BMW Media Adapter Question

[DavidZ]

OT here, but I have a question (I've never even touched an iPod before). When using the iPod with the USB connection, does one need to use the 1/8" audio connection as well? If not, I've read that using the iPod with USB cable has the iPod do the D/A conversion, passing an analog signal to the HU, but I didn't think a USB connection had provisions for analog sound transfer (4 pins; 2 for data and 2 for power). How does that work?

[Technic]

Originally Posted by DavidZ

OT here, but I have a question (I've never even touched an iPod before). When using the iPod with the USB connection, does one need to use the 1/8" audio connection as well? If not, I've read that using the iPod with USB cable has the iPod do the D/A conversion, passing an analog signal to the HU, but I didn't think a USB connection had provisions for analog sound transfer (4 pins; 2 for data and 2 for power). How does that work?

Your production date should be 09/10+ to use the white cable without the AUX jack and still have the full/correct display. Before 09/10 production the OEM iPod cable was required to have full/correct display.

Just try it and you will see what I'm talking about.

[DavidZ]

Like I said, I've never touched an iPod and never will so I can't try it. My question/point is, if the connection is USB only, doesn't that mean the the HU is receiving only digital data, and thus the D/A conversion is being done on the HU and not the iPod? I don't see how an analog sound signal can transfer over a USB cable. I'm sure the USB end of the iPod connector just has the 4 USB pins, 2 for power and 2 for data. Everything I've ever read about the iPod in BMW states that the iPod is doing the D/A conversion and sending analog audio to the HU, but perhaps they're talking about the 9/10 and earlier models. Just a technical thing I've wondered about.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by DavidZ

Like I said, I've never touched an iPod and never will so I can't try it. My question/point is, if the connection is USB only, doesn't that mean the the HU is receiving only digital data, and thus the D/A conversion is being done on the HU and not the iPod? I don't see how an analog sound signal can transfer over a USB cable. I'm sure the USB end of the iPod connector just has the 4 USB pins, 2 for power and 2 for data. Everything I've ever read about the iPod in BMW states that the iPod is doing the D/A conversion and sending analog audio to the HU, but perhaps they're talking about the 9/10 and earlier models. Just a technical thing I've wondered about.

You answered your own question.