whats the difference between the CD-IU230V and the CD-1200?

eh, one is for the D series, it has a single proprietary plug for the back of the head unit leading to a ipod connector.

The other cable mentioned is basically a standard apple compsoite cable that pioneer made under their own brand that was a cash cow for the new f series which is essentially a windows ce computer, therefore can use usb interface to control and charge the ipods.

It contains RCA connecotrs, white, red and yellow and usb, which is all the Apple composite cable is, I would suggest getting the apple one, its much better build quality.