Media Device Interface - MDI & AUX Questions

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18-05-2009, 07:33 PM
freebo

Media Device Interface - MDI & AUX Questions

Hi,

I' interested to know if it's worth getting the MDI with the standard stereo RDC310 in the MK6 ?

I would like to know if can you control your ipod through the MDI on the RDC310.. Example skip songs on and so on...

Or

Are you better to stick with using the AUX input which comes standard with the car if you are sticking with the standard stereo ?

or if I have bluetooth can I use A2DP stereo Bluetooth do u think you can use this to control via the stereo

any help would be great. :biggrin:
19-05-2009, 12:07 PM
twotribez

I have the ipod connector and its not the easiest thing to control. Good thing is that it charges it. The sound is crystal clear.

Just some gripes as in when you play from your playlist, the stereo will not remember to start back on that playlist when you next plug it in. It does remember however if you play from the all songs list.
20-05-2009, 08:14 PM
Mclovin

I'm wondering if the MDI can be fitted after the car has been delivered?
23-05-2009, 03:25 PM
mr gee

I read that a retrofit device has been made though not sure if its available here.

http://www.my-gti.com/688/volkswagen...e-mdi-retrofit
25-05-2009, 03:33 PM
golfmk6

A2DP stereo Bluetooth comes with the $700 Bluetooth I got mine last week..
17-06-2009, 09:19 PM
pwl

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr gee

I read that a retrofit device has been made though not sure if its available here.

http://www.my-gti.com/688/volkswagen...e-mdi-retrofit

i got this installed by the dealer prior to delivery in my mkVI tdi103 with the standard RCD310 unit. haven't used it yet tho :P

what *i* want to know is when/if/how we can get the rcd310 activated for DAB+ (ABC is broadcasting in digital now - http://www.abc.net.au/reception/radio/digitalradio.htm) especially since the AM radio is pretty crappy (yes, i'm a boring old fart)
23-06-2009, 10:52 PM
vwnewbie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mclovin

I'm wondering if the MDI can be fitted after the car has been delivered?

Hi Mclovin, The MDI is a factory fitted option and cannot be installed at a later date. Hope that helps
24-06-2009, 01:02 AM
pwl

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwnewbie

Hi Mclovin, The MDI is a factory fitted option and cannot be installed at a later date. Hope that helps

there are 2 types of MDI: one is factory fitted (with ports inside the centre armrest) and one is the "media in system" which gives you the port in the glovebox & is dealer-fittable.

i've been led to believe the functionality (ie, control deives, etc) is more or less equivalent.
24-06-2009, 11:09 PM
Maverick

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwnewbie

Hi Mclovin, The MDI is a factory fitted option and cannot be installed at a later date. Hope that helps

Both the original MDI and the retrofit kit can be installed at a later date. Installation is straightforward for both.
24-06-2009, 11:11 PM
Maverick

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwl

there are 2 types of MDI: one is factory fitted (with ports inside the centre armrest) and one is the "media in system" which gives you the port in the glovebox & is dealer-fittable.

i've been led to believe the functionality (ie, control deives, etc) is more or less equivalent.

The retrofit kit will not operate with a revision A RNS 510 headunit however even if it's been flashed to the 1100 firmware and now shows up as revision B.

The original kit can be retrofitted as well and can be removed from the cd housing to fit elsewhere in the car.

http://www.my-gti.com/category/in-car-entertainment/mdi
10-07-2009, 02:40 PM
Swallowtail

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick

The original kit can be retrofitted as well and can be removed from the cd housing to fit elsewhere in the car.

Maverick - do you know what's involved in moving it (MDI) from the glovebox to the centre console? Mine (factory fitted I assume) is in the glovebox of my Passat, but I'd prefer it located in the centre console. Does it take the whole of the console cavity?
22-07-2009, 01:00 PM
Highlander

MDI Ipod cable

Quote:

Originally Posted by twotribez

I have the ipod connector and its not the easiest thing to control. Good thing is that it charges it. The sound is crystal clear.

Just some gripes as in when you play from your playlist, the stereo will not remember to start back on that playlist when you next plug it in. It does remember however if you play from the all songs list.

Our car came with factory MDI and wouldn't work with ipod. After much dealer chasing they came back with. You have the wrong cable. We can supply you the ipod cable at cost (around $85, retail over $100). Anyone specifying MDI beware. Get the accessory price including the cable you need. To be fair to our dealer he has said he will "buy the cable for us with discounted servicing".

