Why would I need an iPod® adapter?

An iPod adapter allows you to connect your iPod to your car stereo, then access your playlists with your stereo's controls - a great idea for several reasons. One, you can scroll through your song titles on your stereo's larger display, instead of squinting down at your iPod. Two, you can route the adapter cable to your glove compartment or center console, so your iPod stays safely out of sight. Three, the iPod adapter keeps your iPod fully charged, so it's ready to rock when you leave your car. And last of all, some adapters bypass your iPod's internal digital-to-analog converter, using your stereo's superior DAC to turn your files back into music.

Our take on the Pioneer CD-IU201S

by Ken Nail

The CD-IU201S interface cable lets you enjoy Pioneer's Advanced App Mode when your compatible iPhone is connected to select Pioneer DVD receivers, so you'll enjoy onscreen control of the latest available apps with an intuitive interface. It also lets you access your iPod's audio and video content with the receiver's touchscreen controls. You'll see information like song and album titles, artist names, and track length — all conveniently displayed on the receiver's screen. The cable's design ensures maximum charging speed for your devices. Warranty: 1 year.

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Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and specs chart | What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Features and Specs

General
Adapter Type Loading...	A/V + Control
Vehicle Specific Loading...	No
Brand Specific Loading...	Pioneer
Parts Warranty Loading...	1 Year
Labor Warranty Loading...	1 Year
iPod Compatibility
Full-Size Loading...	Classic/5Gen
Nano Loading...	Nano6/Nano5/Nano4/Nano3/Nano2/
Touch Loading...	Touch4/Touch3/Touch2/Touch1
Mini Loading...	No
iPhone Loading...	Phone4S/Phone4/Phone3GS/Phone3

Product Research

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

6.5' iPod/iPhone advanced app cable (with a proprietary RGB connector on one end and a iPod dock connector and USB type-A connector on other end)
Disposal note

Our Product Research Team

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Features

Overview: The Pioneer CD-IU201S iPod interface cable permits direct control, audio/video playback, advance app mode, information display, and charging of your iPod/iPhone through select Pioneer multimedia head units. A compatible Pioneer multimedia head unit can be connected with an iPod/iPhone via this dedicated adapter by attaching the cable's USB type-A and proprietary RGB connector to the head unit's rear-panel USB and proprietary RGB ports, and plugging the cable's dock connector into your iPod/iPhone's dock connection.

iPod/iPhone Control: The CD-IU201S lets you control your iPod/iPhone from the head unit's touchscreen or from the iPod/iPhone's touchscreen or clickwheel.

Head Unit: From the head unit, you can search your iPod/iPhone's audio/video content by Video Playlist, Movie, Music Video, Video Podcast, TV Show, Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Podcast, Genre, Composer, or Audiobook (your iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or touchscreen will be locked). Once you have selected a category, you can search each category alphabetically (A-Z). In addition, the head unit offers Link Search, which allows you to play songs related to the currently playing song. Link Search lets the head unit create an album list of the currently playing artist, a song list of the currently playing album, or an album list of the currently playing genre. You can also select Random & Repeat functions for a certain song or specific folder.
Passenger Control: The Passenger Control mode allows you to navigate stored audio/video content from your connected iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or touchscreen. This is very useful for the person riding in your passenger seat.

Compatible Pioneer Head Units: The Pioneer CD-IU201S iPod adapter supports the following Pioneer multimedia head units (as of 11/13/2012).

AVH-P: 8400BH
AVH-X: 2500BT, 3500BHS, 4500BT, 5500BHS, 8500BHS

Advanced App Mode: Using the Pioneer CD-IU201S cable to connect the Pioneer multimedia head unit to your iPhone 4/4S (iOS 4.2+) loaded with Pioneer's free AppRadio application from iTunes, you can enjoy full on-screen access and control of your contacts, calendar, maps, and more with an intuitive interface, formatted and designed specifically for safer in-vehicle operation. Pioneer has teamed up with app providers to offer compatibility with many of today's most popular in-vehicle apps, while also developing an expanding catalog of compatible apps for future use that can be easily & seamlessly added.

iPod/iPhone Display: When connected via the Pioneer CD-IU201s cable, your compatible Pioneer multimedia head unit will display your iPod/iPhone's stored music file information, as well as metadata from Pandora, Aha Radio, and Advance Apps; including Track number, Folder number, Elapsed playing time, Song/Album title, Artist name, and Album art. There is no music information displayed when this unit is set to 'basic App mode'. Instead, all music information will be displayed on your iPod/iPhone's LCD screen.

