Your CD Player & CD Changer questions answered... Split into Technical Terms & Products
Technical Terms
Aftermarket Car audio products that are manufactured for retail sale that include leading brands such as Alpine, Clarion, Kenwood, Panasonic Pioneer and Sony. Many Clarion, Grundig and VDO, and VDO Dayton CD Changers are directly compatible with some OE radios, where as other brands including Alpine and Sony require an interface to work with OE radios.
CD-R/RW Compatible Head unit or CD, MP3 changer that can play CD-R/RW discs (copied CDs).
Detachable Fascia All In-Dash radios, CD & MP3 Players come with detachable security fascia's or security codes giving you optimum security. Pop the fascia in the included robust plastic case and take it with you.
DIN E - German standard used by most manufacturers for the measurement of the cars radio aperture provided. Din is also used to describe multi pin plugs used for interconnections.
Head Unit - Any radio, cassette, CD, MP3 or Mini Disc that locates in the dash, also known as a source unit or front end.
In-Dash - Simply meaning any radio combined with a cassette player, CD player, Mini- Disc player or MP3 player that locates in your dash. Replacing any standard radio.
ISO - European standard plug-in type installation connector now used by all radio manufacturers. Having ISO specification connectors means you can replace radios without the need for cutting wires and therefore not invalidating the cars warranty.
MP3 - A form of music compression. Commonly called MP3 (Mpeg Layer 3), this popular format lets you convert a CD audio track into a file compressed in size by up to 12 times. MP3 music files can be downloaded from online music stores via the internet or "ripped" from your CD's. An MP3 player simply de-compresses and plays these music files. You can store up to approx 10 hours of music on 1 x 70 minute CD-R or CD-RW disc using MP3. MP3 In-Dash and MP3 changers are available and they can also play your normal CD's as well as CD-R/RW discs.
OE (Original Equipment) Standard factory installed products as fitted by the manufacturer that include radios and CD changers. You can add an aftermarket CD changer to your (OE) Factory Radio making you big savings off dealer prices.
Products
BUS Lead Also known as a data lead, or CD changer lead, is a robust 5 metre lead that transfers data from a radio to a CD, MD or MP3 changer. This is securely routed under the carpet.
Cassette/radio - Cassette player and radio combined, found in the dash.
CD Changer - CD unit that holds multiple CDs commonly located in the boot, under a seat or in the glove box. They can hold a maximum (6, 8, 10 or 12) discs depending on the make and model. They connect to and are operated by your radio via a CD BUS lead that is hidden under the carpet. Can be bought individually or together with a radio as a CD package. Average weight and dimensions of a CD changer are 1.7 Kg and (mm) W230 x H69.5 x D164.5.
CD Changer Cartridge Also known as a magazine, that holds your discs in a CD, MD or MP3 changer.
CD Changer Package - A Package comprising of a radio, Compact Disc changer unit and a connecting lead. Radio can be a cassette/radio, CD/radio, MD/radio or MP3/radio.
CD/radio - Single CD player and radio combined, found in the dash.
Fascia Adapter - Enables a standard DIN size radio to be fitted into a vehicle that has a non-standard DIN shaped original radio. Enables your car dash to keep its original appearance.
Factory Installed CD Changer - A superior alternative, but far cheaper in cost, to a dealer supplied CD Changer CD Changer that is compatible with your cars original factory installed radio. Increasing in popularity as more and more manufacturers fit radios with CD control (able to operate a CD changer unit).
Prevents the need to replace your radio by fitting a CD/radio or CD or MD package and enables you to 'Add a CD Changer' to your existing manufacturers radio without spoiling the integrated look and functionality it offers, whilst at the same time avoiding high prices charged by dealers such as BMW, Ford and VW. You can simply add-on the compatible CD changer unit and fit it in the boot under a seat or in the glove box. Some need a CD changer adapter in order to be compatible with your OE radio.
Factory/Dealer Installed CD Changers
Are different from the Factory Installed CD changer above. These are CD changers that are installed at the factory or supplied by car dealers (i.e. Audi, BMW, Volvo, etc) and generally carry part numbers such as (786511203) as opposed to part numbers such as CHM-S630 that Aftermarket CD changers have. The overall styling is also more basic than aftermarket CD changers.
These CD Changers will only work with the radios that they were manufactured for and will not be compatible with CD Changer interfaces that we supply. This is simply because the software used in the CD changers is different to that as used in aftermarket CD changers.
We often get enquiries from customers who have removed these from their car before selling so they can re-use in their next car or they have seen one going cheap on an auction site, etc only to find out that there is no use for it unless they will be using it with the Factory radio that it was made for.
FM Modulator (Universal) CD Changer CD or MP3 Changer that can be used with any car radio and works by tuning one of your radio stations into a pre-determined frequency. You then play your CD's on that preset station. You do not have to have CD option on your existing radio, just a good aerial connection. Ideal for any car including hire cars, older or basic radios or for factory fit radios where there is no interface option.
Harness Adapter - A convertor lead that connects to your cars existing radio wiring harness and enables any car radio that has an ISO connector to be fitted by push fit connection.
ICE Link - A lead convertor that enables you to connect and control your Apple iPod from a factory installed radio.
iPOD - A small portable digital music player from Apple, that enables you store up to 40GB of MP3 music.
Changer Adapter A small adapter or lead that enables your factory installed radio to communicate and operate an aftermarket CD, MD or MP3 changer, such as an Alpine, Kenwood or Sony. Installs at the rear of your existing radio or to the pre-installed CD lead if one is fitted. Interfaces are not universal and are designed to work with each individual radio or CD lead for each specific vehicle and with one specific brand of changer. There are 2 types available: 1) Box type with dimensions of (80mm x 35mm x 55mm) and a Lead type that could also have a box with it and these are approx (160mm to 400mm) in length dependent upon vehicle.
MD Changer Package - A Package comprising of a radio, Compact Mini Disc changer unit and a connecting lead. Radio can be a cassette/radio, CD/radio, MD/radio or MP3/radio.
MD Changer - Mini Disc unit, that holds multiple Mini Discs. Mounts in the boot or under a seat. Usually holds 6 Mini Discs depending on the make and model. It is connected to your radio by a Bus lead, which is hidden under the carpet and operated by your radio. Can be bought individually or together with a radio as an MD package.
MD/radio - Single Mini Disc player and radio combined, found in the dash.
MP3 Changer CD Changer that can play your normal CD's and MP3 files on CD-R/RW.
MP3 Player/radio - MP3 player and radio combined, found in the dash.
Radio Release Keys Also known as radio tools. Specially designed keys that quickly release factory installed and aftermarket radios.
Stalk control or SMART Lead - A Lead that allows you to interface with your cars existing audio features. So with regards to steering wheel remote controls, the SMART leads give you the facility to operate aftermarket radios via your steering wheel controls.
Learn more with the Radio Glossary
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