XM Questions For Sony CDXM850MP Auto Head Unit

[SCSI Dude]

I've had this head unit in my car for over a year and love it. To date I've been listening primarily to MP3 discs hooked up to a 10 disc changer, but lately I've been thinking about satellite radio. This unit is "XM Ready" but the manual and specs don't offer too much detail on satellite radio operation or how the head unit behaves in that configuration.

After a little research, I've found that for about $80 I can get a compatible XM direct tuner and adapter for my head unit. However, getting satellite hinges on three things for me that I've been unable to find answers for in my manual, on the internet, or even the retail dealers who sell the Sony head units:

1 - Does artist and title information actually appear on the Sony head unit display? It will display ID3 tag info for MP3s so I assume it could, but no one can tell me for sure. And if it's displayed, is it all on one scrolling line or are there two separate display lines (one line for Artist, one line for Title).

2 - The manual states that only one accessory can be attached to the Sony head unit and my 10 disc changer counts as an accessory. Does the XM Direct tuner count as an accessory? Can I not have both the changer AND the XM tuner connected to my head unit? Is there such a thing as a "switch box" that allows multiple connections to an AUX port on the head unit if indeed the XM tuner counts as an accessory?

3 - The changer CDs and standard radio stations can be programmed into the head unit (up to an 8 character "label") to be selected from a scrollable "list" via the remote for quick access. Can I do the same thing with XM stations?

Thanx in advance to anyone who can help me with my questions....
Kris

 

[MThomas2424]

Kris,

I have a Sony CDX7005X XM Ready head unit with the XM Direct Tuner. I can only speak for my unit but since they are both Sony's I am sure they are very similar.

1. Mine has a 1 line scrolling display for the XM information. You can change the display to show either artist name, song title, XM station name, or catagory name.

2. As far as I know you can not use a CD changer and the XM Direct unit at the same time because they will plug into the same AUX input. I have never heard of a switch to combine multiple connections into one AUX input. You may want to contact a local car stereo installer and ask if something like that is available.

3. My head unit allows AM/FM station naming but not for the XM channels. It does have 18 presets that you can save your favorite XM channels though.

I hope this helps you out and welcome to the website!

Mike