iPod/iPhone Charging: The CD-IU201S lets you charge your iPod/iPhone when connected to the head unit's USB (type-A) port. This cable will charge the Apple iPad.

iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Pioneer CD-IU201S cable is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model functions (as of 9/27/2012):

iPod/iPhone

Generation

Tested Version

Media Type

Control Type

Display Type

Apps

Charge

Audio

Video

Head Unit

iPod/iPhone

App Mode

Advance App Mode

Song/Artist Text

Track Info

Album Art

Aha Radio

Pandora App

dock connector

3rd

N/A

N

clickwheel
color

4th

N/A

N

mini

1st

N/A

N

2nd

N/A

N

video

5th

1.3

Y

N

Y

N

Y

classic

80GB

1.1.2

Y

N

Y

N

Y

120GB

2.0.1

Y

N

Y

N

Y

160GB

2.0.4

Y

N

Y

N

Y

nano

1st

1.3.1

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

2nd

1.1.3

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

3rd

1.1.3

Y

N

Y

N

Y

4th

1.0.4

Y

N

Y

N

Y

5th

1.0.2

Y

N

Y

N

Y

6th

1.1 PC

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

7th

1.2

N

touch

1st

2.2.1

Y

N

Y

N

Y

2nd

4.2.1

Y

N

Y

N

Y

3rd

5.1.1

Y

N

Y

N

Y

4th

6.0

Y

N

Y

N

Y

5th

6.0

N

iPhone

2G

3.1.3

Y

Audi only

N

Y

N

Y

3G

4.2.1

Y

Audi only

N

Y

3GS

5.1.1

Y

Audi only

N

Y

4

6.0

Y

Audio/Video

130IU201S cable required

Y

4S

6.0

Y

Audio/Video

130IU201S cable required

Y

5

6.0

N

iPad

1

5.1.1

Y

Audio/Video

N

Y

N

2

6.0

Y

Audio/Video

N

Y

N

3

6.0

Y

Audio/Video

N

Y

N

Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is available.

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4 out of 5

Not bad

Written By cyNICKal, Missouri on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

I've had the cable for about a week. It works well. The only real complaint I have about it is that it's very thick. Also, not the cables fault, the compatible apps are pretty weak.

Pros:

Charges phone fast

Cons:

Very thick

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3 out of 5

Fairly dissapointing

Written By RealPilotNow, Ocala, FL on Saturday, April 27, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Cable does what it claims, but the apps (maps) tend to take a bit of "disk" space on the iPhone. My biggest complaint would be that I could not multi-task, (Maps AND radio at the same time)... For such powerful hardware, (iPhone and Pioneer AVH-X4500BT) they should be able to work better together in my opinion, especially when they are connected. I use my vehicle for business and travel a lot. I need something that will entertain, and have the capability of GPS at the same time. Normally, Google Maps works great, (no display on the radio though) and will give directions even if the radio is playing and you don't need the cable for that! Cable is bulky and would be prone to wear if you cycled the connection on the phone several times a day (as in my case). My radio is a tool, NOT a toy! Perhaps the apps will improve eventually. Hope Crutchfield has a great return policy! A cradle with this cable might be nice, at least that would eliminate the hassle of what to DO with it to make it look good in the car. As it is, cable management with a cable this bulky leaves a lot to be desired.

Pros:

Does what it advertises. Had no issues running the apps.

Cons:

Simply did not meet my needs. Cable is bulky and difficult to manage. Very difficult for cable management if you care what your car looks like. WAY too expensive for what you get!

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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4 out of 5

Pioneer CD-IU201S

Written By Anonymous, Mission Viejo, CA on Friday, April 19, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Pretty beefy cables, especially with the USB cord piggy-backed, but it works as advertised. Charges and interfaces with the iPhone fine. The plug is large and I had to grind some off to fit my wife's iPhone case. Also, I'm not sure why the separate USB cord versus housing them both in one case.

Pros:

Works as designed

Cons:

Bulky cable, 2 cords to feed (I attached mine together), large connector

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5 out of 5

Heavy duty

Written By timmy2high, Des Moines, WA on Sunday, April 14, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Sure this thing is expensive but what are you going to do if you want to connect a Apple device to your head unit? The cable is well made and works great. Not sure yet if AppRadio is all it's cracked up to be, but works well with my wife's Ipod and Iphone 4S.

