tyrenta

The Inrix app works pretty well for traffic info, but it wasn't adapted very well. It's almost impossible to push the on screen buttons they are smaller than the tip of your pinkie finger and so close to the edge of the screen you can't even get tot hem without some major finger gymnastics

I also find the whole unit pretty laggy with any screen input (esp swipes) you'd think for $650 they could have put a better processor in there

It shouldn't be this hard. Between the unnecessary $70 'required' cable and AppRadio issues, 1) Pioneer apparently missed every case study of the past 20 years on how to NOT do something, and 2) seems if you have an i5 you are better off saving your $$.

Wish I'd trusted my gut before dropping $700+ on this crap. I do like the radio, but $700 just to have an HD radio that doesn't light up my car with crazy flashing lights?

Got a new x8500 installed this weekend, and I noticed last night that while the screen dims when the headlights come on, the physical buttons do not. I found in the manual the screen dimmer settings can be tweaked, but it doesn't say anything about the buttons.

Anyone know if these can be set to dim also?

Related question -- my old stock radio used to brighten/dim with the rest of the dash panel based on the car dimmer setting. I don't recall seeing any unused wires on my harness, but I could be wrong. I can see why the screen wouldn't dim with that (which I assume is why there are System Settings for the screen), but how about the backlights on the buttons?

Car is a 2000 4runner if it matters.

Hi again, sorry for the week delay, I had to order a pair of factory brackets for my Toyota Celica.

 

Just got it installed today. I connected my iPhone 5 using only the included male/female USB cable and a Lightning to USB cable that I bought. I can navigate the songs/albums/genres fine just like I could on my previous Pioneer touchscreen stereo. I haven't tried to use the AppRadio mode since it's been said that the firmware patch isn't out yet. I did have the installer plug in a HDMI cable and I've purchased the Lightning to HDMI adapter.

Have you tried the iTunes tagging? I don't have mine installed yet. The manual doesn't list the i5 in the list of devices that it works with, but it also doesn't say you can just plug the i5 into the USB port and use the ipod controls so I'm hoping it does.

Another install question -- the x8500 AUX port says it is 4 pole and will take video. I wanted to put a flush port on my dash, and had originally ordered this one, but that is just audio. Has anyone seen a 4 pole extension that would work for this? Maybe this one? Doesn't say video but I don't think that matters? Still would need to figure out how to flush mount it...

Martinex -- I don't think the firmware patch applies to the x8500, the AppRadio should work out of the box w/ an i5

RootBeer -- I think this one will work, I have it ordered I'll post when I get it

I'm having trouble with my Toyota Metra harness the package/wires are mislabeled. The package says the Illumination wire is Orange, and the dimmer wire Orange/White. Of course there is no Orange wire on the actual harness. There is an Orange/White wire on the main harness that has Dimmer printed on it, and an Orange/Black wire on the rear speaker harness that has Dimmer Ground printed on it, and that's it.

Anyone know off hand if the Orange/White wire on the Metra harness labeled Dimmer is actually the one I connect to the Pioneer harness? From what I can find it seems to be the case (not totally clear), but want to be sure before I hook up the wrong cable.

I'm sure this issue was solved a while back but in case it wasn't it's simple. The orange wire on the pioneer gets connected to the illumination wire on the harness. Done deal lol. Dimmer, don't use it. The orange/black, don't use it.

 

If you still can't figure it out, get a multimeter, you want to connect the orange wire on the pioneer to the wire that shows no voltage with headlights off, and 12 bolts with them on. This tells the radio it's dark out and dims itself. Do NOT connect to the dimmer wire. This wire will show variable voltage as you increase/decrease your dash lights.

I'm having the same issue -- 2000 4Runner. There is no 'illumination' wire on the Metra harness despite what the packaging says. On the Metra harness, there is an orange and black wire, labeled dimmer ground, and and orange and white wire, labeled dimmer. But the same Metra instructions say Dimmer: Orange/white; Illumination: Orange. WTF. There is no Orange, and there is no wire labeled Ilumination, and there is no wires that color match the Pioneer harness I'm trying to install, so which do I use?

so i am a little confused...

