late 2008 MY changes (Grommet, you out there?)

[MarkJD]

Dear Gang,

I need to order a 2008 LR3 HSE. I asked my dealer to place the order (an HSE with HD package) a couple of weeks ago. However, he called me yesterday and said that he couldn't get the vehicle that I'd requested in his upcoming allotment and that the 2008s in the next allotment had the option of a factory installed DVD system in the headrests. He wanted to know whether or not this was something I wanted to add to the order, but I can't find any pics of this or details on the LRNA site.

Here are my questions for anyone out there that has a better knowledge of LR's offerings on the LR3 than I:

-what do you know of the new factory installed entertainment system in the LR3? I'm told that it's the same as the RRS, but I couldn't find pics of this on the LRNA either. I have small children so this is semi-appealing, but it would be more valuable to me if it had separate feeds for each display so that different things could be watched.

-I'm now seeing something on the LRNA site that implies there is an iPod compatible cable that fits in the armrest and allows control of an iPod through the head unit. I know that this is a subject that has been beat to death on the forums, but could someone tell me if I'm reading this accurately. Last time I looked at Land Rover's iPod alternative, it was a somewhat obtrusive thing that held the iPod on the dash. Does anyone know if this seemingly new thing is in fact new (i.e. will it put the iPod somewhere else and allow control through the stereo head unit)? Also, if this new iPod interface exists, is it dealer or factory installed?

TIA,
Mark

 

[grommet]

-what do you know of the new factory installed entertainment system in the LR3? I'm told that it's the same as the RRS, but I couldn't find pics of this on the LRNA either. I have small children so this is semi-appealing, but it would be more valuable to me if it had separate feeds for each display so that different things could be watched.

I haven't been as 'plugged-in' lately so I can't confirm/verify anything... but it's always been on the table as a possible offering. It would be virtually identical to the RRS configuration, as the parts are modular between the vehicles. It has two discrete A/V input jacks behind the center console, next to the audio AUX input and cigarette power plug. So yes, each small screen can display a different feed if you wish. The LR3 headrest/seat design would be different than the old design to allow for similar integrated screens. Sorry, can't help much here... I'd love to see this implemented with pictures, too.

On a side note, alternatively... you can probably install two 10"+ screen DVD flip-down units, one on each side, from a local installer for less. But you won't have an integrated 6-disc DVD changer as a source.

-I'm now seeing something on the LRNA site that implies there is an iPod compatible cable that fits in the armrest and allows control of an iPod through the head unit. I know that this is a subject that has been beat to death on the forums, but could someone tell me if I'm reading this accurately. Last time I looked at Land Rover's iPod alternative, it was a somewhat obtrusive thing that held the iPod on the dash. Does anyone know if this seemingly new thing is in fact new (i.e. will it put the iPod somewhere else and allow control through the stereo head unit)? Also, if this new iPod interface exists, is it dealer or factory installed?

Sorry, that's likely Land Rover mis-information still. The details about the "Audio Connectivity Module" has been wrong since day one on the web site. The AUX/USB break-out box is in the glove box... and yes, there is an iPod specific dock that can mount near the dash unless you choose to not use it. Dealer installed. I wouldn't expect a factory option until the full infotainment hardware refresh due in the first significant revision of LR3. (Think LR2-like.)

 

[MarkJD]

Grommet,

As always, thank you for your response. Regarding the headrests, I was told that the issue was the handles on the LR3 headrest and LR needing to redesign the way the screens fit in there. I got the impression that the headrest design wouldn't change significantly (though I can think of many ways I'd like the plain old LR3 headrest to change for the better). Regarding the iPod interface, that sucks. I really want a solution where the iPod is hardwired (i.e. via it's charging port) to the stereo's head unit, but that appears to still evade us. Interestingly enough, though, I no longer necessarily worry about controlling it through the head-unit as I think it would be incredibly hard to top Apple's iPod interface - i.e. I want the iPod to be hardwired to the stereo for audio reasons, but I'm content to have the iPod suctioned to my window so as to allow me to use the click wheel, cover flow, etc.

As regards your comments about the LR2 being the future entertainment interface for the LR3, please enlighten me... is it an all in one unified interface? Does the LR2 have a good iPod interface? Is the LR2's video system better than the RRS / LR3?

TIA,
Mark