Purchase
How/where can I purchase an adapter?
How long will it take to deliver?
Can I buy the iMIV from a local source?
Is there a quantity discount?
Are there group buys?
Who designed the iMIV?
General
Will you offer the iMIV as a kit?
Compatibility
Will the iMIV work with my HU model?
Will the iMIV work with RTI?
Will the iMIV work with my 30/80 GB iPod Video (5.5G) and my 2/4/8GB nano (2nd Gen)?
Can I keep my existing CD-Changer?
Can I keep my existing TV tuner?
Can I use an NTSC based video source?
Installation
Can I install the iMIV by myself?
What are recommended install locations?
Do I need to run cables through my car?
Do you provide an installation manual?
Does the adapter come with all the necessary wiring and connectors?
Is it plug and play installation?
Do I need to tap into wires of the car?
Do I need to remove the HeadUnit?
Can I use my prewired RTI/CD-C/SAT Melbus cable?
How can I mount my iPod?
Do I need a Volvo software upgrade on my HU to get your adapter to work?
Do I need a special cable to watch video from my iPod video?
Features
How many Playlists are supported?
How do I keep my Playlists organized?
Does the iMIV show text info (Playlist, Artist, song text) on the HU?
Does the iMIV support Shuffle play?
Do I need to set a dipswitch to select between Simple or Advanced Mode?
How many audio sources can I connect to the iMIV?
Can I connect an iPod and an external audio source at the same time?
Can I play video on the RTI screen?
Do I need the Volvo TV tuner when I want to play video on the RTI screen?
Can I hear sound on the speakers when I play video on the RTI?
Can I switch between navigation and video when I watch video on the RTI?
Can I play video while driving?
How many video sources can I connect to the iMIV?
Can I connect a digital TV tuner?
Is it possible to upgrade the firmware?
Does the adapter need to be send to Sensolutions for new firmware?
Do I have to pay for new firmware releases?
Is the adapter susceptible to noise (whining, clicking, buzzing, etc.)?
Do I need a ground loop isolator if I connect an external audio source?
Can I add extra TFT panels and headphones for rear seat entertainment?
Can I use two adapters to get more inputs?
I don’t own an iPod. Can I connect my MP3 player to the iMIV?
I don’t have RTI. What can the video connection do for me?
Purchase - The
Answers!
The base iMIV Kit retails for $159.95 USD. Furthermore you have the possibility to change the base package. Please read up on the accurate prices in the order section of our web site.
How/where can I purchase an adapter? top
You can place your order online (coming soon), or fax it in. We do not have distributors at the moment.
How long will it take to deliver? top
If we have stock it will take 2 business days to process your order and ship via express service.
Can I buy the iMIV from a local source? top
No, right now we are the only source.
Is there a quantity discount? top
No, but we offer better shipping rates.
Are there group buys? top
No.
Who designed the iMIV? top
The iMIV concept was developed by AudioMusicDesign and Sensolutions was responsible for the design of the commercial product.
General - The Answers
The iMIV is made in Canada, but future releases will be made off-shore.
Will you offer the iMIV as a kit? top
No. The iMIV adapter is only available as the finished product.
Compatibility - The
Answers
The iMIV is a MELBUS based adapter. These cars do not support MELBUS, they are MOST based, and therefore the iMIV will not work with these car models. See the compatibility chart in the specifications section for more details.
Will the iMIV work with my HU model? top
The iMIV works with all HU-XXX and the HU-1205 radios. See the compatibility in the specifications section chart for more details.
Will the iMIV work with RTI? top
The iMIV will work the current DVD based RTI systems. We think that it also will work with the older CD based systems, but have not been able to confirm that.
Will the iMIV work with my 30/80 GB iPod Video (5.5G) and my 2/4/8GB nano (2nd Gen)? top
The iMIV works with all iPods form the 3rd generation on. This includes the Nanos, iPods and iPod Video.
Can I keep my existing CD-Changer? top
The iMIV emulates an MELBUS device. By default this is the 10 CD external changer. However, we offer iMIV firmware that changes this to the MD changer channel. Hence if you want to use the iMIV and your head unit does not support the MD Channel, you have to make a choice of what to keep.
Can I keep my existing TV tuner? top
If you want to show video from your iPod trough the OEM NAV system, you will need to retire your TV tuner.
Can I use an NTSC based video source? top
To the iMIV it makes no difference what video source you are using. But to integrate this into the NAV OEM system, you need a PAL source. If you use an external, 3rd party LCD screen, you have to use a source that is compatible with this screen.
Installation - The
Answers
Depending on the installation location and the presence of existing wiring – left from a previous Volvo iPod adapter install in particular – it will take 2 to 4 hrs.
Can I install the iMIV by myself? top
If you feel comfortable in taking your car apart for routing cables and wires, we certainly would encourage you.
What are recommended install locations? top
We recommend the following installation locations:
- under the front passenger seat
- immediate behind the rear (bench) seat
- next to the RTI/NAV unit in the trunk.
Do I need to run cables through my car?top
Yes you do. You need at minimum to run a power cable, an iPod cable and MELBUS cable.
Do you provide an installation manual? top
We provide you with a installation manual. This manual is located in our download section).
