Acura Music Link
User's Guide
STable of Contents
Acura Music Link
Designed specifically for Acura vehicles, Acura Music
Link allows you to play music from your Apple® iPod® on
your vehicle's audio system. Music Link connects your
iPod directly to your vehicle's audio system for the best
in sound quality results. (It does not convert music from
your iPod to an FM radio signal and use your vehicle's
radio to play music.) Once connected, Music Link allows
you to use the audio system's controls to search for and
play music from an iPod, and it charges your iPod battery.
To get the most out of Music Link, first install the
Acura TTS software application provided on the Acura
Music Link CD. (See Using Music Link With Acura
TTS.) Acura TTS is an optional software that installs on
the Mac or PC you use with your iPod. It provides voice
prompts to help you find music on your iPod, and it
allows you to shuffle songs, shuffle albums, seek/skip to
the next song or album, and search playlists, artists,
albums, and genres. (To learn more about Acura TTS,
see page 9.)
To get started using Music Link quickly, see the
Using Music Link Without AcuraTTS* section of this
guide or the Quick Reference Guide. Both will show you
how to connect your iPod, play music (either shuffle songs
or shuffle albums), and skip to the next song or album.
NOTE: Acura TTS is not required to operate Music Link.
* Text-to-speech (TTS)
3
STable of Contents
What's Included
Your Acura Music Link kit includes a dealer-installed
Music Link cable located in your vehicle's glove box, a
Quick Reference Guide to get you started quickly, and an
Acura Music Link CD.
4
STable of Contents
What You Need
• iPod: 4th generation or later iPod, iPod mini®, iPod U2
Special Edition®, or iPod nano®. (See right.) Music Link
cannot be used with iPod shuffle®.
Make sure your iPod has been updated with the latest
firmware from Apple. Visit www.apple.com/ipod/
download for more information.
NOTE: Use the USB 2.0 or FireWire cable that came
with your iPod or iPod mini to ensure proper operation.
• Mac: OS X 10.3 or later
2nd-generation iPod
3rd-generation iPod
1st-generation iPod
- OR -
PC: Windows XP (SP2) or Windows 2000 (SP4)
with TTS engine
NOTE: Use iPods formatted for Mac only with Mac
computers, and use iPods formatted for PC only with
PCs.
download for more information.
Installation Note: Acura Music Link can be installed on applicable vehicles equipped with
factory- and dealer-installed Acura CD players and CD changers. American Honda makes
no guarantee that Music Link will operate or operate properly on vehicles equipped with a
non-Acura CD changer or a non-Acura CD player.
4th-generation iPod, iPod mini, and iPod nano
5
Getting Started Quickly
STable of Contents
Using Music Link Without Acura TTS
ConnectingYour iPod
DisconnectingYour iPod
Make sure your iPod is in music mode (not photo
mode). Then, find the Music Link cable installed inside
the glove box, and plug it into the dock connector port
on the bottom of the iPod. When the Music Link cable is
properly connected:
To disconnect the iPod, squeeze both sides of the Music
Link cable connector, and unplug the cable. You can
connect and disconnect your iPod while the audio
system is on or off.
IMPORTANT:
• A large check mark appears on the iPod screen.
(See below.)
• For your safety, do not connect or disconnect the iPod
while driving.
• You cannot operate the iPod using its controls (click
wheel, etc). It can only be operated using your
vehicle's audio system controls.
• Secure the iPod in the glove box. Do not place it on or
allow it to fall onto the vehicle floor, where it can get
stuck under the brake pedal or accelerator pedal.
• Your vehicle charges the iPod battery when the
ignition switch is in the ON (II) or ACC (I) position. It
does not charge the iPod when the ignition switch is
in the OFF (0) position.
• Do not leave the iPod in the vehicle in high
temperatures or expose it to extended periods of
direct sunlight. Doing so may damage it.