Pros:

Well built

Cons:

Too expensive

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4 out of 5

Pioneer I pad cable

Written By Dee, Maryland on Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Good, wish it worked with other phones

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2 out of 5

Large and Awkward

Written By LBW, Raleigh NC on Thursday, March 07, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Caution! When I fist hooked this up, it did not work. After reviewing the Pioneer owner's manual, I found that you have to also use the USB cord that comes with your Receiver. So coming out to your phone/ipod is this big heavy combersome cord with 2 seperate cords attached to the phone plug. Very ackward! I tried my iphone charging cable in the rear USB port by itself and it worked perfectly! Why bother with this cable? Waste of money if you ask me.

Pros:

I don't see any

Cons:

Heavy, way to large, double cabling, expensive!

1 out of 3 people found this helpful

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4 out of 5

A must

Written By MarkG, Lacey, WA on Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

This cable is a must if you want to use all the head units functions. Love that I can use my iPhone for nav and still have touchscreen cap. and didn't have to upgrade to a nav ready unit.

Pros:

Need it to use all of the functions

Cons:

Way big.

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5 out of 5

Great iPod Cable

Written By ratchis2, Birmingham, AL on Saturday, February 23, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Beefy cable for integrating your iPod into your stereo system.

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1 out of 5

Don't waste your money

Written By Anonymous, Orlando, Fl on Monday, February 04, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Waste of money the PIoneer aps are awful

Pros:

None

Cons:

Waste of money

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4 out of 5

It does it's job.

Written By Tyler S, Frederick, MD on Friday, November 30, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

I have this connected to my AVH P8400BH to use the app radio and forgo bluetooth audio streaming. It's unnecessarily expensive and bulky BUT it's the only way to go if you want to use all of your Pioneer head unit's features. Maybe the bulk will pay off in longevity?

Pros:

It works, it's neccessary

Cons:

It's big and expensive

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4 out of 5

It Works

Written By Mr. Mike, Adamsville, GA on Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

I only use this cable to control my iPod and access my music files, and this cable works exactly as described. As another reviewer said, it is a bulky, so I hope you have plenty of space behind your radio. The only real problem I had with the cable is that I thought the USB part of the cable would detach from the rest of the cable so that I could plug another device into, but this not the case. The USB cable is made into the iPod connector, and it is much shorter than the rest of the cable, meaning when stretched all the way out; the USB cable is only about one third of the length of the rest of the cable. If you look closely at the picture you can see it. This made it difficult to plug both parts to the back of the radio, and keep enough length to put the iPod in the desired location.

Pros:

Works as described.

Cons:

Bulky, and the USB cable is not the same length as the iPod cable.

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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4 out of 5

Wow, it works but...

Written By Shadmaxservices, Portland,Oregon on Monday, May 21, 2012

Ok, so its a very heavy duty cable and works very well for the iphone 4s (is what I have). However, Its very large and thick in size and buyer beware if your planning to put it in landscape mode or switching orientations. I ordered a second cable because I didn't realize how sensitive this cable was about being in landscape mode. I actually use it alot with setting the GPS program on my Iphone.

This appmode that is included with my AVH-P8400BH wants you to use MotionX or A Program called NavFree. Right now, there is a number of limited apps out there for use with this AppRadio Cable. I use an AV jailbreak program called Display Out so that what ever is on my Iphone can be used with this cable. So, I use the Navigon App for GPS. (It's not an app supported with this Appradio List) However, I do still use it. The touch screen is not usable on my headunit because Its being used as a mirror display only.

Overall, Pioneer has the right idea with this cable add-on however, keep it in portrait mode or else you will wear it out much faster than it's intended to last.

Pros:

Thick Cable Works with the AppRadio Enabled Head Units from Pioneer Only Has a protective Ipod/Iphone Connector Plug when not in use. Allows 3rd party Video Programs to output VGA RGB Signals to Headunit.

Cons:

Cable cant take alot of Orientation switching. Portrait to Landscape (Visa Versa)

8 out of 12 people found this helpful

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1-12 of 12

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Pioneer CD-IU201S

iPod® and iPhone® interface cable for select Pioneer A/V receivers (needed for Advanced App or AppRadio Mode)

Item# 130IU201S offer details

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Why would I need an iPod® adapter?

Our take on the Pioneer CD-IU201S

by Ken Nail

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Product Research

Our Product Research Team

Features

Product Reviews

Reviews for the Pioneer CD-IU201S

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Review this product:

Crutchfield Video Review Guidelines

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Not bad

Fairly dissapointing

Pioneer CD-IU201S

Heavy duty

Pioneer I pad cable

Large and Awkward

A must

Great iPod Cable

Don't waste your money

It does it's job.

It Works

Wow, it works but...

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