The Golf 6 brochure said MDI

This sophisticated new interface facilitates connection to USB audio devices, data storage devices and apple ipod.
22-07-2009, 01:04 PM
Swallowtail

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highlander

Our car came with factory MDI and wouldn't work with ipod. After much dealer chasing they came back with. You have the wrong cable. We can supply you the ipod cable at cost (around $85, retail over $100). Anyone specifying MDI beware. Get the accessory price including the cable you need. To be fair to our dealer he has said he will "buy the cable for us with discounted servicing".

The Golf 6 brochure said MDI

This sophisticated new interface facilitates connection to USB audio devices, data storage devices and apple ipod.

MDI comes with only USB cable included. iPod or mini-USB cables are extra. This is specified in either the manual or the parts order, can't remember which, as I have had this discussion with my dealer. Note that the manual quote you have provided only says "facilitates" not "provides". Unfortunately they have you with that wording... :(

You can buy them from overseas MUCH cheaper than from VW dealers here. oempl.us is one place to look.
22-07-2009, 01:32 PM
Highlander

MDI Interface

I did note the subtlety in the use of "facilitates". German thoroughness when it comes to English.

The dealers were not aware of the subtlety though. They attached the supplied cable which didn't recognise the ipod. Then went back to VWA for advice

Thanks for the tip on overseas sourcing of the cable.
22-07-2009, 01:44 PM
Swallowtail

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highlander

I did note the subtlety in the use of "facilitates". German thoroughness when it comes to English.

The dealers were not aware of the subtlety though. They attached the supplied cable which didn't recognise the ipod. Then went back to VWA for advice

Thanks for the tip on overseas sourcing of the cable.

No probs. My dealer tried to charge me $180 for the USB cable. I pointed out in no uncertain terms that it comes included with the MDI. LOL.... They backed down.
22-07-2009, 02:30 PM
coastie

When I went back to my dealer to ask for the Ipod connection cable they provided free as I ordered the vehicle specifying I wanted it to play the Ipod. So I got both cables. Dealer price about $85 was on the invoice supplied. I wouldn't pay any more than that for it in Australia. It does however make all the difference for the Ipod to be charged and to allow random songs to be played.
02-09-2009, 01:27 PM
Nicho

MDI Option

Has anyone else fitted the unit provided by The Car Kit Company? Integration with the MFD for $450??
09-09-2009, 09:29 AM
boris

You can get the factory MDI for $360.00 plus fitment?

I think this would be a better option?
09-09-2009, 09:40 AM
Nicho

I thought it more expensive and only factory fitted for some reason!

Thanks Boris....will speak to the dealer!
15-09-2009, 01:09 PM
Golf Mark 6

Is it possible to install the factory MDI after the original purchase?
27-09-2009, 07:57 AM
golfmk6

Yep I was looking into this as I wanted to be able to control my iphone and ipod from the standard stereo in he golf6... but I was quoted $485 and a 2 month wait while they ordered them in..

I might shop around again..
01-10-2009, 07:34 PM
Umai Naa!!

Media-In is the dealer-fitted version, and is about $380 + $80 for what ever cable you need + an hour's labour to fit it.

Mind you, they're only compatible with RCD310, RCD510, and RNS510.
29-11-2009, 11:02 AM
nicandlance

Excuse my ignorance, but what's the difference between MDI and 'media in'?

Media in and MDI? Can someone please explain the difference? There's not a great deal of info in the brochure.... (and what is the difference between premium and standard bluetooth?)
29-11-2009, 11:41 AM
Psyk

What are you planning to connect to your car? An iPod or a USB key/disk?

For Bluetooth, what phone are you planning to pair with your car?
29-11-2009, 02:18 PM
nicandlance

At this point I have a Nokia N95.... still got a year before contract is up. Why? Doesn't it work with all phones? :confused:
Probably an ipod.....
29-11-2009, 09:43 PM
Psyk

There's basically a Premium and Basic bluetooth kit. The Premium Bluetooth doesn't work with all phones. You may want to do a search on the forums here for rSAP and phones.

