Is there something that makes the Pioneer cable special? I know that there are knock offs that work for some and not others. I'm wondering if anyone has tried any of these:

Generic iPhone USB with Line Out cables:

http://www.amazon.com/Gino-3-5mm-Audio-Cable-iPhone/dp/B007Q85DEW

http://www.amazon.com/SODIAL--Black-Cable-Charger-iPhone/dp/B008KESEU6

iPhone to USB/Line Out adapter:

http://www.amazon.com/FiiO-L11-Connector-Charge-iPhone/dp/B008EKON56

http://www.amazon.com/SellNet-Micro-Adapter-Connector-iPhone/dp/B006ABCA3I

http://www.amazon.com/SendStation-PDLO-USB-PocketDock-Line-iPods/dp/B0009X499G

The last one at $30 seems like it might be better just to buy the actual Pioneer cable for ~$42ish dollars. But the rest ranging from $2.92 up to $9.99 seem like decent alternatives.

So what makes the Pioneer cable special and worth $40+?

I don't have the real Pioneer cables but from what I gathered the on-screen apps and video requires the legit Pioneer cable.

I used a generic iPhone usb cable and a seperate headphone jack to headphone jack cable and it works fine. Only thing not working for me is video and apps.

i have a generic cable. pretty sure it was from link a jensen or a dual radio and it works perfectly fine. it has to be the USB and 3.5mm Video ipod cable to get full on screen videos album art and such

I used this one for a 5th gen nano with a 930BT.  Worked fine and it displayed album art.  Didn't try a video.

Pioneer CD-IU50V iPod / iPhone Interface Cable for Select Pioneer Multimedia.  Around $15 with Amazon Prime.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SQRWWQ/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01