Dice vs Intravee II

hool · Dec 19, 2007

Hey all
I have noticed that there are several comparisons of the dice and neo. I did not see any comparisions of the Intravee II and the dice

I saw the youtube video comparing the two

Here is what I dug up. Please add to this or correct me if I am wrong

Intravee II
can see the name, artist, album all at once on the screen
can see the name of the playlist, artist etc when in search mode
No wires to route the ipod to the front of the car. They expect you to leave the ipod in the trunk (not so cool as I own a iphone)
cost - 250 + 100 (for alpine adapter kca 420i)

Dice
scrolls the artist name info on one line
cannot see the playlist in search mode
Nice wiring for bringing the phone to the front (includes a nice dock too)

cost - 159 + 130 (for the dock)

Im leaning towards the Intravee II and coming up with cables myself to route the ipod in the car.

which way would you guys lean? let me know........
BTW my budget is 350 for this upgrade.

thanks in advance

jsayreshepherd · Dec 20, 2007

The Intravee II is untested, so its reliability might be risky (not saying it is, just saying that no one knows because its new). Outside of that, it seems enormously more useful than a DICE. It's also more expensive. An Intravee II is $350 before any cables. A DICE is $140 out the door (not sure why you think the dock is a necessary accessory).

That's what it came down to for me: I'd prefer the features of an Intravee, but the DICE is so cheap, I figured I'd get one for now and buy an Intravee when the reliatility went up and the price came down.

Lurch09 · Dec 20, 2007

Im gonna agree with Jay. Im very curious about the intravee and the functionality seems to have the Dice spanked. I say this owning a Dice. Im curious, but patient. But the forum could always use some feedback on the intravee.

amancuso · Dec 20, 2007

I have the DICE and it works ok. Once in a while it gets sketchy where I won't be able to change tracks, or it will stop displaying song info, it's far from perfect, but better than nothing.

AMP · Dec 20, 2007

I have had both installed in my M Coupe. I kept the intravee as it is FAR superior to the Dice. The thing just works... and it works well.

hool said:
Intravee II
can see the name, artist, album all at once on the screen
can see the name of the playlist, artist etc when in search mode

Correct on both.

If you have MKIV nav (DVD) then you can also enable advanced search capabilities which will allow you to scroll through the list of artists/albums/songs/playlists. It is a really nice interface.

No wires to route the ipod to the front of the car. They expect you to leave the ipod in the trunk (not so cool as I own a iphone)

Not quite true. The Intravee needs to be close to the CD changer plugs (or you can get a couple of different extension cables from the BMW parts counter). The best solution, though, is to get a longer Alpine AiNet cable and locate the KCA-420i near the location where you want the iPod. Keep in mind that the iPod is locked with the intravee (all control is via the headunit) so it doesn't really matter where you locate it.

Dice
scrolls the artist name info on one line

When it works... a lot of times I couldn't get it out of the INIT mode. In general I found the scrolling display to be really annoying... especially with a combo of long artist, song, and album names. The scrolling display tends to flash.

cannot see the playlist in search mode

True

Nice wiring for bringing the phone to the front (includes a nice dock too)

Depending on the kit you order it will come with a cable that will allow the DICE unit to be placed inside the vehicle. The cable from the DICE to the iPod is still relatively short.

cost - 159 + 130 (for the dock)

True, but in my opinion the DICE wasn't worth the $159. Also, you should be able to use the docs with the Intravee, but there's no point as the iPod is locked.

Also, keep in mind that the DICE has issues with the latest generation iPods (iPhone, Touch, Classsic, etc). When those are connected to an external device the display is locked which means that you can only control the iPod through the DICE. Control via the DICE isn't anything to write home about, so keep this in mind.

If you have NAV then the Intravee is the way to go. True, it's new, but Simon and Richard on the Intravee Forums ( http://www.intravention.co.uk/forum/ ) are very responsive.

Finally, you can update the software on the Intravee yourself. Since development of new features is ongoing this makes the product much more future-proof.

Lurch09 · Dec 20, 2007

AMP said:
I have had both installed in my M Coupe. I kept the intravee as it is FAR superior to the Dice. The thing just works... and it works well.

Correct on both.

If you have MKIV nav (DVD) then you can also enable advanced search capabilities which will allow you to scroll through the list of artists/albums/songs/playlists. It is a really nice interface.

