Dension has been sweating it out for quite a long period of time in order to enhance
the compatibility and functionality of the Dension's range of BMW kits. The new kits which are now components of the Dension gateway range have been designed to provide enhanced performance over the older and outdated Ice Link Plus kits. The complex functions and controls in the BMW cars and the numerous production and installation options have led to the production of these newly designed BMW kits.
The kits can be differentiated on the basis of their connection looms. This is because every head unit does not have the same physical compatibility features. Moreover each head unit has a firmware installed on it. This software varies from unit to unit further contributing to the increased complexity of the Dension Gateway range.
Based on the type of vehicle and the stereo fitted in your vehicle, two different kits have been introduced by Dension. Vehicles that have normal wiring looms can choose from two variations namely the Dension Gateway 100 or Gateway 300. These kits are normally found in vehicles that had been released before 2004/05. Both Gateway 100 and 300 can be fitted on the same vehicle and share the same stereo. Thus if one of these kits works well with the stereo then it can be confirmed that the other will also work in the same way. A digital connection is established to the stereo by means of a CD changer port. The kits also provide full iPod control and selection of tracks through stereo or controls on the steering wheel of the car.
The 100 & 300 provide track display functions and provisions for charging your iPod on select stereo units. The iPod charger can be used for charging all iPods including the recently introduced 5v iPods and iPhone. A USB port is also provided to attaching a mass storage device which helps you to store your favorite tracks and serves as a back up at times when you don't have your iPod with you.
The Gateway 500 is the second option which is the most dominating in Dension's range of products. This fiber optic kit increases the performance of the BMW's controls to a great extent. A fully integrated iPod connection can be achieved by using the Gateway 500 and an iDrive system controls it. Your default CD changer need not be replaced if you are using the Gateway 500. Along with this, there is also an USB port available. But it is the additional features that have impressed everyone.
The Gateway 500 has been upgraded to enhance the performance of the entire system. A Bluetooth connection can be established between your phone and your car stereo by means of the BTA1500 Bluetooth adaptor that is provided with the kit. A multi-source media selection device known as the AVR has been conceived by Dension.
A newly created AVR allows you to control all the devices that are connected through the Gateway 500. You can control a number of devices at the same time and select where each device plays in your car. For example, you can listen to your favorite tracks using the iPod in the front while you kids can enjoy themselves tuning in to their movies at the back.
Dension has thrown light on the future of In Car Entertainment. Dension also has quite a few devices waiting to be released that will further open the doors for the coming of the Digital Media Age.