OK, dumb question.

When the iPhone is connected to the MDI port it just says "accessory connected" and doesn't allow you to select music or playlists from the iPhone itself.

On my old Sony head unit it was the same but you could put it into "iPod" mode, which got rid of the "accessory connected" screen and gave you back control via the iPhone rather than via the head unit.

So.

How do I get the Columbus / MDI port to give me back control of the music ?

Selecting from the head unit is slow and tedious, if I can't have control back then the MDI port is just an inconveniently located charger.

And yes I know you can jailbreak the phone and hack the accessory connected screen to get rid of it but that's not what I'm after.

Paul

Have you just fitted the MDI because that sounds like my experience if the MDI before I coded it using VCDS?

The whole idea of MDI is that it allows you to select music and playlists from the headunit, not the iphone / connected device. if you want control from the phone then you'll need to use bluetooth streaming instead, assuming you have bluetooth and the module supports it.

When connected via MDI the files are accessed digitally by the columbus, like an external HDD, unlike the Sony which I guess like most aftermarket headunits send the audio in analogue format to the headunit.

Or use an auxiliary port (3.5mm jack) as fitted in many Jumbo Boxes.

OK, to answer the points above.

The Sony is not an analogue connection - it's a single USB port that can be used for iPods, iPhones, HDD, memory sticks, etc. But that's kind of irrelevant here, I'm just surprised that Skoda haven't done it that way as it seems a simpler and more elegant solution.

MDI was fitted as factory build - so I hope it's coded properly . . .

KBPhoto - can you confirm does yours allow you to select music on the iPhone itself ?

I could use the Aux port but sound quality isn't normally so good using the headphone out on the phone as opposed to digital out and the battery won't get charged.

Bluetooth is not an option with a manual VRS (but that will get fixed with an OEM install soon). Problem is the iPhone still won't charge.

Unless someone can conform that they can select music via the iPhone then Skoda seems to have made a design choice here to prevent this function. I must have a dozen different accessories / docks and some allow local iPhone control and some not, some it is switchable. I was hoping there was a set up option somewhere.

If I can solve the playlist problem (another thread) then I'll use the MDI for a HDD as it seems pointless for iPhone connection they way I want to use it.

Paul

Edited 19 July, 201213 yr by Paul90

I control my iPhone from the Columbus Head Unit via the MDI cable / box to which the iPhone is plugged.

I cannot (and do not want to) control the iPhone direct from the iPhone itself.

There is a USB (an mini-USB) cable available for the MDI - I have not tried plugging the iPhone into this (I don't have a USB cable) but suspect that it might achieve what you want to as it will be replicating plugging the iPhone into any USB socket.

There is a USB (an mini-USB) cable available for the MDI - I have not tried plugging the iPhone into this (I don't have a USB cable) but suspect that it might achieve what you want to as it will be replicating plugging the iPhone into any USB socket.

I'm afraid not, USB and mini USB only works for HDD and memory sticks via the MDI, which is why I said it seems like an odd design choice but there must be a reason they went that route rather than USB for everything.

My iPhone has a rather shambolic collection of playlists in different folders. With the iPhone GUI I can always get to what I want to play very quickly, not so via the head unit. I'll clean up the playlists and try again but HDD on the MDI with a small collection of organised playlists seems the best route.

I also use the iPhone a lot to stream internet radio (www.radioparadise.com) while travelling (typically 4 to 5 hours at a time in the car) and that just doesn't work via MDI. So bluetooth and a seperate cigar plug charger has to be the solution there. I just hate messy solutions like that.

My last car had a DICE unit. Single USB port does everything.

My wife's car has the Sony head unit. Single USB port does everything.

Personally I think the VW/Skoda design team have decided that you shouldn't touch your iPhone while driving (even the passenger ?).

IMHO I don't think the Columbus UI makes it any safer nor any quicker or simpler for me. But clearly everyone has their own preference.

Looking on the bright side with a big HDD I can take lots more music with me. I'll just have to figure out a way to get to what I want with playlists via the head unit.