I found a web site http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_s...html/dice.html
for a company that sells the DICE IPod adaptor. While they only list units for VW and Audi, they do have the owners manual for the unit available on line. It says (and I haven't seen this info elsewhere previously) that the DICE units will display both song title and artist info on the head units. I do not know if this is specific to the Audi or VW head units.

 

I also found the owners IPod integration manual on the DICE site:
http://support.diceelectronics.com/f...al_rev_a02.pdf

This is apparently a generic manual, so song titles and artist info should display on all supported cars (including the MINI).

 

I just got off of the phone with Dension, and was about to make a new thread, but I suppose this one will do!

The sales rep claimed that the BMW/MINI adaptor will be available 'late next week'. Let's hope!

I didn't think to ask about the head unit display.

-Paul!

 

What would be different from the IceLink+ Dension already sells? It will do HU display of ID3 tags on 05+ headunits.

 

DICE is different than Dennison's Ice Link or Ice Link Plus. While Dennison USA owns DICE, this is apparently a different product. I am not sure what the operational differences between the two are, but I do not think that the Ice Link Plus displays artist name on the head unit (only song title). Also, I think that the Ice Link Plus freezes the controls on the IPod itself, so it has to be operated by the vehicles' control. I think that with the DICE, you can operate your IPod either way. I haven't used either, so I am relying on other posts that I have read.

 

When I spoke with Dension last week the sales person told me that the integration with the ipod was better; more song information displayed, and the ipod controls were still usable.

The DICE unit is also cheaper then the regular icelink, so I don't fully understand why they are selling two competing products. Maybe they are phasing out the icelink?

 

Just talked to Dice and got on the waiting list. These will be $159.99 using the dock cable (around $220 with a cradle) and will be available in about two weeks. One of the pluses is that it adds an AUX port to the mix. All will require connection to the rear CD-changer connection in the MINI/BMW (no headunit installs). They have changed the electronics so that it is now compatible with more vehicles including GM, Ford, Toyota etc. However, the text display is only available on the MINI/BMW like the IceLink+.

 

Any word on DICE w/NAV and/or phone and tag display?

 

That's a bummer.

 

I've been calling every week on this and they have stated that it is fixed <holding breath>. However, the ship date keeps getting pushed out 1-2 weeks every time I call (past 2 months).

Thanks for the ground issue fix BTW Supergimp! Much better sound quality. Have you tried my work around fix for NAV and ice-link? It's working most of the time displaying tags on the H/U, yet leaving my NAV screen alone.

 

Yea, good hint about the work-around. I have MikeyTheMini's Bluetooth phone harness with MFSW phone integration, so that won't work for me.

I don't really mind. Displaying the ID3 tags isn't that important to me. I have my iPod mounted like this:



So I can see what's going on. Most of the time I leave it in iPod UI mode (I can still track fw/rev on MFSW). That way, I can watch videos (WHILE I'M PARKED!!).

I would upgrade to DICE if:

1. The input response time was quicker
2. The Text integration included navigation of the iPod, not just display
3. I could use Text, Phone, and NAV all seamlessly without the features stepping on each other

Otherwise, I'm happy with the iceLink for what it is, except for one thing. Sometimes, when I run for an extended time in iPod UI mode, I can't seem to get it to go back into Dension UI mode without unplugging the module from the Changer cable and plugging it back in. Sort of a drag.

 

Interesting. Looking forward to reading about successful installs of the DICE product to see how it compares in interface operability.

 

I had been on the waiting list, and they called me today so I put in an order. They said it should ship on Tuesday, but they will call me to confirm the order then.

So if all goes right, I assume that I'll have it by next weekend, and I'll be able to give everyone a report.

 

so you *have* to install it using the rear Cd changer port? That seems silly to me.. why can't you just plug it into the cd-changer input on the back of the HU? (I'd really rather not have to snake a wire all the way to the back of the car)

 

When I called they told me they were doing it for the same reason that the Dension units sold through Best Buy were all rear changer connections - labor involved in the installation. Apparently they consider both MINIs and BMWs somewhat labor intensive (read higher installation costs born by the average purchaser) if doing the installation behind the head unit. I don't know about BMWs but I didn't find the IceLink+ headunit installation in my wife's MCC all that difficult - but then again, I paid myself in beer

I have to use the rear changer connection to keep my Sirius enabled.

 

Hmm, methinks that they didn't research the MINI too well with respect to installs. I can get the MINI stereo out in approx. 5 minutes! (a bit more if you have an '05+)

Ah well though, it's not too big of a deal routing the wire from the back!

-Paul!

 

that seems like a lot of extra work! is there an easy way to run it concealed without having to remove the seats or any other major panels?

 

Well, depending how picky you are and how thick the wire ends up being, you can hide it pretty well without removing anything. You can go between the right back seat and the panel, then pull up the weather strip for the passenger door, and hide the wire there. After that, pull the carpet up in the back of the passengers footwell and place the wire there, then to wherever you want the plug for the iPod to be.

-Paul!

 

Ohh, almost forgot, I called today and they have them in stock! My order is in, and they said that it will ship today. Expect a report hopefully soon!

-Paul!

 

Keep us posted! :-)

I'm using the ice>Link: Plus with my Nano; I keep it in the mode that allows me to use the iPod controls, but at the expense of not seeing the track and artist on the head unit. I prefer being able to quickly switch to a particular playlist, artist, album or track; the ice>Link's just too darn slow. Unfortunately, I find that the iPod doesn't always recognize that it's connected to the ice>Link; so it won't start/stop playing when it should. Usually some combination of toggling head unit power, unplugging and replugging the dock connector, or resetting the iPod seems to work. The Neo Ion (sp?) seems to integrate a little better that way, but not so much better that I'm willing to spend actual money on a diff't sol'n.

 

I also ordered one last week, and got shipment notification/tracking number today. I'll definitely be posting about how it goes once I get it installed.

 

I got my call today too. Hope it works as well as advertised.

 

DICE press release says that their interface is now shipping (as of May 9) for several models, with others (including BMW) to ship by the end of the month.

http://sev.prnewswire.com/auto/20060...9052006-1.html

 

I also got a call today from Dension/Dice and a tracking number. Since I have to integrate this with OEM Sirius I hope it works as well as the IceLink+ in that configuration, and its $40 cheaper.

The iCruze ended up being a bust (for me) because of really bad background hiss and feedback. Too bad though because the display was pretty cool.

 

FedEx says that my DICE adapter was delivered this afternoon! After I get home from work I'll set it up and see how it works.