Not quite true. The Intravee needs to be close to the CD changer plugs (or you can get a couple of different extension cables from the BMW parts counter). The best solution, though, is to get a longer Alpine AiNet cable and locate the KCA-420i near the location where you want the iPod. Keep in mind that the iPod is locked with the intravee (all control is via the headunit) so it doesn't really matter where you locate it.

When it works... a lot of times I couldn't get it out of the INIT mode. In general I found the scrolling display to be really annoying... especially with a combo of long artist, song, and album names. The scrolling display tends to flash.

True

Depending on the kit you order it will come with a cable that will allow the DICE unit to be placed inside the vehicle. The cable from the DICE to the iPod is still relatively short.

True, but in my opinion the DICE wasn't worth the $159. Also, you should be able to use the docs with the Intravee, but there's no point as the iPod is locked.

Also, keep in mind that the DICE has issues with the latest generation iPods (iPhone, Touch, Classsic, etc). When those are connected to an external device the display is locked which means that you can only control the iPod through the DICE. Control via the DICE isn't anything to write home about, so keep this in mind.

If you have NAV then the Intravee is the way to go. True, it's new, but Simon and Richard on the Intravee Forums ( http://www.intravention.co.uk/forum/ ) are very responsive.

Finally, you can update the software on the Intravee yourself. Since development of new features is ongoing this makes the product much more future-proof.

I know im not the OP, but thanks for the info. How long have you had it?

wasnt aware of the issues with Dice and new iPods. which is unfortuneate for me as my mp3 player is about to go....

Not to totally hijack the thread but is there anything you dont like about the intravee? Normally id assume since the iPod is locked that would be a -, but since the controls are so thorough on the intravee.....

ffej · Dec 20, 2007

I don't know if he's around right now, but KrisL (he's a Super Moderator here)was a beta tester for the intravee. That's his vid in the first post.

He loves it, If you can get in tough with him, I'm sure he's got some opinions as well.

amancuso · Dec 20, 2007

Lots of people don't have nav in their e39's so whats the verdict with how it works with non-nav systems?

Ares1969 · Dec 20, 2007

I have had the intravee about a month now..it was my first mod actually.
And as posted above it is quite nice if you have the Nav screen I'm not sure if it would be as useful without one.

It is a bit more expensive than the dice, what swayed me is that you can have a CD changer and the intravee unlike the Dice, however you have to use the alpine AI net one, so more $$ spent and you can also add the Alpine HD unit, but once again more $$, but intergrates with nav system very nicely.

EddieNYC · Dec 21, 2007

I'm a non-nav-er and use the DICE. For what it does, you can't beat it.

It was a pretty quick install, I have more music than with the CD changer option. If you create playlists, you're good to go..., works with the steering controls. It doesn't have the very advance features, but then again, I don't have the advance navigation system.

Steve Evans · Feb 2, 2008

I've installed an Intravee II in my E46 M3 Coupe for use with an iPhone, and you may find the following of interest:

The Intravee communicates with the iPhone/iPod via an Alpine KCA-420i adaptor. This has a cable approx 2m long to connect to the iPhone/iPod and a 2m AiNet cable which must be connected to the Intravee II. The Intravee is connected to the CD autochanger wiring. I use my iPhone in the center console compartment and the cable from the KCA-420i is not long enough to reach from there to the vicinity of the Intravee. To resolve this problem I mounted the KCA-420i under the carpet under the passenger seat just behind the cross member. There is squishy foam padding under the carpet about 2" thick which easily compressed over the unit concealing it completely without any bulge in the carpet. The iPod cable is then threaded under carpet up onto the center console and into the compartment with the sliding lid through the existing aperture in it's rear. There is space within the compartment housing to hide the excess cable. The AiNet cable then just reached the Intravee, with the right-angled connector at the KCA-420i end directing the cable up into the cable channel running rearward along the passenger sill.

Installation complete, it should be noted that whilst the KCA-420i locks out the controls on an iPod, it only locks out access to the iPod functionality on the iPhone, so you are still able to make/receive calls etc. Given that voice dialing over bluetooth is not supported by the iPhone, being able to touch it to call up a speed-dial is important, and this works great with the phone in the center console where it is a PERFECT fit.

Steve

cegeste · Feb 3, 2008

I can't properly gauge the size of the KCA-420i. Would there be enough room to mount it behind the Nav unit in an E39? The passenger seat idea works, but curious if there is an alternate solution.

rvdgaag · Feb 2, 2008

I have the Dice and the older ICE>link

the DICE is crap, dropouts at the start of every song, the first unit I received was an DOA.

