Hi there, I was reviewing the NEO unit to add and ipod/aux connector to my car, however the NEO states that I must have a SAT button to make it work. My car does not have SAT button but have a MEDIA button, and the CDC/SAT port on the back of the unit.

Has anyone here has a NEO unit working with the MEDIA button?

Other links to similar products are welcomed (no FM transmitters)

Thanks,

 

Can someone let me know if your car has the SAT button and the MEDIA button? or only the SAT?
I looks, according to this wiring diagram, that the 1N and 1P can be interchanged...or am i talking nonsense?
http://www.ozmazdaclub.com/manuals/m...066900T02.html

 

There are two different versions of the Neo Prolink with the big difference being text display on the factory HU. Both models connect through the port on the back and provide the same function (sans the text display). The older model does not require the SAT button but doesn't display text info. The newer model emulates a satellite receiver to display text, and that's why it needs to have the SAT button.... I mean it can't emulate what isn't there.

All that being said many people have had lots of problems and been very disappointed with the Neo w/ text. If you're just looking for ipod integration with a low price tag you might want to check out the grom audio unit. In any case check out my audio input thread HERE for details on a bunch of other methods.

 

If you are interested in sound quality at all, remove the factory stereo unit and replace it with a regular 1 din that has an mp3 jack on the front. Any unit at the middle-low end of the Best Buy price range will blow away the piece of junk that comes in there. I have customized my own stereo on every car I've owned, including the Mazda3, and I have always been appalled at the flimsy factory crap I pull out when installing it, and amazed at the huge improvement in sound quality.

A basic 1 din will cost about $100 to 150, the fit kit and wiring harness another 50 or so. In addition to exponentially better build quality and power, it will also give you the option to properly wire up a powered subwoofer (i.e., not by shunting it off of a speaker wire). My fit kit came with an insert that replaced that horrid orange lcd display with a pocket that my ipod fits in perfectly.

OTOH, the mp3 converter unit for the factory stereo costs $100 and there are widespread reports of problems. It's a no-brainer.

After you've done that, you'll want to start saving up to replace the speakers. Once again, you'll get something astronomically better than the junk that's in their for relatively cheap - about $100 per pair. Make sure to use Dynamats, they are worth it.

The biggest leap is going with the power amp and sub, as it is a more difficult installation and will run you a few hundred total. Overall, about $700 to $800 takes you from garbage to awesome, and you can do it piece by piece, if you have a tight budget. If you love music like I do, and consider that the car is worth $13K, in my case, this is a good value.