• To avoid damaging the Music Link cable, do not pull
strongly on the cable, keep the connector dry, and
always cap the connector when it is not in use.
MENU
6
Getting Started Quickly
STable of Contents
Using Music Link Without Acura TTS (Continued)
Audio System Controls
Using the Audio System Controls
Music Link uses the CD changer commands on your
audio system to control iPod functions. Each disc
number (5–6) corresponds with a play mode in Music
Link. To select a play mode, use the controls on the
audio system. When using Music Link, you can select a
disc number, even if your vehicle is not equipped with a
CD changer.
Use to select
CD player/
changer.
Use to select disc (5–6).
Use to play
a mode and
to seek/skip
forward and
backward.
NOTE: Acura factory-installed audio systems vary from
model to model and may have different button names
for the same functions.
NOTE: The buttons on your Acura may differ.
NOTES:
• To select the CD player/changer, press the appropriate
button on your vehicle's audio system. Depending on
your Acura model, the button may be named CD,
CD/AUX, CD/AUX/XM, CD/DVD, CD/CHG, DISC, or
DISC/TAPE.
• Depending on the model, the steering wheel audio
controls may not operate or may have limited
operation when using Music Link.
• It is not necessary to eject any CDs in the CD
player/changer to use Music Link. Press the CD
button (or appropriate button) to toggle between the
CD player/changer and Music Link.
• To select a play mode, use the DISC– and DISC+
buttons (usually Preset 5 and Preset 6, respectively)
or the CH DISC ( and ) buttons. On some models,
the selected disc number is shown in the audio
system display. Then press and hold either SEEK/SKIP
button ( /– or /+) for at least 1 full second (or, on
some models, until you hear a beep).
7
Getting Started Quickly
STable of Contents
Using Music Link Without Acura TTS (Continued)
Playing Music
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) or ACC (I)
position; turn on the audio system.
Pressing and holding the SEEK/SKIP ( /–) button
will not skip to the previously played album. Music
Link continues to shuffle albums in random order
whether you press and hold the forward ( /+) or
backward ( /–) SEEK/SKIP button.
2. Select the CD player/changer on your audio system.
If the audio system plays a disc in the CD
player/changer, press the CD button (or the
appropriate button) again to select Music Link. Music
Link begins playback with the last song played on the
iPod. If no song is queued, Music Link shuffles all
songs in random order.
In shuffle albums mode (Disc 5), Music Link only
plays songs that have album information entered in
the info tags. If none of the songs on an iPod have
album information, all of the songs are treated as
one album. See Info Tags on page 9 for more
information.
Selecting a Play Mode
• To shuffle the albums on your iPod in random order,
select Disc 5, then press and hold either SEEK/SKIP
button ( /– or /+) for at least 1 full second (or, on
some models, until you hear a beep).
• To shuffle all songs in random order, select Disc 6,
then press and hold either SEEK/SKIP button ( /– or
/+) for at least 1 full second (or, on some models,
until you hear a beep). After selecting Disc 6, press
and release the SEEK/SKIP button to skip to the next
song ( /+) or to the beginning of the currently playing
song ( /–).
– Press and release the SEEK/SKIP button to skip to
the beginning of the next song ( /+) or currently
playing song ( /–) within an album.
– Press and hold either SEEK/SKIP button ( /– or
/+) for at least 1 full second (or, on some models,
until you hear a beep) to skip to the beginning of
another album.
See theTips section of this user's guide for more
information.
8
STable of Contents
Using Music Link With Acura TTS
To get the most out of Music Link, first install the Acura
TTS software application provided on the Acura Music
Link CD. This optional software installs on the Mac or PC
you use with your iPod. It creates voice prompts to help
you find music on your iPod, and it allows you to shuffle
songs, shuffle albums, seek/skip to the next song/album
or previous song/album, and search playlists, albums,
artists, and genres.
InfoTags
Each song on your iPod and in iTunes
has a set of "info tags" attached to it,
like Name, Artist, Album, Year, etc.