Tom at EAS helped me fine but could not fix the dropouts.

After all I reinstalled the Ice>link.

Lurch09 · Feb 2, 2008

My first Dice was also DOA. But their customer service was good and easy to deal with. That said, i idid just convert to Intravee II as the functionality and interface were much better.

tom @ eas · Feb 5, 2008

This video is obsolete with the new SILVERLINE kits released a few weeks ago. More info can be found here:

eas | DICE SILVERLINE iPod Integration Kits now available for BMW
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=254234

We also have a Q/A thread active here: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=254235

Gopher2k · Sep 16, 2008

Can someone comment on this?

I have a 2003 540i with a mark iv nav. The enhanced search options of the intravee II are very appealing, as is the usage of the whole screen.

Can the new silverline hang? It still seems the more economical option.

KrisL · Feb 5, 2008

Yep, looks like the Silverline adds a lot of features. A buddy of mine is getting one, perhaps I'll do another comparo (the Intravee has been updated as well [via firmware]).

wside · Feb 6, 2008

I'm about to pull the trigger on the silverline. Let us know how your buddy like his.

jim_barnette · Feb 6, 2008

I have the IntraVee II installed in my 2002 BMW 530i with Nav (Mk3) and I find it to be generally very good. I may have stumbled upon a unique mounting location.

I placed the Alipine KCA-420 underneath the bottom cushion of the rear seat near the armrest (I don't have the folding seats). You can see it if you pull out the leather liner behind the armrest and it is right where the underseat area curves upward to meet the backrest. From this location, the AiNet cable reaches to a point into the trunk behind the driver accessible when the rear seat bottom is removed. I then have the IntraVee II mounted using velcro to the side of the ULF module and connected into the BMW cable.

Curiously, I was convinced that since I have the DSP that I would need an A/D converter which I bought from Dice and it is still in the box it was shipped in. My 2002 BMW 530i had a DSP-radio that didn't require the digital input from the CD changer.

laidback · Sep 16, 2008

can someone post the pro's and cons of Intravee II and Dice silverline edition....

KrisL · Sep 16, 2008

Well, first of all, do you have nav or business cd?

If business cd, get the dice.

If nav, get the intravee. The intravee's nav interface is far superior, using the all 6(?) lines of the nav screen for ipod navigation. The dice only uses the top line and it's a real PITA in comparison.

wildeyes · Mar 13, 2009

I have been a DICE owner of the new Silverline series for abotu 3 months. I am ready to throw it into the garbage for several reasons. I am also interested in now switching to the Intravee II. My issues with the DICE Silverline are the exact same as hundreds of others who are becoming pros at yanking the battery cables on their cars on a daily basis to reset the unit:

1) Text on the DICE is marginal at best. The text scroll (the only real reason to get a DICE) stops working every single day. I have had to reset the DICE module every day for the last month while I wait for DICE to answer the questions in the ticket I created on their support site.

2) Dice often displays the wrong album title with song title. I listne to live music, and my playlist is filled with lots of songs by the same name, but from different dates (albums). The Dice will often get stuck on an album in the text and every song you move too has the same album displayed on the head unit. Annoying.

3) Instructions for DICE are bad. When reading that you must follow the instructions to a T to get the thing to intiialize correctly, you begin to ask questions when you find steps missing from the literature (mainly like when to connect the battery back up during install process, and when to officially plug in the Ipod during installation of DICE).

4) The trunk mount DICE silverline will give you interference through the speakers that is very noticeable on quiet songs. It isn't road interference, and the clicking sound is audible through the speakers when the car is stationary without the engine on, or while driving. Aparently the fix is to go with a completely different module that mounts behind the radio.

I will wait for DICE to get back with me on my unit that doesn't seem to work as advertised. In purchasing a DICE, know that after you hook it up and get it running, you will find that there are a lot of little things you are not allowed to do with the DICE interface that aren't mentioned anywhere in the DICE instruction manual. You will find that you can't leave your Iod connected to the DICE when you leave your car (annoying). Again, nowhere to be found in the installation and instruction manual for the DICE. You WILL BE RESETTING you DICE module all the time. I can vouch for the inconsistancy of the unit. I am not convinced that a brand new unit will work any better after reading the horror stories of clicking noises and text not scrolling on many devices, even the people that seem to be on their third new unit with the same problems every time.

