Griffin SmartDeck = AWESOME!

[yem_icculus]

Is anyone else as psyched as I am about this new tape adapter? It lets you use your stereo's controls to skip and pause songs on the iPod. Sure, it's basic control, but it's control nonetheless. I was holding off on buying a tape adapter for some strange reason, and now I know why. And only $24.99! Jeez, I'm making this sound like an ad for the darn thing. It's just too cool to pass up, though. Props to Griffin for coming up with this.

-yem

http://www.griffintechnology.com/images/products/prod_image_deck.jpg

[bhb399mm]

that is really cool... how the heck does that work... i can see how easially the plug hooks up to the ipod remote jack but how does the tape deck communicate w/ the ipod? which buttons are used to play/pause/skip?

[K1W1]

Originally posted by bhb399mm
that is really cool... how the heck does that work... i can see how easially the plug hooks up to the ipod remote jack but how does the tape deck communicate w/ the ipod? which buttons are used to play/pause/skip?

Have you checked Griffin's web site? It's all explained there.
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/smartdeck/
Personally I won't be buying one of these because it only connects via the audio out. Sound quality is way, way better using the line out socket on the bottom, and I can charge my iPod at the same time.

[bhb399mm]

i wouldnt ever buy one either... im just curious how they got a tape player to control remote functions. will look at the site. thanks

[Kosh]

Ooooh, now THAT looks like it'd be very cool!

[jngrossmann]

Yeah, I might get one; the iTrip just doesn't cut it a lot of the time.

[Galley]

That's cool, but I haven't had a tape deck in my car since 1989.

[bhb399mm]

Originally posted by Galley
That's cool, but I haven't had a tape deck in my car since 1989.

lol so true... can you even buy a retail tape these days?

[TheDoctor]

That is the sort of thing that will make me buy a product.

I have stereo controls on my steering wheel, so now I will be able to control my iPod, just a shame I won't be able to see the track listing in the car display.

[DVDerek]

Originally posted by K1W1
Have you checked Griffin's web site? It's all explained there.
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/smartdeck/
Personally I won't be buying one of these because it only connects via the audio out. Sound quality is way, way better using the line out socket on the bottom, and I can charge my iPod at the same time.

Umm, if you were that concerned with audio quality, why the hell would you be listening to your iPod through a cassette adaptor. I would venture that using the headphone jack or using the line out doesn't make much of a difference when you're talking about a cassette adaptor. Using the lineout jack for a tape adapter wouldbe like using monster cables to hook up your 2-head VCR to you 13" black and white TV.

Anyway, when is iPod Lounge going to review this thing? What I'm wondering is when I press fast forward, do I still have to deal with the car tape deck trying to fast forward (and then making the FF noise). That would get real old.

[Anachronism]

The site does not really explain how it works but it must simply determine what button you are pushing by how fast/what direction the reel in the tape is turning, then send the signal to the iPod through the remote port.

I use a cassette adapter in my car now and there is a noticable difference between the line out and the headphone jack. It looks like a great product, but unless they make one that uses the dock connecter I won't be getting one.

[mePod]

The idea is sound but I think the controls will be very sluggish. You could always buy a $1 roll of duct tape and strap your iPod to the steering wheel :D

I have the Monter Tape adaptor and it works fine (much better than a iTrip as far as audio quality goes) until the integration units come out for the Nissan. Hopefully I can jerri rig it into my Infini FX or else I have some customizing to do with my satellit harness...