iPod, DAB, TV and HiFi speakers - initial thoughts

[Roma]

I've played about with the DAB and TV in my factory JCW and I find myself using the DAB quite a bit (there are a couple of radio stations that I listen to that are on DAB and not on FM which was one of the reasons that I specced DAB). The sound quality of the DAB is quite good considering its very low bitrate. For example, JazzFM sounds very good but I think that the HiFi speakers make the sound better than it otherwise would be. If you're parked next to tall structures then the DAB signal is too weak so you get a 'No Signal' message. 7/10 for the DAB Radio.

The TV function is a bit of a waste of money. You need to be out in the open and in a very good signal area to receive anything. It's basically Freeview and is suppsosed pick up terrestial analogue but I haven't been able to achieve this. It was quite strange watching BBC News 24 in the car! I probably wouldn't spec the TV again though. Very few channels can be captured during the Autoscan. It's more of a gimmick than something useful. I suppose it could be used to pass the time away if you're waiting for someone. The picture is switched off when you're driving but you do hear the sound. 3/10 for the TV Function.

The iPod function is great! My 120GB new Classic iPod worked first time and I was playing a playlist within seconds. The sound is great. I purposely didn't spec the CD-changer as I knew I was going to be using my iPod as the main music source. 9/10 for the USB-cable iPod integration.

The HiFi speakers are a definite improvement over the standard speakers. They produce a very clear sound with a reasonable dynamic range. There is some decent bass (in terms of accuracy rather than the wooly, muddy, mushy bass that is the norm!) and the overall sound is delivered with an impressive soundstage considering the cabin environment of a MINI. Whilst the HiFi speakers are not as good as the sound systems in some of my recent cars, they are very good value for the price. 7/10 for the HiFi Speakers.

[dja771]

I don't really get the point of a TV in the car...If I want to watch TV I will use my large screen TFT in the house.

[humph]

Ipod connection is great if you have the sat nav specced as the interface is much easier.

But what the hell. Why does it take so long to load up CD2(Artists)?

Why can it only handle 255 Atrists? Mine currently runs out at T!!!

Why oh why does it not allow you to drill down into the file system as far as album. If like me you save your library as itunes suggests (Artist-Album-Track) then you can only drill down on the interface as far as Artist. Once in there you can choose a track, but not an album. Not everyone wants playlists

The ipod connection is great and I wouldn't be without it, but the software is poor if it can't deal with the issues above. Come on MINI this is a £375 piece of kit.

[Troy]

That's why you should have specced the full bluetooth with USB audio!! It's a hell of a lot better.

[Tobes]

TV is dreadful Had it on my last Cooper s Waste of time

Only once was when stuck in traffic jam was picture good enough to watch

[humph]

Quote: Originally Posted by Troy (original)

That's why you should have specced the full bluetooth with USB audio!! It's a hell of a lot better.

Don't get a lot of choice when you don't buy a new car, and why would you when you can buy a 6 month old one for 8k less. I turned one with Bluetooth fitted down as it didn't have the sat nav. I really like the sat nav audio interface, operation via the joystick and the screen is far easier than the really fiddly standard stereo. My interface was one fo the things thrown in free with the deal so generally I'm happy, if a little frustrated by the software