▀▄ eas | [NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT] MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for BMW

[tom @ eas]

For the past 12 months, we have been keeping quiet about an exciting new product from DICE as well as playing a lead role in development in past DICE iPod integration kits. We are proud to announce that development is completed on an exciting new product from DICE Electronics.

As you may already know - our primary background is with integration and OEM+ modifications for your BMW. A large part of this history has been integrating iPods with BMWs (since late 2003) and was involved in development and releasing the world's first iPod integration kit for your BMW.

Fast forward to 2010. We are on our 6th Generation iPod, a 3rd Generation iPhone, the mini has been replaced by the nano. The iPod touch has been released. and most recently - the iPad. A lot has happened.

6 different iPod models, over 30 different configurations. DICE has taken the challenge and is proud to announce an exciting new product for your BMW.

Introducing the DICE MediaBridge Multimedia hub for BMW.



MediaBridge for BMW - Features at a glance
Connect: iPod, USB, SIRIUS, AUX, Bluetooth. The highly anticipated MediaBridge for BMW has arrived with all of its great features- ALL of them in one kit:

- Balanced Audio Output
- Digital USB Audio
- End-user Downloadable Firmware Updates
- Integrated Controls
- Text Display
- iPod-like Browsing for iPod or USB Flash Drive
- Charges iPod/iPhone
- AUX Input
- SIRIUS Satellite Radio Connectivity

The DICE MediaBridge for BMW is an entertainment and communication connectivity product line that enables the use of portable media devices and phones in the car. Connect: iPod/iPhone, USB, SIRIUS, AUX & Bluetooth - all with one device!



MediaBridge delivers Bluetooth hands-free phone calling, Bluetooth music streaming, a direct connection for an iPod or iPhone, a direct connection for USB flash-based mass storage devices, connection of aftermarket SIRIUS Satellite Radio SC-C1 tuner and selected Sirius portable radios and has 3.5mm mini jack input for connection of any audio sources like CD/DVD players/MP3 players. MediaBridge interfaces come in two versions; the 1500 series with Bluetooth and HF microphone, and the 1000 series without Bluetooth.

MediaBridge for BMW sends high quality line level audio from iPod/iPhone, USB flash drives, Sirius tuners directly into the factory audio system vehicle BUS and displays music and call information on the factory head unit's display. Command and control are done through the factory head unit's controls and steering wheel controls if equipped. The 1500 series also has Music Announcer Technology (MAT) that announces the song information from any connected iPod/iPhone, USB or Sirius radio device.

The MediaBridge product is "Made for iPod" (MFi) and "Works with iPhone" (WWi) compliant, charges iPod/iPhone (5V) and is end-user firmware upgradeable as features are added.



With the MediaBridge 1000 you can attach your iPod/iPhone or USB mass storage device all the while staying connected to Sirius Satellite Radio.

iPod/iPhone: Get Integrated
- Operates through your BMW's factory radio
- No special cables required, uses existing iPod USB docking cable (not included)
- Navigate the iPod/iPhone using the radio and/or steering wheel controls
- Browse music by song, playlist, album or artist
- See song title and artist information on the radio's display
- Listen to a wired connection with no loss of audio quality
- All Digital audio path (USB) for a noise free experience
- Charges all iPods/iPhone while connected
- Supports unlimited Playlists
- Upgradeable via USB

USB: Get Connected
- Supports thumbdrives, card readers and simple storage devices with USB connection
- Navigate folders and songs using your radio or steering wheel controls
- Artist and song title on the radio's display
- Playback of MP3, WMA, WAV & AAC formats
- Playback of cellphones with USB connection

Sirius: Stay Connected
- Ready to connect any Sirius SC-C1 Connect device (available separately)
- Add factory Sirius satellite radio functionality to compatible BMWs or BMWS that were not previously supported
- View station, song and artist on the factory radio display
- Enjoy category selection
- Memorize favorites to radio's presets

Aux: unlimited
- 3.5mm jack
- Source audio from any device
- Adjustable levels, and gains

Bluetooth: Be hands-free (MB1500 only)
- Fully integrated hands-free cell phone kit for your BMW at a fraction of the cost of OEM
- Hear calls through your car's speakers and talk back through the included microphone
- Caller ID is announced and also displayed on the screen of your radio
- Stream music from A2DP capable Bluetooth devices (including iPhone and BlackBerry)
- Artist and song are displayed on the radio and the songs can be browsed using the buttons on the car's radio

The Trunk interface harness of the DICE MediaBridge Multimedia Hub allows you to make the necessary connections at the CD Changer cables in the trunk area, and allows 15 feet of cable length to allow placement of your iPod anywhere in the vehicle you like. A clean factory looking installation is possible, allowing full connectivity for all iPods utilizing a dock connector - including the iPhone & iPod Touch. The DICE MediaBridge kit connects right to the CD changer connectors already present in your BMW.

