D4, MP3 on CD and buffering

[WhiteD3]

My D4 has the standard stereo. When I play a CD of MP3's I get a break in the audio every 2 minutes or so, as if the buffer is full. Anyone else getting this?

[Graeme]

No, and mine gets used regularly.

[drivesafe]

Hi WhiteD3, my wife’s D4 had no problems playing MP3 CDs, BUT, my pussbox RR ( as usual ) had nothing but problems.

I experimented with a few different ways of recording to try to get around the problems and managed to get the RR to play MP3 CDs without any breaks or skipping but even then it would only play the first 40 or so tracks and then go to the next CD.

Whether I had achieved a better quality MP3 recording by the time I got the D4 I don’t know but the D4 would play the whole 150+ tracks on any MP3 CD I played in the D4 with out any problems.

Just a suggestion but maybe your problems stem from what ever program and/or device you are using to make the MP3s.

[Tombie]

Also, try different media (different brands) AND....

Try writing the disc at a slower rate..... Gives a better, more reliable and readable burn...

[pm80]

I have used MP3 Cds with no skipping or gaps in both RRS, D3 and D4. I think you have something not right. I must add that I have seen a lot of problems stem from the type of disk or the way it was recorded (re-writeable disks are an example). For the sake of a couple bucks, burn a couple other disks of different brands, different ways and if it still does it... it's warranty time.

I must also add that since I forked out a few dollars for an iPod I have never had a CD in my car. Best thing I ever bought.

[outasight]

So pm80 - does that mean you have a factory iPod interface in your D4, or how are you achieving it otherwise please?

Sorry to hijack whiteD3, but I reckon a USB or iPod interface for the std. D4 stereo would be great.

My wife's Hyundai SantaFe has USB & it's great for memory sticks full of mp3's.

Regards,

Les.

[kenl]

I had the same problem with mine and as mentioned above, the fix was to record them in a different way, I think the file structure is the main thing.

Like only 2 levels, album-song and Not artist-album-song, the other thing that I experimented with was different recording programs, nero, HP, windows media, etc.
I don't know what fixed it in the end but I did get it fixed, oh and the disks that come in bulk lots did seem to be worse.

Ken

One more thing was not to completely fill the disk, leave about 5% free, I think this affected the compression of the recording program?

[Wirraway]

My D4 does the same. The frustrating thing is the inconsistency - the same disc can play without any problems, occassional problems which I've learnt to live with or lots of problems forcing me to turn it off. I've used discs that have been played for years in my previous vehicle without issue and discs that have been burnt recently at the slowest possible rate. Next I'll try Kenl's suggestion of only 2 levels of folders and also not filling the disc.
Needless to say, the response I got from the dealer to this problem was very underwhelming. My expectation is that if a disc can play fine in any other mp3 player then the D4 unit should be able to play it without a problem. I intend to keep mentioning it every time it's in for a service.

[oldsalt]

Get yourself an I-pod and wire in an "aux" plug to your system - Adding AUX input to S - Land Rover Discovery 3 (http://disco3.the-schuttes.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=39) and there you go !!!

cheers

[Graeme]

The D4 base audio already has an aux (line-in) socket. I used it initially with my phone but sometimes the phone didn't answer so now only use the CDs with MP3s. My MP3 CDs only have 2 levels - album and track.

[pm80]

So pm80 - does that mean you have a factory iPod interface in your D4, or how are you achieving it otherwise please?

Sorry to hijack whiteD3, but I reckon a USB or iPod interface for the std. D4 stereo would be great.

My wife's Hyundai SantaFe has USB & it's great for memory sticks full of mp3's.

Regards,

Les.

Sadly, no. If you don't have the factory Nav option I don't know of a way to have iPod intergration. It just plugs into the 3.5mm socket and plays via aux, not intergrated into the cars system. You need to fork out $5000 or so for all the touch screen stuff.

[Beamin]

Outasight, there is an aftermarket accessory that does the job quite well, using the Aux input and power socket in the back of the centre console in the D4. The iPod cable can then be fed under the lid of the console so that your iPod can be plugged in and left out of sight in the console. It's called a Kensington LiquidAUX and costs about US$60. It doesn't seem to be available on the Apple website any more but I found it still for sale at LiquidAUX™ for iPhone and iPod - K33429US - Kensington (http://us.kensington.com/html/14492.html)

I have been using one for the last 18 months and I'm quite happy with it. It charges the iPod (mostly), feeds good sound directly into the stereo and gives stop/start/skip/back control over the tunes via a wireless remote (strap it onto the door handle, not the steering wheel as shown in the instruction manual).

However, one drawback might be that it may not work with the iPhone 4. Mine's an iPhone 3GS and it works fine. Also works fine with an iPod 4 running the latest iOS version.

[Wirraway]

Well, recorded a new mp3 cd using all of the suggestions (2 folders only, slow burn rate, different brand media, different burning app) and still have the same problems.
I'll keep experimenting but I'm not convinced it's a disc problem given that a lot of these discs have been played many times without issues over the last few years in my previous vehicle which had a 6 stack mp3 player.

[kenl]

Keep trying wirraway!

I can't remember how (if I ever knew) but I eventually got it to work without skipping, it used ti drive me nuts.

I've now got a new D4 with the USB, which has it's own problems, but mostly to do with the media. I can't find a USB stick above 4gb that it will recognise?? Been discussed b4

[outasight]

Thanks Beamin!

I have purchased one of these off the UK fleabay for just over AU$25 delivered here!

The seller has more if anyone else is interested - current link below
Kensington LiquidAUX Deluxe for iPhone & iPod AUX Jack | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/380365063760)
It's a shame the Harman Kardon Drive + Play 2 isn't still available, but this should be good enough(especially for $25!).

I don't need iPhone ability, the factory Bluetooth should be sufficient with my work supplied phone/s which aren't likely to ever be iPhones.

Regards,

Les.


Outasight, there is an aftermarket accessory that does the job quite well, using the Aux input and power socket in the back of the centre console in the D4. The iPod cable can then be fed under the lid of the console so that your iPod can be plugged in and left out of sight in the console. It's called a Kensington LiquidAUX and costs about US$60. It doesn't seem to be available on the Apple website any more but I found it still for sale at LiquidAUX™ for iPhone and iPod - K33429US - Kensington (http://us.kensington.com/html/14492.html)

I have been using one for the last 18 months and I'm quite happy with it. It charges the iPod (mostly), feeds good sound directly into the stereo and gives stop/start/skip/back control over the tunes via a wireless remote (strap it onto the door handle, not the steering wheel as shown in the instruction manual).

However, one drawback might be that it may not work with the iPhone 4. Mine's an iPhone 3GS and it works fine. Also works fine with an iPod 4 running the latest iOS version.