 

i ordered the x8500bhs last night to replace my stolen z130bt, i also ordered the cd-ih202.  does it look like i actually dont need the cable to make the iphone 5 work witht he unit?

 

Also has anyone every used the add on navigation unit with a dvd unit?

You don't need the cd-IH202, any $5 HDMI cable will work; the 17-pin Pioneer cable that comes with that kit doesn't even work with the x8500 it's for other head units. Total false marketing by Pioneer.

re: the 17-pin proprietary USB connection, this Amazon post just clarified a bunch of things.

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-CDIH202-AppRadio-Interface-iPhone/product-reviews/B00BHWWZ2G/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

The X8500 doesn't even have a 17-pin port, that is for one of the other units this cable works with (AppRadio 2, AVIC-Z150BH/X950BH). It ONLY has 2 USB ports. Basically Pioneer is telling you you need this $60 cable set just for the included $3 HDMI cable, and to toss the rest of the set including their proprietary cable in the trash. Scumbags.

I've spent quite a bit of time trying to determine if I could rig this unit to work with both an iPhone5 AND an iPhone4 or iPad, given all their special cables, and almost bought this set thinking I would gain an extra port by using it.

Now I understand why everyone has been having success without using Pioneer's cable -- it's not even an option!

Their marketing dept needs an overhaul to say the least.

I was just looking through the manual again and comparing to the back of the unit that VBlue posted above -- the manual makes no reference to the 17-pin propritary USB connection, and I don't see a port for it on the back of the unit anywhere either, yet the CD-IH202 cable clearly has a some square proprietary interface. Where does this cable attach? Anyone know?

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/PUSA/Images/Product%20Images/Car/CD-IH202_large.jpg

Also does the iPhone 4 AppRadio cable (CD-IU201S) use the same port that the optional AVIC-U250 navigation unit? Not that I'd ever buy it but curious if that could be confirmed. The manual seems to indicate that it does.

I figured you just carried in your murse, or if speed walking the mall maybe your fannie pack.

In anycase, I postured 'Don't most people' because that is what 'most people' do, ninny. Under the seat. I don't own the unit, how am I going to put it under my seat?

If you'd like to contribute to the thead, being an owner of the unit, rather than offer your opinion on your steel plated military grade glovebox, please help out with the unanswered questions:

Is there a processor difference b/t the x3500/x5500/x8500?

Does the proprietary 17-pin USB cable option in the x8500 provide something of value, like more power to charge say an iPad? Anything else?

KO7 -- how do you like your Sony backup camera? Any reason you chose that over the Pioneer camera?

 If I want to carry around a 7" screen with me, i'll buy an ipad. Do you really consider the 'locked' glovie safer than under the seat? 

 

 

Thanks VBlue -- helps a lot.

 

Also, does anyone have a shot of the back panel of the x8500? The manual doesn't really give a good representation.

thanks much

You do realize that the i5 solution for the 5500 is required, has no substitute, is 120 dollars MSRP and you still have to buy at least one Apple adapter. Thats probably closer to 170 dollars for a working solution for the 5500. And I can promise you that once you start using App Mode you will likely not use most of the unit's other features. The possibilities with just the 10 or so apps that are compatible are far more then not having that feature at all.

They both need a $50 Apple adapter, so that is a wash. The x5500 i5 cable is $100 at crutchfield, and I figured $10 in generic USB/HDMI cables for the x8500, so net $90 difference.

Don't most people just stick the detachable face under the drivers seat? I can't imagine it's much of a deterrent these days.

