Head unit access to Music Library

**ThunderStick** · 09-20-2009, 12:26 PM

There are a lot of Head units that have USB ports that enable them to access music files from a USB stick or mp3 player. Is it possible to plug a PC in to this port and have it search a specific directory so that it will play music files from the PC?

This could be useful for many reasons and could eventually allow you to control your PC from your head unit.

**malcom2073** · 09-20-2009, 12:38 PM

Hmm, I'm not sure if you can trick your PC usb ports into being slave devices, but if you could, and make it look like a mass storage device that would certainly work.

**trader007** · 09-20-2009, 01:48 PM

i have always wondered why they dont make a UPnP capable headunit. it would have to be a wifi capable unit then too i guess though...

**DarquePervert** · 09-20-2009, 01:51 PM

Considering the car audio companies want you to buy their products only (it's how they make money), having a system that would interact with hardware or systems they don't manufacture or sell would be counterproductive.

I agree it would be a great idea and open up in-car entertainment to a whole new level.
But I wouldn't expect to see such a headunit or device from a car audio manufacturer any time soon, if ever.

**trader007** · 09-20-2009, 02:07 PM

i do actually... were close to someone releasing a 3g or 4g enabled headunit i think.... maybe it will even be the car companies. these flip-out lcd headunits that pioneer and the likes make would be all too perfect to run andriod or wm6 on them with a 3g connection. it truely would be an all-in-one carpc solution.

**malcom2073** · 09-20-2009, 02:11 PM

You're getting away from headunits and more into the all-in-ones that pioneer and the like already sell. Being as they are usually wince, they would be slightly easier to interface with than your standard USB jack enabled headunit.

**trader007** · 09-20-2009, 02:15 PM

yeah im not too up on whats available... i could never think of buying a prepackaged anything.

**justchat_1** · 09-20-2009, 04:41 PM

Theoretically this is do-able now.... If you have one of those usb-usb file transfer wires and some special software, no reason you couldn't fake a usb storage drive. I'm pretty sure all it is is a crossover cable.

But then again you could also get a bus powered 500GB external which should be able to hold most music collections.