(below left). You can edit these info
tags by:
• Clicking on the desired song in
iTunes.
• Going to File, then Get Info.
• Clicking on the Info tab.
AcuraTTS
Acura TTS is a software application that creates text-to-
speech (TTS) files based on the information tags
attached to each song on your iPod. Once installed on
your computer, Acura TTS automatically launches every
time you connect your iPod
to your computer. It scans
the music on your iPod, and
creates TTS files that contain
all of the voice prompts
Music Link will need to help
you search for music.
Acura TTS scans the information
contained in the Artist, Album, and
Genre info tag fields. It also scans the
names of the playlists on your iPod. It
then creates TTS files for the first letter
of every artist, album, genre, and
playlist, as well as TTS files for the
names of every artist, album, genre,
and playlist on your iPod. The TTS files
are saved in your iTunes library and as
playlists on your iPod and in iTunes.
Each TTS playlist begins with "ZZZTTS"
(right).
TTS Files/Playlists
in iTunes
InfoTags Screen in iTunes
9
STable of Contents
Using Music Link With Acura TTS (Continued)
Before Installing AcuraTTS
Before you install Acura TTS on your computer, make
sure you:
• Install iTunes 4.9 or later (available for download at
Uninstalling AcuraTTS
To uninstall Acura TTS on a Mac:
1. Go to System Preference/Login Items.
2. Delete Acura Helper.
3. Reboot.
• Set your iPod to synchronize manually. (Go to
Edit/Preferences, click on the iPod tab and select
"Manually manage songs and playlists".)
To uninstall Acura TTS on a PC:
1. Go to Start/Settings/Control Panel.
• Disconnect your iPod from your computer.
2. Double-click on Add/Remove Programs.
3. Select the Acura TTS folder.
• Adjust the text-to-speech settings on your Mac or PC
to your preference. (See page 12.)
4. Click on the Remove button, and follow the uninstall
prompts.
• Close all other applications.
Installing AcuraTTS
NOTE: Uninstalling Acura TTS does not remove any TTS
files in iTunes or on your iPod. Delete those files (TTS
playlists and TTS files in the iTunes library) manually.
Mac: Double-click on the Acura TTS.pkg icon in the
Mac Install folder, and follow the installation
prompts.
PC:
Double-click on the Setup.exe icon in the
Windows Install folder, and follow the installation
prompts.
10
STable of Contents
Using Music Link With Acura TTS (Continued)
Running AcuraTTS
NOTE: If, after connecting your iPod and launching Acura
TTS, you receive a message that an iPod must be
connected to run Acura TTS, simply launch Acura TTS
fromthe applications folder (Mac) or Start menu (PC).
Acura TTS should now recognize your iPod.
Once installed, Acura TTS automatically launches every
time you connect your iPod to your computer. To run
Acura TTS, connect your iPod to your computer. To
update (and create TTS files) for the music on your iPod,
click the OK button on the Acura TTS update screen.
See theTips section of this user's guide for more
information.
The time needed to run Acura TTS depends on the
number of songs and playlists in your music library. Allow
about 10–15 minutes per 1,000 files. After the initial run,
the time to run Acura TTS should decrease, as long as
the TTS files from the previous update remain in iTunes.
If you make any changes to the music on your iPod (add
songs, delete songs, create new playlists, edit album
names, etc.), make sure you run Acura TTS by
disconnecting, then reconnecting your iPod to your
computer. If, upon connecting your iPod, you have not
made any changes to the music on the iPod, click the
Cancel button on the Acura TTS update screen.
AcuraTTS Update Screen
11
STable of Contents
Using Music Link With Acura TTS (Continued)
Text-To-Speech Settings
PC
You can change and adjust the text-to-speech settings
for TTS files (voice prompts) that Acura TTS creates.
Modifying the system voice and the voice speed may
help improve intelligibility.
