iPod integration in 2008 - anything definitive?

I just ordered the vais sl2vi. It should be arriving tomorrow, and i plan on installing it this weekend. The sales person I ordered it from said it is compatible with the 2008 prius, so i hope there is no problem.

Let me know if there is anything specific you want me to look for when installing/using the VAIS. I wish there was a more concise description of the product but I couldnt find any so I just decided to buy it. I hope it works out.

 

I installed the unit last weekend. The online instructions I found on taking apart the dash were very helpful and accurate. The instructions that came with the sl2vi on hooking it to the MFD and stereo were also easy to follow.

I havent been able to use the video output on it yet, unit will not play video. I will try it out a mod suggested by the vais tech support people tomorrow. I called up their tech support twice and theyve been very helpful.

The audio output from the iphone is great. It works as advertised with the MFD screen. I tried out the two modes, controlling via MFD and controlling via iphone; I prefer controlling via MFD. Sound is great, much better than using the aux input. Also, its nice to be able to use the steering controls to skip to the next track.

The iphone charges when it hooks up. The current song playing pauses when the car is stopped and it automatically starts playing from where it left off when the car is started again.

Been using it everyday for the past week. So far, no crashed or hangups with the vais.

Let me know if theres anything else you want me to check on.

 

I wanted the video so I ordered the sl2vi. If you are looking to connect your ipod/Turn off signatures in Tapatalk audio only, order the sl2i, but I would suggest you confirm this with their sales dept.

Yes, I have the iPhone. Playing audio and using the bluetooth phone functionality work well together. Bluetooth works like it did when the iphone was not connected to the vais. Also, when calls come in and I answer them using bluetooth, the songs fades away and pauses. It comes back when the call is ended.

 

I am assuming you have navigation...

 

Yep, ive got navi. why do you ask?

 

Because I want this! But I don't have navigation. So I am wondering if it works without navigation. I sent an email to the guys at VAIS. I will probably just call them today and talk to them.

 

More than likely it will work without navi. The vais plugs into the stereo and the mfd directly it has no interaction with the navi.

 

Does the sl2i let you view videos while the vehicle is in motion?

 

I've had the SL2i for several months now; in all that time, it's worked perfectly the entire time.

Not only that, but the guys at the company are first-rate; having had a terrible experience with another iPod add-on provider (eCoastal), it's refreshing to deal with a company that answers its phone, returns calls, and is constantly upgrading its products.

The new firmware for the iPod mods is coming any day; it'll work with any 5th-gen iPods (and I would assume, the iPhone), and will add the ability to select by artist and album, in addition to playlists. I don't know if it'll display album cover art, but if it would, it would be enough for me to upgrade to the SL2Vi.

 

Does the sl2i let you view videos while the vehicle is in motion? No, if you want video you need to get the sl2vi. Also, once installed you need to cut a wire that leads to the MFD to get the video to play while the vehicle is moving.

 

Great info here...thanks to everyone for the links and feedback!

I, too, have an 08 on the way (no nav) and want to integrate my iPhone. In my other car, I have a Dension unit which works well. What I like about it is that it has a great dock that is mounted into the dash. I'll try to attach a pic. I'm wondering if anyone has seen/done anything like this for the Prius. I plan on using my iPhone as my iPod, so having it out and available like this would make getting calls easier, etc.

Thanks for any help!

 

Anybody know if the SL2VI will work with a Lockpick installed??

 

Curious as to part of the original question of the thread - does anyone have thoughts about the DICE vs. the Vais products - are they essentially the same? Does one have benefits over the other?

Specifically hoping someone can address if either/both allow controls of track and album, particularly if that can be done via controls on steering wheel. I have an 08 Prius and 5th Gen Ipod, 3 Gen Nano.

Thanks

 

I have talked to the guys over at Vais for the last week because I want to buy the Sl2VI for my 2008 non navigation prius. Here is what they have told me:

1) Does not work with a lockpick
2) Plays Video (not while vehicle is in motion)(this can be fixed with a little bit of research)
3) Works with or without navigation because it doesn't run through the NAV
4) Works with a 2008
5) Integrates your ipod to the touch screen on your prius

You can't go wrong! DICE out...VAIS in!

 

Goodness I am glad I landed on this forum. I just purchased an 08 Prius, package 2 and I am now going to order the vais kit for my ipod integration.

Is there any good advice on this forum about the installation process?