Yeah, that's a no. "ip-bus" is used for the higher end pioneer units. Companies don't do standardization unless forced. There's only 1 connection on the radio itself for the connection, the add on units daisy-chain together using this "ip-bus" protocol.

 

I knew that would be the answer, but I figured I'd ask. If it worked, more people would have done it, because that would be the best of both worlds.

 

Got some info on the new Pioneer Units.

AVH-P3300BT, AVH-P4300DVD and AVH-P6300BT
The AVH series of audio visual systems enhance the Pandora experience by including album art, song and artist information on the screen. It also allows for touchscreen control of various Pandora functions and the Touch Slide Control features enables quicker access to Pandora stations with a touch of the display. The AVH-P3300BT has a 5.8” touchscreen display, perfect for DVD playback. It also works with CDs and DivX/MP3/WMA/AAC files and features built-in Bluetooth, dual zone capability and an auto equalizer. The AVH-P4300DVD has a 7-inch screen with rear USB and aux in. Meanwhile, the high-end single-DIN AVH-P6300BT has a motorized 7-inch display with front USB, front auxiliary input and built-in Bluetooth. The screens in these three units come in hand with the App Mode feature which lets users view iPhone video content while the vehicle is in park. They’ll be available for $450, $500 and $700 respectively.

AVIC-Z130BT
Combining in-dash navigation with the ability to keep connected to social networks and more, the AVIC-Z130BT safely and easily integrates smart phones with a vehicle’s audio/video system. The AVIC-Z130BT’s 7-inch WVGA touchscreen features a user interface that lets users stay connected via their smart phone to Pandora internet radio, Aha Radio for Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Traffic and podcasts, and App Mode for iPhone video content. In addition to the touch interface, the unit has voice control features, including the ability to input addresses for navigation.

The double-DIN AVIC-Z130BT also boasts a 3D graphics accelerator, 4GB of flash memory, DVD playback, built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calls and music streaming, iPod/iPhone connectivity and built-in HD Radio. With the inclusion of the ND-TMC10 Radio Data Service-Traffic Message Channel tuner, the AVIC-Z130BT also offers free Total Traffic Network service from Clear Channel. An optional add-on brings SiriusXM radio. The AVIC-Z130BT will be available in April for suggested retail price of $1,500.

Looks like I'd have to wait until April to get them. I don't see anything that seems too cutting edge on any of them, but maybe I just don't know what I'm looking at.

Currently I'm leaning towards the Z120BT. The 7160 has a lot of issues it appears, and the 9960 is $200 more than I can get the Z120BT for. Not set in stone yet though. I can get the 120 for $900. The 4200 with add-ons would be $780. The Z130 might be available soon, but I'm sure it will be $1,000+. The only differences that are visible to me are the Live Traffic and the built in HD Radio. It also uses the term "smartphone" for a lot of the things that used to be Iphone only, but from everything else I've read, it's still only the Iphone that interacts and gives you Pandora on the unit.

 

I'm definitely getting the 4300 as soon as I can. Supposedly it will be available sometime this January... Amazon already has it for sale somehow, but it's not at Best Buy or anywhere else yet. Not sure if Amazon has some sort of special deal with Pioneer?

4300 seems to be the 4200 with the ability to use Apps like Pandora over the USB connection.

 

Yeah, I've seen a few of the authorized retailers listing the products for sale, but the ones that I've seen also say that the product is backordered and will be available in 5-7 days. I took this as they haven't received the product yet, but I'm not really sure.