a newbie audio system & iphone question

[Giannacl]

Hi!
I just got my 2007 4R today (my husband bought it for me... yay!) and I couldn't be happier. Elegant and light to drive. I used to have a Mitsubishi Montero 2003 and it will take me a few days to adjust the driving!

the nav system is the one that came with. I've been reading the manual and everything for the system, and have a few question I hope you guys take pity on me and answer.

this is the sys:

My brother says that this sys is outdated blah blah blah, that I should get an aftermarket radio, one easier to connect my apple products

Since I don't want to spent $$ without even asking, I come to you with the following inquires:

1 - I've been perusing the forum and see that you guys stream music from the iphone via bluetooth, can my sys do that? (haven't seen how)

2 - some of you mention cables to connect it on the glove-box; so far, I noticed that mine did not come with an usb outlet and have only seen the 12v next to the shift and another in the rear, and the aux in and 115v in the center console. is there any one more I haven't seen? I would like to connect either my iphone 4 or my ipod and control them via the steering wheel.

3 - on a different thread I've read that some of the sys have an iphone/ipod connector on the back that you can use with the proper cable. Does mine have one?

4 - and last but not least, mine wasn't bought at a dealer here, we shipped it from the USA and according to what I have googled, theres no navigation map for the Caribbean area. I went to the dealer here and they were less than friendly since I didn't buy it from them and told me that I should contact US Toyota which I did and they told me to contact my local dealer . so no love for the Dominican Republic?

thanks for every little thing you can tell me figuring all theses out!

 

[Giannacl]

wow...95 people have seen it and no one can help me with any of the questions? :-(

 

[honda_nos]

I responded to your 4th gen thread.

 

[Dewyz1100]

Options...

I am not familiar with your current factory system, so I can not speak to what it has, or does not have for connectivity, but am familiar with just about all types of aftermarket gear...your brother is correct, they are much more advanced...

First off, the aftermarket will offer better connectivity options for Apple products, in addition to BlueTooth audio streaming from your iPhone wireless.

The "AUX" connection is great for those devices that do not have a Apple Dock connection, or BlueTooth streaming, but there are way better ways to connect today's modern devices. I have a single DIN JVC Arsenal DVD Dual-Zone head unit in my 4Runner, and I love the BlueTooth with my iPhone 4... No wires to connect, I can leave the phone in my jacket and still hear my tunes...

Depending on the stereo you choose, you have various ways of controlling your iPhone from the stereos interface - they will likely call this feature iPod or iPhone ready/compatible... Some have an awkward menu driven interface that take forever to scroll through your music collection if you have a bunch of music like I do... Some expensive ones have a really cool touch screen browsing feature, and others simply offer a USB connection that will digitally "handshake" with your Apple device to allow for charging and playing music while controlling everything from the device itself... Either way, most require a hardwired connection for this Apple compatibility...

Second, there is usually better support for navigation maps from aftermarket companies, as most car manufacturers here only cater to those in the continental USA, and perhaps parts of Canada... You may have to pay extra for the Dominican Republic if they offer it, but it would at least be an option...

They make all sorts of double DIN opening aftermarket head units that will fit where your current stereo is, and you have your choice of how much you want to spend for that.

If you already have factory mounted steering wheel controls for your OEM stereo, make sure you choose a new head unit that offers an interface to use those existing controls. If you do not have these controls already, some aftermarket units do offer some sort of "remote" option. Most common is a wireless remote that comes standard, like mine did. But this is like any other remote control you would have for a home stereo - it takes batteries, gets lost, and is not mounted to your steering wheel. Some offer traditional hardwired "steering wheel" remote controls, but I have no experience with using these, and some have pretty small buttons that could be a pain if you are going on tactile feel alone.

After all this, you would still have to choose at that time to upgrade the rest of the system or to stick with the stock amplifier, speakers, and sub-woofer (if it came with one). Not to mention the purchase of adapters and interface products you would require to stick with those stock items. Again, not being familiar with what you have already, I can't say if you should keep it or not as per your music needs and tastes... However I will say, that just like the head unit, you have WAY better selection and quality options in the aftermarket - you will just want it designed and installed correctly.

My entire system, including power distribution is completely independent of anything the OEM truck came with. I did not even reuse the factory speaker wires, as I wanted to upgrade to bigger wire. The only OEM item I did re-use was the factory power antenna system...

Not sure if I answered any of your questions, but hopefully I gave you some insight into what your options are like in the aftermarket...:hatsoff:

 

[Giannacl]

Gracias! Thank you very much!

 

[yudluz07]

Iphone

I just bought mine and having the same issues. There is no USB input so I have researched and found an integration product, Neo ProLink PODTOYSL2i-UP. It's a little pricey ($234.99 was the best price I found, and that doesn't include installation) , but worth it to me if it completely integrates the Iphone with my Nav system. I've placed a thread asking if anyone has any experience with this product, but gotten no replies.

 

[STAYGOLD]

this thread is a bit old brother.

if you're going to drop the coin on that thing plus installation, why not just upgrade? plenty of options in the sub $500 range. check the pioneer AVH-P4400. most won't have nav, but i use my phone for that anyway so it connects.

 

[Mark86]

1. Your unit does not support bluetooth streaming. I think that was introduced in 2010.
2/3. Only aux but you could install a USA-Spec adapter which plugs into the back of your unit and the connector stays in your glovebox. It allows full functionality of the steering wheel controls. It works with my 2005 nav but make sure to double check compatibility with your unit.
4. I don't know, sorry.

 

[cnajri]

Hello, I Work at Delta Comercial in Dominican Republic, We are the distributors for Toyota and Lexus in the DR. I read your Forum and would like to let you know that we are at your service if you need some assistance.

You can Contact us @ 809-620-3000 With Mr. Maximo Cruz He is in charge of Customer Service.