I believe rSAP is a Nokia promoted technology, so likely to work on a lot of Nokia's. Your N95 appears to be on the list

The basic bluetooth kit should work for all phones and is effectivley just an integrated hands-free kit. No address book, no dialing from the car etc. just basic hands-free. I have an iPhone and my one works with the basic kit - it's known not work with the Premium kit which requires an rSAP capable phone. This basic kit should work with any bluetooth enabled phone that supports a bluetooth hands free kit (pretty much anything you can get these days)... The main problem is the cost vs. the level of functionality (or lack thereof)...

Finally check the following threads, this topic has been discussed many, many times.
http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ad.php?t=27236

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ad.php?t=31461

As for music, if you're going to connect your iPod, there's the basic iPod kit and the MDI . With the basic kit, names don't come up in the display, you can only play the first 5 or 6 tracks/play-lists etc. It's basically controlled by intercepting the 6-Stack CD changer controls (hence the 6 playlists) - doesn't charge the iPod/iPhone. Very, very basic and not very good at all...
A relativley easy way to tell is that the basic iPod kit has a white iPod connector whereas the MDI iPod connector is black.

For proper iPod connectivity, you'll want the MDI or Media Device Interface with the iPod cable. Good iPod support (and iPhone for music), charges the iPod/iPhone as well. If you want to play from a USB flash disk/pen, you'll need the MDI with the USB cable.
30-11-2009, 06:14 AM
nicandlance

Thanks. Still looking at prices and wondering what I can ask for as an add on. Very comprehensive answer! Cheers!
30-11-2009, 06:32 PM
coastie

Get both the USB cable and the ipod cable as part of your deal. The cables are about $83 to buy from the dealer.
18-12-2009, 11:10 AM
Mk6 GTI

MK6 GTI - MDI in Centre console?

Hi All,

Is the MDI input in the centre console under the arm rest or in the glove box?

I hope its in the centre because ill be connecting my iPhone to it!

Cheers!
18-12-2009, 11:28 AM
Dave8878

If it is factory fitted the MDI will be in the centre console however if you get it dealer fitted then it will be in the glovebox.

Thanks
18-12-2009, 12:41 PM
Mk6 GTI

Great! Thanks for that :)
24-12-2009, 11:58 AM
lawsy82

MDI Question

Hey Guys,

Quick questions reegarding the MDI option..

I have added this option - I think it was $270, does this allow me to play my IPOD?? I have been told this is not the case and I need to purchase another cable to play IPOD?

If this is the case, what is the point of this MDI for $270 than?
24-12-2009, 12:42 PM
team_v

You do need another cable since the MDI is a media interface but does not link with the Ipod.

It gets almost everyone and is another money grab i believe.
24-12-2009, 12:51 PM
dubdug

when you order the mdi, you also have an "auxiliary input", so the options are to connect with the auxiliary and control music with your ipod, or connect through the mdi (with the $77 plus extra connector!!!!!) and control the music with your head unit controls.

i'm still trying to get used to the head unit method, but i suspect i may go back to the auxiliary method.

regards, douglas
24-12-2009, 12:57 PM
lawsy82

Oh ok,thanks for the replies seems like a rip off...

So what is the point of the MDI cable than?
24-12-2009, 01:12 PM
elisiX

MDI is to allow your tracks to display on the screen right? ie; have steering wheel controls over ipod etc?

The cable is a money grab and should be included.

You can buy a brand new ipod for the same price as this 'feature'. lol.
24-12-2009, 01:27 PM
Corey_R

Yeah - I believe that if you had most other music players (i.e. not an ipod) that the MDI is enough. Apple iPod is propertiary :)
25-12-2009, 09:50 PM
xblode

Mdi

Hiyas,

Regarding the MDI kit, I've read that you can use the headunit to control your iPhone and you can use the wheel controls to skip tracks. I'd just like to confirm a few other things;

Does the MDI kit charge the phone as well?

Can you access your music by artist, album, playlist and can you play podcasts?

Is the quality better than AUX?

I've connected my phone thru the AUX port in the centre console and the quality isn't as good as playing off a SD card or CD.

:)
25-12-2009, 10:52 PM
elisiX

Great questions. I am interested also. :)
25-12-2009, 11:04 PM
niulf

I'm not sure about the new MDI, but the ipod adapter can not charge iphone. I asked VW engineers during track day. They were not sure either. It's OK for me if it does not charge iphone, I'm still using my first generation colour screen ipod to storage musics.

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