1. Open the Control Panel
from the Start menu.
2. Select Speech or
Sounds, Speech, and
Audio.
Mac
1. Go to Finder/System Preferences.
3. Click on the Text to
Speech tab.
2. Select the Speech icon.
4. Select the voice
selection of your
3. Click on the Text to Speech tab.
4. Select the system voice of your preference from the
pull-down menu.
preference from the
pull-down menu. (Either
Microsoft Mary or LH
Text to Speech (PC)
5. Adjust and play the
speaking rate.
Michelle* is recommended, if available.)
5. Adjust and preview the voice speed.
NOTE: After changing
and adjusting the text-
to-speech settings,
delete all TTS playlists
and files in iTunes and
on your iPod, then run
Acura TTS.
NOTE: After changing and adjusting the text-to-speech
settings, delete all TTS playlists and files in iTunes and
on your iPod, then run Acura TTS.
downloads/user.asp. Click on the "Text-to-speech engines" link, and
select "Lernout & Hauspie® TruVoice TTS engine - American English
(1 MB exe)" from the pull-down menu.
Text to Speech (Mac)
12
STable of Contents
Using Music Link With Acura TTS (Continued)
ConnectingYour iPod
DisconnectingYour iPod
Make sure your iPod is in music mode (not photo
mode). Then, find the Music Link cable installed inside
the glove box, and plug it into the dock connector port
located on the bottom of the iPod. When the Music Link
cable is properly connected:
To disconnect the iPod, squeeze both sides of the Music
Link cable connector, and unplug the cable. You can
connect and disconnect your iPod while the audio
system is on or off.
IMPORTANT:
• A large check mark appears on the iPod screen.
(See below.)
• For your safety, do not connect or disconnect the iPod
while driving.
• You cannot operate the iPod using its controls (click
wheel, etc). It can only be operated using your
vehicle's audio system controls.
• Secure the iPod in the glove box. Do not place it on or
allow it to fall onto the vehicle floor, where it can get
stuck under the brake pedal or accelerator pedal.
• Your vehicle charges the iPod battery when the
ignition switch is in the ON (II) or ACC (I) position. It
does not charge the iPod when the ignition switch is
in the OFF (0) position.
• Do not leave the iPod in the vehicle in high
temperatures or expose it to extended periods of
direct sunlight. Doing so may damage it.
• To avoid damaging the Music Link cable, do not pull
strongly on the cable, keep the connector dry, and
always cap the connector when it is not in use.
MENU
13
STable of Contents
Using Music Link With Acura TTS (Continued)
Audio System Controls
Using the Audio System Controls
Music Link uses the CD changer commands on your
audio system to control iPod functions. Each disc
number (1–6) corresponds with a play mode/category in
Music Link. To select a play mode/category, use the
controls on the audio system. When using Music Link,
you can select a disc number, even if your vehicle is not
equipped with a CD changer.
Use to select disc (5–6).
Use to select
CD player/
changer.
Use to play
a mode/
caegory and
to seek/skip
forward and
backward.
NOTE: Acura factory-installed audio systems vary from
model to model and may have different button names
for the same functions.
NOTE: The buttons on your Acura may differ.
NOTES:
• To select the CD player/changer, press the appropriate
button on your vehicle's audio system. Depending on
your Acura model, the button may be named CD,
CD/AUX, CD/AUX/XM, CD/DVD, CD/CHG, DISC, or
DISC/TAPE.
• Depending on the model, the steering wheel audio
controls may not operate or may have limited
operation when using Music Link.
• It is not necessary to eject any CDs in the CD
player/changer to use Music Link. Press the CD
button (or appropriate button) to toggle between the
CD player/changer and Music Link.
• To select a play mode/category, use the DISC– and
DISC+ buttons (usually Preset 5 and Preset 6,
respectively) or the CH DISC ( and ) buttons. On
some models, the selected disc number is shown in
the audio system display. Then press and hold either
SEEK/SKIP button ( /– or /+) for at least 1 full
second (or, on some models, until you hear a beep).
