GCHQAgent

I'm not quite sure I follow you... CD-ROMS that contain MP3 files are usually in ISO9660 format. Some DVD players can read and play MP3s files from CDs but normal CD drives can only read the data, not do anything useful with it like extract the MP3 file data. Also, you'd need a way to decompress the MP3 file data once you've got it so that you can output it as audio. There are head units around which can play MP3s on CDs but they're usually not high quality head units and again, they are a bit over priced. What I am hoping to do is use a laptop and write a piece of software that will interface with the Lexus' stereo and pretend to be a CD changer (with directories being CDs and files being tracks). The MP3s will be stored on hard disk.

The cassette adapter is perhaps the easiest way but you are right, it is pathetic in terms of quality (and it also looks a but ugh). A better way (in terms of quality) is to use a little FM transmitter and listen to it via the radio. If money doesn't matter and quality is everything, you can buy a professional system but they're way to expensive for what they are... I am hoping to put a little laptop computer in the boot and interface to the Lexus system using the CD changer interface (does the 2000 IS200 have such an interface?). If all goes to plan then I should be able to control the laptop via the changer controls on the facia because to the stereo the laptop should just appear as a changer. Anyway, its not a new idea but it isn't exactly easy either so if I do suceed I'll let everyone know.

It depends on the quality of the mp3s you want to play and also on the hardware that'll connect the audio to the stereo... most of my music is encoded at 160kbps to 320kbps and I don't notice any difference. Most people have MP3s at 128kbps and on a decent system like the one on the Lexus you could probably tell the quality wasn't CD perfect...

I'm planning to... I'll drop you an email if I figure out how ;)

It may also help (for those driving in London) to know that only 1 in 10 speeders are actually prosecuted purely because the met aren't efficient enough to process every offence within 14 days... I think its important to note that if more money went to those boys then no doubt that figure would increase, and we dont want that do we...

Eagle Star Direct, Don't know the number see www.eaglestardirect.com, £2452 Fully Comprehensive and £350 compulsory excess... not bad considering I'm 18. A word of warning though: these people won't let you do any modifications (not even a small boot spoiler ) no matter who you are 2000/X IS200 Sport [Edited on 22-3-2002 by GCHQAgent]