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What do I need to play MP3s to the car radio? My son had to get an FM tuner for his iRiver MP3 player so wondered if I need something similar?
That is, of course, when I get my new PDA and card to store my music on!
FM transmitter is the easiest option, you should be able to pick one up at most any electronics store.. get something with a digital tuner, analog will drive you nuts
If you have AUX our or a tape deck I would recommend those options as an FM transmitter is easy to use, but is very unstable and the sound quality isn't the greatest...
I had a new stereo installed that had a front AUX input, so I can easily plug in my iPod, smartphone or iPaq and listen to music, watch a movie or listen to an audiobook while driving. I think it can take CD's too...LOL
Of course, just about a 2 months after I did this, my old car died, and I had to buy a new car, but I bought a new car with the AUX input already in the stereo system.
This provides absolutely the best sound quality of any input method by far, but is also considerably more expensive than an FM transmitter or a cassette adapter.
What do I need to play MP3s to the car radio? My son had to get an FM tuner for his iRiver MP3 player so wondered if I need something similar?
That is, of course, when I get my new PDA and card to store my music on!
Thanks,
skinc
Hello, skinc;
If your car has a cassette player, the cassette adapter is the most consistent sound from your PDA, for $20. If you only have a CD player/changer, you are limited to the FM transmitter, for about $50. You will have some noise and drift, but you'll have acceptable sound. Last option is the dock specific to your vehicle for $300-400 installed that works with your car system seamlessly. Or-buy a new car with a sound system accepts MP3 players/PDA, $28,500.. Buy a BIG SD card with your new PDA regardless of direction!
Ted
Apparently the person above has more money than time or experience.
The cassettte adapter is the second most consistent (after Aux jack) A decent digital FM tuner transmitter (4 frequencies) starts at $19 to $25. The tunable ones are $35-$40(Wal-mart, Ebay, all over) I just bought a new car stereo with a standard outboard aux (ipod in their terms) jack that can be mounted anywhere for $148 that also plays mp3, wma, etc... with this option, your huge card can be filled with games and videos as you can carry 10-20 cds per CD-R. And new cars with these options start around $12,00 to 16,000. $28,500 would buy much nicer car but not much better PDA input.
You need to tell us what kind of available inputs you have on your car stereo. Is it tape, CD or an AUX. If you have a AUX you are laughing. Tape as the other guys have said is next best and with CD you need an FM transmitter. I have a SAAB and some guy has actually written a guide (if you are ok with electronics) to add a AUX input to the factory fit stereo (Clarion) by opening up the box and wiring it in yourself. Or as stated you can replace the existing head unit with a new one if you have the money to burn?
__________________ If you think training is expensive,
look at the cost of ignorance!
Hi everyone,
Thanks for all the replies.
I don't have any inputs in my car radio. It has a CD player and no cassette player so my guess is that I need to get an FM transmitter. I didn't know there were different kinds as regards to channels, digital vs analog so thanks for educating me!
Cheers,
skinc
Just be aware Skinc that an FM transmitter will not give a great sound and can get interference from nearby radio stations to the frequency you use especially if you live in a city where the FM band is congested. Also if you are travelling over large distances you can get into the situation where you move into an area where a radio station is on the same or very close to the frequency on your transmitter and you have to change it and the car radio to match. One other thing, depending on where you live in the world a FM transmitter is technically illegal, as is the case here in the UK (though if it came to a court I think it would be thrown out), just something to bear in mind. I know we live in a wireless world, but trust me in this situation a wired solution would give you the best sound quality and reliability.
__________________ If you think training is expensive,
look at the cost of ignorance!
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