Compatible with previous and current-model iPods:
4th Generation iPod (Monochrome, Photo & Color models) - 30, 40, 60GB
5th Generation iPod - 30, 60, 80GB
6th Generation iPod - 80, 120, 160GB

iPod Mini
1st Generation iPod Mini - 4GB
2nd Generation iPod Mini - 4, 6GB

iPod nano
1st Generation iPod nano - 1, 2, 4GB
2nd Generation iPod nano - 1, 4, 8GB
3rd Generation iPod nano - 4, 8GB
4th Generation iPod nano - 4, 8, 16GB
5th Generation iPod nano - 8, 16GB

iPhone
iPhone - 4, 8, 16G
3G iPhone - 8, 16GB
3GS iPhone - 16, 32GB
iPhone 4 - 16, 32GB

iPod touch
1st Generation iPod Touch - 8, 16, 32GB
2nd Generation iPod Touch - 8, 16, 32GB
3rd Generation iPod Touch - 8, 16, 32GB

iPad
Not compatible with iPad devices at this time



e36 3 Series/M3

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e36 3-Series/M3 (Radio Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3537

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e36 3-Series/M3 (Trunk Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3538

e46 3 Series/M3

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e46 3-Series/M3 (Radio Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3543

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e46 3-Series/M3 (Trunk Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3544

e39 5 Series/M5

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e39 5-Series (Radio Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3541

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e39 5-Series/M5 (Trunk Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3542

e38 7 Series

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for 7-Series (Trunk Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3553

e83 X3 SAV

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e83 X3 (Radio Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3547

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e83 X3 (Trunk/Console Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3548

e53 X5 SAV

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e53 X5 (Radio Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3545

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e53 X5 (Trunk Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3546

Z3 Roadster/Coupe, including MZ3

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e36/7 Z3 & MZ3 Coupe/Roadster (Radio Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3539

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e36/7 Z3 & MZ3 Coupe/Roadster (Trunk Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3540

Z4 Roadster/Coupe, including MZ4

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e85/e86 Z4 & MZ4 Coupe/Roadster (Radio Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3549

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for e85/e86 Z4 & MZ4 Coupe/Roadster (Trunk Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3550

MINI Cooper

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for MINI Cooper (Radio Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3551

DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for MINI Cooper (Trunk Interface)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...oducts_id=3552

Radio interface vs Trunk Interface: which is better for me?
The Trunk interface version of the DICE kit allows you to make the necessary connections at the CD Changer cables in the trunk area, and allows 15 feet of cable length to allow placement of your iPod anywhere in the vehicle you like.

The Radio interface version of the DICE kit is a favorite among professional installers. This kit allows a direct connection directly at the radio, eliminating a long cable from the CD changer connectors in the trunk. This also provide a shorter cable route, reducing the possibility of engine noise. The Radio interface kit is also choice for euro models that do not have CD Changer prewiring.

Models Supported:
1996-1999 e36 3-Series Coupe/Convertible/Sedan, including M3
1995-1999 e36 M3 Coupe, Convertible, & Sedan
1996-2002 e36/7 Z3 Coupe & Roadster, including MZ3
2000-2006 e46 3-Series Coupe/Convertible/Sedan, including M3
1997-2003 e39 5 Series Sedan & Touring (including M5)
1999-2001 e38 7-Series
2000-2006 e53 X5 SAV
2004-2009 e83 X3 SAV
2002-2006 R50/R53 MINI Cooper & Cooper S Coupe
2005-2008 R52 MINI Cooper & Cooper S Convertible
2006-2008 MINI Cooper GP

Note: Text supported on all text-capable radios, external CD Changer must be disconnected. If your BMW is equipped with DSP amplifier then Digital DSP Adapter option is required.