Does the adapter come with all the necessary wiring and connectors? top
Yes, the base kit includes all the necessary cabling to get you up and running. This includes a fused power cable (2 meter) with splice, iPod cable (2 meter), and MELBUS cable (2 meter). For securing your iMIV we include a DUAL Lock strip (15 cm).
Is it plug and play installation? top
The installation is plug and play, there is no need to reprogram your radio. The iMIV is automatically recognized when you power up the car and radio
Do I need to tap into wires of the car? top
For the base kit, you need to splice the +ve supply lead into an un-switched power source. The premium install kits avoid this necessity by providing you with a plug and play solution in to the existing wiring harness.
Do I need to remove the HeadUnit? top
To connect your MELBUS cable, yes you need to remove your car radio. Unless you can use an existing MELBUS cable.
Can I use my prewired RTI/CD-C/SAT Melbus cable?top
Yes you can, but you would need a second MELBUS to daisy chain from the iMIV to the remaining/existing MELBUS device.
How can I mount my iPod? top
We will offer iPod mounts and vehicle clips by Brodit/ProClip USA. Until then you can purchase them at proclipusa.com and part numbers are:
iPod holder:
- P/N: 840640
- P/N: 852779 (S60/V70 2001 - 2004)
- P/N: 853650 (S60/V70 2005 – current)
- P/N: 853649 (S60/V70 2005 – current, ONLY for models with wood grain trim)
- P/N: 852825 (S40/V40 2001 - 2004)
- P/N: 832622 (S80 1999 - 2004)
Do I need a Volvo software upgrade on my HU to get your adapter to work? top
No, you do not need a software update for you HU to make the iMIV work. The iMIV is automatically recognized after installation when you power up.
Do I need a special cable to watch video from my iPod video? top
To watch video on your OEM NAV screen you need a special cable. Currently we offer such a cable only for the DVD based NAV systems.
Features - The Answers
You can use the iPod controls when you are in “Simple Mode” only. Learn more about the different modes in the details.
How many Playlists are supported?top
The iMIV supports 99 playlists.
How do I keep my Playlists organized?top
You can organize your play list the way you like it, but we recommend that you start with a number:
- 01 - Pop
- 02 - Rock
- 03 - Country, etc
Does the iMIV show text info (Playlist, Artist, song text) on the HU? top
The iMIV will support text info for the HU-450, HU-650 and HU-850 head units, when in SAT mode.
Does the iMIV support Shuffle play?top
Yes, in “Advanced Mode” the iMIV supports shuffle play. Learn more about the different modes in the details.
Do I need to set a dipswitch to select between Simple or Advanced Mode? top
No, you do not need to touch the iMIV at all to switch between the two modes. The only buttons you need to push are the ones on your radio.
How many audio sources can I connect to the iMIV? top
Including the iPod the iMIV supports 2 audio sources.
Can I connect an iPod and an external audio source at the same time? top
You certainly can, but you can only play one at a time.
Can I play video on the RTI screen? top
With the special RTI video cable, you can play video on the RTI screen.
Do I need the Volvo TV tuner when I want to play video on the RTI screen? top
No you do not need a TV tuner to show video from the iPod.
Can I hear sound on the speakers when I play video on the RTI? top
When you play video on the RTI, the iMIV routes the sound track to your speakers.
Can I switch between navigation and video when I watch video on the RTI? top
When you watch video on the RTI screen, and you want to see the NAV info again, all you need to do is push the "back" button on your iPod. See this video.
Can I play video while driving?top
No, we do not support this feature. Once you reach 5 Km/hr (or 3 miles/hr), your video to the RTI screen is disabled.
How many video sources can I connect to the iMIV? top
Including the iPod, you can connect 2 video sources to the iMIV.
Can I connect a digital TV tuner? top
With the extra Video and Audio input, you can easily hookup a digital TV tuner. This TV tuner, along with audio, will show as TV2 on your HU.
Is it possible to upgrade the firmware? top
The iMIV supports field upgradeable firmware. To upgrade your firmware all you need to do is load a “special song” on your iPod and play this “to” your iMIV.
Does the adapter need to be send to Sensolutions for new firmware? top
No, that is not required. ( see)
Do I have to pay for new firmware releases? top
Firmware downloads are free. Please keep in mind that future release may not be compatible with previously released hardware.
Is the adapter susceptible to noise (whining, clicking, buzzing, etc.)? top
The adapter is designed to provide the highest quality of Audio and Video. Special care was given in eliminating supply induced noises: There is no annoying whining, clicking or buzzing.
>Do I need a ground loop isolator if I connect an external audio source? top
No, that is not required.
Can I add extra TFT panels and headphones for rear seat entertainment? top
You can add an extra TFT panel is you like, but adding head phones is not possible at the moment.
Can I use two adapters to get more inputs? top
You can add a second adapter, to get an extra iPod, or Audio input.
I don’t own an iPod. Can I connect my MP3 player to the iMIV? top
You can, but keep in mind that you will not benefit from all the features the iMIV offers. We are working on a more cost effective solution for generic MP3 players and other digital audio sources.
I don’t have RTI. What can the video connection do for me? top
If you don’t have RTI, you would benefit from iMIV video features, provided you do not add a 3rd party TFT / LCD screen.