Again, I will wait to hear from DICE personally, but is the DICE worth $179 for what you get- absolutely not. I will look into the Intravee II because I am fed up with messing with the Dice Silverline device. Last weekend I hadd to reset the thing at least 8 times. It boils down to the fact the text features of the Dice are suspect at best, and you have to memorize and peculiar list of things you must do before shutting off your engine and leaving your car. All these things add up to one big headache and a desire to find a better option when integrating your Ipod with your car.

If Dice ever get back to me on the many issues I have, I will let you guys know what they say, but my experience with the unit has been horrible, and is similar to many others who have posted their warnings about it on this site.

I have a BMW 330 with no navigation, a business CD, and nothing else hooked up to the car. I keep getting told to reset the Dice module, but after doing so 40-50 times over that last couple of months, I have no confidence in the rpoduct whatsoever. Dice support has been slow at best.

Regards.

Jayfox911 · Jun 22, 2009

Any updates on the DICE vs Intravee?

I am ready to buy an iPod adapter and just wanted to know if anything has changed in the last few months?

2001 e39 540i Nav 16:9 MKIV

Thanks!

KrisL · Jun 22, 2009

Jayfox911 said:
Any updates on the DICE vs Intravee?

I am ready to buy an iPod adapter and just wanted to know if anything has changed in the last few months?

2001 e39 540i Nav 16:9 MKIV

Thanks!

Not really... DICE now has the silverline, which is an update... but the Intravee has v6 firmware, which is also an update. Intravee still wins for nav cars!

mojocracker · Aug 10, 2009

Intravee II with Non-Nav?

Is anyone running the Intravee II set-up with a non-nav e39? I just "upgraded" from IceLink to Dice Silverline Pro and am not totally thrilled.

KrisL · Aug 10, 2009

mojocracker said:
Is anyone running the Intravee II set-up with a non-nav e39? I just "upgraded" from IceLink to Dice Silverline Pro and am not totally thrilled.

I don't recommend it for non-nav setups... the development really has gone into the nav UI. They are looking for testers for non-nav UIs I believe, ask around on the intravee forum:
http://www.intravention.co.uk/forum/

wildag · Aug 17, 2009

I have purchased and installed both the DICE Silverline Pro and the Intravee II with firmware version 6 in my Z4 with Nav.

The Intravee is the winner hands down. There's no comparison between these two units. The DICE is buggy, tempermental and lacks any sort of usability. The Intravee, with its new firmware version 6, is everything you'd expect an iPod integration on a Nav screen to be.

I'm going to post a video review of both in the near future. But the biggest reason you shouldn't purchase a DICE is that its firmware is not upgradeable. That means there will be no future enhancements or bug fixes without an RMA to DICE. And the kicker here is that the Silverline Pro has a lot of problems with the iPhone OS 3.0. DICE right now is hoping that iPhone OS 3.1 will fix some problems, but if it doesn't, then every DICE owner is screwed. The Intravee gets regular free updates that you can install with a simple serial cable. The Intravee is a real hardware product, where the DICE is just a static black box.

The newest firmware, version 6, on the Intravee is a massive overhaul of the user interface. And its fantastic. Its easy to understand, and very easy to use. It has an awesome "advanced search" feature that allows simple "turn wheel" scrolling through your playlists/albums/artists. The new interface shows TONS of information, and has lots of options. It even lets you reprogram keys to custom actions. The DICE can barely get one line of scrolling text to function properly. In my car, the DICE can't scroll text and allow me to use the Nav maps at the same time; which is ridiculous.

I highly recommend the Intravee. I won't be purchasing any more products from DICE.

sna77 · Sep 3, 2009

My article on the Intravee II was published in this month's Boston Bimmer magazine:
http://www.bigpatsfans.com/BostonBimmer.pdf

seeskan · Aug 25, 2010

Where to buy Intravee II

Does Intravee have a dealer in the US? or do I have to order it from UK?

azaremba · Sep 7, 2010

You need to order from the dealer in the UK.

sna77 · Sep 7, 2010

http://www.toysinyourcar.com/acatalog/intravee.html

PLEASE NOTE: There is apparently a rumour that this device is going out of production. This is, we are glad to tell you, NOT the case!! If anyone thinks this is not true, feel free to call our MD directly on +44 (0) 7823 776825 (please leave a message if he cannot get to his 'phone - he is busy!) and he will explain that it is very much still in production!

Dice vs Intravee II

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