All DICE products ship free within the CONUS

[tom @ eas]

Interface shots on MY03 e46 M3 w/ Business CD:

[tom @ eas]

e46 3-series DICE MediaBridge operation overview:

[tom @ eas]

Gentlemen,

All orders shipped, thanks for your business. Looking forward to your reviews.

[tom @ eas]

e46 3-series DICE MediaBridge operation overview:

[tom @ eas]

Here's a quick overview of the MediaBridge on a NAV-equipped M3:

The size changes on the font is present in FW 0.98 and has already been fixed, simply flash the module with the new firmware (mini USB) and you're set. Since the modules are end-user upgradeable, features can be added immediately as they become available.

This will show iPod/iPhone operation as well as Sirius and Bluetooth/A2DP operation. More information will be presented shortly.

[fitchesbass]

Being an E85/E86 forum, I didn't even see our models being listed as a working with this product, is this the case?

Any additional details about the difference 'required' between cars with premium audio and DSP vs. those without it?

How does it work with internet radios like pandora and/or slacker? How does it work with apps that play podcasts?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by fitchesbass

Being an E85/E86 forum, I didn't even see our models being listed as a working with this product, is this the case?

Any additional details about the difference 'required' between cars with premium audio and DSP vs. those without it?

How does it work with internet radios like pandora and/or slacker? How does it work with apps that play podcasts?

Oops, the Z4 & Z4M are definitely supported!

MediaBridge will support audio from 3rd party apps like Pandora and iHeartRadio (Slacker as well). Vehicles enabled with DSP will need to check for a small coaxial cable exiting from the amp to determine if Digital or Analog DSP.

All Z4M-Models were Analog DSP and do not require a Digital DSP converter.

[david @ eas]

Bluetooth is NOW AVAILABLE!

Get your orders in now!

[EAS]

DICE Mediabridge 1500 kits with Bluetooth Feature are stock and ready to ship!

[tom @ eas]

Radio interface kits are now available, links added to the opening post!

[tom @ eas]

BMW MB-1000/1500
SVN: 2997
Release date: 07-21-10



Changes and improvements
---------------------------
- Compatibility enhancement for 5/7/X5 vehicles - dip switch setting added for MID and Nav setting now supports both 16:9 and 4:3 displays
- iPod UNLOCKED message now indicates that name of Playlist, Artist, or Album is not available when the iPod is unlocked
- Menu under Bluetooth mode is now used to configure text announcement levels (none, phone only, default, enhanced), key combinations no longer available
- Announcements were added for PLAYLIST/ARTIST/ALBUM/PODCAST/AUDIOBOOK mode
- Announcements in Sirius are of the station name instead of song title.
- Text shows both artist and title information in Sirius mode
- Text announcements are now interrupted if a change occurs during the announcement
- Seek status message now appears when the system is looking for the next
playable music file during USB memory playback
- Audio level changes are now stored and recalled correctly
- First character omission experienced on selected navigation displays is fixed
- Double init workaround added to fix unintended music routing to BT when both A2DP and Dock connections are active

Known issues
---------------------------
-You must wait for about 30 sec before removing a USB drive after ACC off to allow sufficient time to store playback position.

Dice Firmware Update Link: http://diceelectronics.com/fw-update.php

[acvr4]

Tom,
Have you had anyone install the MediaBridge 1500 in a 03 Z4 equipped with Factory Nav and DSP ? If so I'd be real interested in how everything worked out.

Thanks,
Andy
03 Z4 w/nav & DSP

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by acvr4

Tom,
Have you had anyone install the MediaBridge 1500 in a 03 Z4 equipped with Factory Nav and DSP ? If so I'd be real interested in how everything worked out.

Thanks,
Andy
03 Z4 w/nav & DSP

Andy,

We've tested on just about every make/model avaialble on the BMW lineup, MediaBridge is definitely compatible with your DSP equipped Z4.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

[silversaturn]

I wanted to use the 1500 for my lexus rx300 2002...

I know it only lists for 2004 and up but i wasnt sure if it would still work or if there were another way i could go about this...i need AUX, BlueTooth, USB and more if possible...please any info would be great...thanks

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by silversaturn

I wanted to use the 1500 for my lexus rx300 2002...

I know it only lists for 2004 and up but i wasnt sure if it would still work or if there were another way i could go about this...i need AUX, BlueTooth, USB and more if possible...please any info would be great...thanks

I would recommend contacting DICE Electronics directly as we specialize only in BMW applications.