Pioneer today introduced a new iPod Adapter for its car stereos. The direct-connect adapter works with the IP-Bus system in more than 3 million Pioneer car stereos, including all of Pioneer's new car stereos, which are being introduced at this week's International CES show. Through Pioneer's IP-Bus system, the CD-IB100 is backwards compatible with more than 3 million Pioneer car stereos. The company says that users will "be able to operate their iPods as easily as they would using the stereo unit, by means of the stereo's front panel controls." Pioneer stereos will display up to eight characters of text including album, artist and song names, with the ability to scroll additional information. While an iPod is docked to the CD-IB100, the adapter will charge the internal battery.

With select 2005 Pioneer audio video units, the adapter also provides enhanced features including multi-line display and list search, taking advantage of the additional display real estate. The CD-IB100 adapter also takes full advantage of Pioneer's audio enhancement capabilities such as Easy Equalizer (EEQ) and Bit Media Expander (BMX). Pioneer radios with the built-in EEQ feature let users adjust the sound from their iPod/iTunes device to their audio preference. Units with the BMX feature automatically restore the harmonics lost during recording of compressed music as well. The CD-IB100 adapter will be available in March of 2005 for $140.

Audiovox has announced a new iPod car adapter that allows iPod users to play songs through any car stereo system. The Audiovox iPod Mobile Interface Kit allows for a direct connection of the iPod to most factory radios for playback through the cars audio system. In addition, it allows the radio controls to operate the iPod and also enables users to control the iPod using the steering wheel controls. The system will also charge the internal battery of the iPod, according to the company. The kit is easy to install with a plug-in connection to the CD Changer port. The company says the iPod screen will display all the Song/Artist data, and browse, as if it were not connected. The module will be available later this month for $200 and customers will be required to call a toll-free 800 number to obtain the appropriate cable for their car stereo (which the company will deliver within 24-48 hours).