliant - I would recommend it to anyone who wants music on the move!