This is how I'm looking at it -- the x3500 is $295, x5500 is $390, and the x8500 $540 (all on Amazon), so $150 (or $245) difference to get the x8500. IF I want the option of using AppRadio w/ an i5 on the x5500/x3500 I need to spend an additional $90 or so over what I would for the x8500, so assuming I want that option in the future the price difference is really $60/$155. $60 basically for removable face and an extra USB port (I don't see why I need an SD slot)? I guess so, though I'm not convinced there won't be a better solution in 12-months that doesn't require all these adapter cables and works more seamlessly with the i5. If I don't care about AppRadio at all (and I'm having a hard time seeing me using it too much) then $295 for the x3500 starts to look attractive, even though I don't get the 7" screen. I could spend $300 and get the updated radio in a year or two when something better comes along, and not be out too much in the mean time.

Is there a processor speed difference between the three units -- something that would effect actual usability on day one even without using AppRadio?

OT Random question -- in the days of smart phones/iPads does anybody really sit and look at photos or watch movies on their car radio?

Thanks VBlue -- helps a lot.

Anyone know why Pioneer chose the 17-pin USB cable option in the x8500? They make it appear required, but if not, what is the purpose? For one I can see it would add a second data port, in addition to USB1 -- that in itself is useful info if true. I can't imagine in the engineering scramble to address apples lightning port 'enhancement' that they decided to add a 17-pin proprietary port simply to be able to charge $50 for it. Does it provide more power than the USB1 port (say to charge an iPad)? Or does it really add nothing except an additional data port?

Also, does anyone have a shot of the back panel of the x8500? The manual doesn't really give a good representation.

The only advantage then of paying for the x8500, to me, seems to be the digital video options /  android support -- HDMI in, SD card, 2nd video out, etc. Is it worth the extra $$ over the x5500? Prob not, unless anyone has strong opinions on if the x5500 DVI->VGA cable / required firmware upgrade will be inferior to the HDMI cable option of the x8500. Will I still have two data ports on the x5500 (Adapter + USB1), or just one? Seems you can have up to three on the x8500.

@tyrenta: Read this again!

I did -- it's the first part where I guess I'm being being thick, since it contradicts what ccajay posted before you and he has the unit:

"Here you can use the cable that came with your phone and the Apple 30 Pin to Lightning Adapter."

My phone didn't come with a 30-pin cable, it came with a lightning cable, so I gues I still am unclear what you mean -- again do you mean I should go purchase an older usb/30-pin cable, and then the 30-pin to lightning adapter that converts that back to the connector that I already have? The USB lightning cable that came with my phone will NOT work? CCajay just posted (post #6) that it DOES work, and that is what the manual also states. Hence my confusion.

I don't have the unit yet which is why I'm asking -- trying to figure out if I should bother with the x8500 or just go with a x3500 or x5500 since the x8500 doesn't seem to really work seamlessly with the i5 anyway so why spend the extra $200-400?

I still don't fully get it -- to be clear, you are saying the only way to use the ipod controls (sans video) on the x8500 head unit with an i5, is to buy a 30 pin USB cable for an older iphone, plug that into the USB1 port on the head unit, then buy the 30-pin to lightning adapter so I can plug that older cable into the lightning port on my i5? And that will work but just plugging the USB lightning cord that came with the phone into the same USB1 port will not work (even though the manual says it will)?

I'm trying to understand how sticking a 30-pin adapter into the mix effects the USB data transmission, and also why ccajay said that the lightning cable did work for him in post #6.

I'm just confused on the 30-pin connector reference. I don't see that listed in the manual for just using ipod control (no video/no appradio). It says to use the lightning USB cable. Are you saying that is incorrect, and I have to use a 30-pin USB cable with an 30-pin to lightning adapter?

I know the x5500, AppRadio 2, and X8500 all have different cable requirements for the i5. Is that the cause of my confusion?

VBlue thanks very much for that post that is super helpful. Good to confirm the proprietary USB cable is not needed for the i5 -- did Pioneer do this to keep the two USB ports available for other uses, or really just to get another $50 for $10 worth of cables? Seems with the additional confusion along with the piss poor communication on the whole solution they are really shooting themselves in the foot which is too bad.

