Ok, so I can't figure this one out. The ipod cable consists of a 30 pin dock connector on one end and a usb/3.5mm on the other end...

What is the purpose of the 3.5mm connector? In order to control an ipod you need a data connection. Does the UAV require both connectors to be attached? Does it control the ipod through usb but produce audio over the 3.5mm????

Very important to me as I would love to have that Aux audio input free for my rear seat entertainment.

The only thing I can figure is that the aux jack is for non-apple mp3 players???

You need the minijack for audio. The USB cable only transmits data.

You need the minijack for audio. The USB cable only transmits data.

Rather odd, don't you think?

Can't you plug a USB flash drive in to the USB port and play audio off of it?
Or do you have to transfer to the onboard HDD first?

Rather odd, don't you think?

Can't you plug a USB flash drive in to the USB port and play audio off of it?
Or do you have to transfer to the onboard HDD first?

Those are two different things. The iPod decodes and transfers audio to the CTS which is why you need the minijack. When you plug in a USB drive, it streams the actual data file to the CTS and the CTS is actually doing the decoding. The reason why the iPod forces this is because of the copyright management issues. If it sent data, you could just copy the file to anyone and get a perfect digital copy. By crippling it and only allowing the iPod to send analog audio, this isn't possible.

Incredible. It's like it was staring me in the face the whole time. DRM doesn't allow the ipod to stream data. The dock cable I have on my Pioneer headunit splts the line-out internally, so I never see it. Thank you, sir.

Mbai2,
You are pretty smart.