• When Music Link is cycling through the alphabet or
announcing names, you cannot select another play
mode/category. You can only select another play
mode/category when Music Link is playing a song.
14
STable of Contents
Using Music Link With Acura TTS (Continued)
Playing Music
– Press and release the SEEK/SKIP ( /+) button
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) or ACC (I)
position; turn on the audio system.
immediately after hearing the desired playlist name.
Music Link begins playing the first song in the
selected playlist.
2. Select the CD player/changer on your audio system. If
the audio system plays a disc in the CD player/
changer, press the CD button (or the appropriate
button) again to select Music Link.
• To search artists, select Disc 2, then press and hold
either SEEK/SKIP button ( /– or /+) for at least 1 full
second (or, on some models, until you hear a beep).
Music Link announces the first letter of each artist.
Selecting a Play Mode/Category
– Press and release the SEEK/SKIP ( /+) button
immediately after hearing the desired letter. Music
Link begins playing the first song of the first artist
that begins with the selected letter.
• To search playlists, select Disc 1, then press and hold
either SEEK/SKIP button ( /– or /+) for at least 1 full
second (or, on some models, until you hear a beep).
Music Link announces the first letter of each playlist.
- OR -
– Press and release the SEEK/SKIP ( /+) button
immediately after hearing the desired letter. Music
Link begins playing the first song of the first playlist
that begins with the selected letter.
– To hear the artist names that begin with a desired
letter, press and release the SEEK/SKIP ( /+) button
immediately after hearing the letter, then press and
hold either SEEK/SKIP button ( /– or /+) for at
least 1 full second (or, on some models, until you
hear a beep).
- OR -
– To hear the names of the playlists that begin with a
desired letter, press and release the SEEK/SKIP
( /+) button immediately after hearing the letter,
then press and hold either SEEK/SKIP button ( /– or
/+) for at least 1 full second (or, on some models,
until you hear a beep).
– Press and release the SEEK/SKIP ( /+) button
immediately after hearing the desired artist name.
Music Link begins playing the first song by the
selected artist.
15
STable of Contents
Using Music Link With Acura TTS (Continued)
Selecting a Play Mode/Category (Cont.)
• To search genre, select Disc 4, then press and hold
either SEEK/SKIP button ( /– or /+) for at least 1 full
second (or, on some models, until you hear a beep).
Music Link announces the first letter of each genre.
• To search albums, select Disc 3, then press and hold
either SEEK/SKIP button ( /– or /+) for at least 1 full
second (or, on some models, until you hear a beep).
Music Link announces the first letter of each album.
– Press and release the SEEK/SKIP ( /+) button
immediately after hearing the desired letter. Music
Link begins playing the first song of the first genre
that begins with the selected letter.
– Press and release the SEEK/SKIP ( /+) button
immediately after hearing the desired letter. Music
Link begins playing the first song of the first album
that begins with the selected letter.
- OR -
- OR -
– To hear the names of the genres that begin with a
desired letter, press and release the SEEK/SKIP
( /+) button immediately after hearing the letter,
then press and hold either SEEK/SKIP button ( /– or
/+) for at least 1 full second (or, on some models,
until you hear a beep).
– To hear the names of the albums that begin with a
desired letter, press and release the SEEK/SKIP
( /+) button immediately after hearing the letter,
then press and hold either SEEK/SKIP button ( /– or
/+) for at least 1 full second (or, on some models,
until you hear a beep).
– Press and release the SEEK/SKIP ( /+) button
immediately after hearing the desired genre name.
Music Link begins playing the first song in the
selected genre.
– Press and release the SEEK/SKIP ( /+) button
immediately after hearing the desired album name.
Music Link begins playing the first song in the
selected album.
16
STable of Contents
Using Music Link With Acura TTS (Continued)
Selecting a Play Mode/Category (Cont.)