On the no video/no app option -- can you still use the iPhone USB cable as an audio out? So for example if I were to run an internet radio app, or NFL game stream, etc. on the phone would the audio be able to play through the USB cable or via BT? Does the iTunes tagging work in this scenario?

Also on the 30-pin adapter: I guess I'm still confused; the manual says to use the USB to lightning cable (that comes with the i5) directly to the unit. How does the 30-pin adapter play into it? Does this need to be used to get around some DRM or DAC issue?

Lastly, if anyone has any opinions on if its worth an extra $200 for the x8500 over the x5500 if app radio use will (at least initially) be limited I'd love to hear them. I guess all I'm getting is an extra USB, removable screen, and an HDMI connection over a VGA so cheaper cables if I do go the i5 AppRadio route, but I don't see myself wanting to have to switch over to the CarMediaPlayer app each time I want to use the iPod controls seems like a PITA.

Hi guys -- thanks for all the info so far on the x8500. I was about to pull the trigger, but now I'm having second thoughts was hoping someone with the unit could help out with a few quesitons -- sorry for the long post:

The x8500 instructions (pg 51) say, for an iPhone 5, to use the USB1 port with the head unit supplied USB cable, not the 17-pin cable that comes with the CD-IH202 kit, though I assume that is wrong. Can you use the USB port instead though? Sounds like TexaBama and ccajay were able to. If so, then you don't really need to purchase the CD-IH202 kit and can just use the included USB male/female cord and any HDMI cord you'd like, along with the lightning Digital AV adapter? So what does the 17-pin cable offer over the standard supplied USB cord that is used w/ say the iphone 4, or is it just a proprietary connection with no additional functionality for Pioneer to make $$$ off?

It also says (pg 24) that a BT connection is still required w/ an iPhone 5 to use AppRadio -- what features use this connection?

Can the Pandora function be used just over a BT and/or standard USB connection, or is the crazy 3 cable digital AV contraption required? Is that considered part of AppRadio, or a separate function built into the head unit? How about the iPhone voice controls -- same question?

It also says (pg 23) that video functions on the iPod (assume this also means iPhone) won't work (I assume this is "iPod Out" functionality that was crippled by the lightning connection release), then on pg 24 it says that with the CD-IH202 kit, both music and video sources on the iPod cannot be played directly from the iPod controls, and that the CarMediaPlayer app must be used. So if the CD-IH202 cable is NOT used, and just the standard USB cord is used, will the built in iPod functionality work just no video, or does it still not work at all?

I'm trying to determine if after waiting all this time, maybe the AppRadio stuff just isn't worth the cost. I origninally just wanted a double din head unit for my 4Runner that is clean, no flashing colored lights, with HD radio and BT for calls that I could use to play music from my iPhone, and I also wanted to add a backup camera for towing (and so I don't run over my kid).

The Pioneer DVD line seemed to fit the bill, with AppRadio a great bonus addition, and since I have an iPhone 5 I've been waiting for months for the x8500 to release, but in the end I really was only going to use AppRadio for navigation, pandora, maybe some internet radio -- for $120+ in additional cords, some crazy dongle hanging off my phone which is draped all over my car, then having to go through a 5 step process each time I get in to get the phone to connect for AppRadio mode, and then having the ipod video function still somewhat crippled, is it really worth the extra cash? Seems a half baked bandaide solution until Apple sorts it's crap out with the head unit producers, at which point I'm sure it will be obsolete. I'm tempted to go for a x3500 or x5500 that I can get for under $400, and just say screw the video / AppRadio functionality. Seems even then I'm paying a fair amount of cash for AppRadio functionality I can't use. I don't watch video while driving anyway, and if I'm going to go through the trouble of converting to H.264 then I might as well load it onto an iPad and hand that to whoever wants to watch a flic on the road.

I'm hoping that's not the case and there is still a good amount of functionality that can be used with an iPhone 5 without too many things getting in the way....