eas | Official DICE MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub Q/A thread

[Tom G.]

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 We are on our 6th Generation iPod, a 3rd Generation iPhone, the mini has been replaced by the nano.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

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


DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for BMW
eas - 714.369.8524 | DICE - MediaBridge iPod/iPhone Multimedia Hub for BMW

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.

Questions and/or Technical Support questions are welcomed in this thread.

[Tom G.]

Interface shots on MY03 e46 M3 w/ Business CD:

[Tom G.]

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.

[apetrov1x5]

what phones has the BT capability been tested on?

I am asking because OEM BMW BT works different depending on ULF generation AND phone model/make...does it support SMS display on car screen for example?

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by apetrov1x5

what phones has the BT capability been tested on?

I am asking because OEM BMW BT works different depending on ULF generation AND phone model/make...does it support SMS display on car screen for example?

So far we have tested in house with the iPhone and BlackBerry models with no issues at all. Both models supported A2DP streaming.

[Franklin Joseph]

does my x5 need to have bluetooth for it to work?

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by Franklin Joseph

does my x5 need to have bluetooth for it to work?

No, the MediaBridge 1500 is adding Bluetooth to the vehicle, the MediaBridge 1000 is for those not interested in adding Bluetooth connectivity.

[vegasX5]

Do you know what build date they started producing DSP as an analog signal as opposed to digital? Should I just look to see if it's a coax cable meaning digital?

When this month do you think the bluetooth part of the kits will be ready for shipping? This seems like a great option to upgrade everything at once.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by vegasX5

Do you know what build date they started producing DSP as an analog signal as opposed to digital? Should I just look to see if it's a coax cable meaning digital?

When this month do you think the bluetooth part of the kits will be ready for shipping? This seems like a great option to upgrade everything at once.

Usually 2003+ models are analog, I have only seen 1 2005 Digital DSP X5 roll through the doors.

Usually, your 2000-2002 were at bigger odds of being Digital.

[chrisryan1972]

I was looking at this on the DICE website just the other day and was wondering, "...why don't they have it available for BMW yet!?!". This is great news!

Can you tell me how it would interface/look on a BMW with Navi? Any chance you have any screen shots of how the text support would shake out? I have a 2006 X3 with Navi and DSP. Not sure what the software version for my Navi is, still trying to figure out how to determine that through some of the other threads on this site. LOL

Thanks!!!!