• To shuffle all songs in random order, select Disc 6,
then press and hold either SEEK/SKIP button ( /– or
/+) for at least 1 full second (or, on some models,
until you hear a beep). After selecting Disc 6, press
and release the SEEK/SKIP button to skip to the next
song ( /+) or to the beginning of the currently playing
song ( /–).
• To shuffle the albums on your iPod in random order,
select Disc 5, then press and hold either SEEK/SKIP
button ( /– or /+) for at least 1 full second (or, on
some models, until you hear a beep).
– Press and release the SEEK/SKIP button to skip to
the beginning of the next song ( /+) or currently
playing song ( /–) within an album.
– Press and hold either SEEK/SKIP button ( /– or
/+) for at least 1 full second (or, on some models,
until you hear a beep) to skip to the beginning of
another album.
Pressing and holding the SEEK/SKIP ( /–) button
will not skip to the previously played album. Music
Link continues to shuffle albums in random order
whether you press and hold the forward ( /+) or
backward ( /–) SEEK/SKIP button.
In shuffle albums mode (Disc 5), Music Link only
plays songs that have album information entered in
the info tags. If none of the songs on an iPod have
album information, all of the songs are treated as
one album.
17
STable of Contents
Tips
Audio System Controls
• Check the "Connect to Internet when needed"
check box in the iTunes preferences. (Go to Edit,
then Preferences, and click on the General tab.) With
this feature, when you load a store-bought music CD
on your computer, iTunes automatically looks up and
fills in the info tags for every song on the disc. This
feature not only helps you organize your music
accurately, it also saves time.
• RDM (Random) Button: (on applicable models) Push
the RDM (Random) button on the audio system to
shuffle all songs within the selected category/play
mode. For example, if you select and play a playlist
(Disc 1) and then press the RDM button, Music Link
will shuffle all songs within that playlist in random order.
NOTE: The RDM button does not work while Music
Link is in the shuffle all songs (Disc 6) play mode.
• Do not name your playlists "Podcasts." Doing so
may cause undesirable effects during searches
because iPod uses this name for podcasting.
iTunes Settings
• Keeping theTTS files (playlists that begin with
ZZZTTS) in iTunes makes AcuraTTS updates
quicker. If you delete these files, Acura TTS will need
to regenerate them the next time it runs. However,
with the TTS files in iTunes, Acura TTS only needs to
generate TTS files for any new music on your iPod.
• For best results, set your iPod to synchronize
manually. (Go to Edit, then Preferences, click on the
iPod tab and select "Manually manage songs and
playlists".) If you select "Automatically update all songs
and playlists," you may hear voice prompts when you
shuffle songs on your iPod. If you select
"Automatically update selected playlists only," make
sure you check all of the playlists that begin with
ZZZTTS; otherwise running Acura TTS will not update
all of the music on your iPod.
18
STable of Contents
Tips (Continued)
Tag Info
• Music Link does not recognize punctuation
(commas, periods, question marks, dashes, slashes,
ampersands, etc.). It also does not recognize special
characters and accents (à, é, ï, ô, etc.). If punctuation
or special characters/accents are used in the artist,
album, genre, or playlist name, Music Link will
announce it on your audio system as "punctuation" or
"not speakable."
• Make sure there are no spaces before the first letter
or number in the names of your playlists, artists,
albums, and genres.
• Keep your music organized with correctly spelled
info tags (artist, album, and genre) and do not keep
empty playlists.
19
STable of Contents
Support
For more information about Acura Music Link and Acura
AcuraTTS Software Updates
recent Acura TTS software and software updates.
20
STable of Contents
©2005 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved.
American Honda accepts no responsibility for any lost data on an
iPod, even if the data is lost while using this product.
Apple, the Apple logo, iPod, iPod, iTunes, FireWire, and Mac are
trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other
countries.
BAM30192 (0509)
|