Burning CDs for your factory Blaupunkt headunit

[tHe_sTiG]

Hi fellas,

I thought to write this little thread since I haven't seen it lurking around in the forums.

I've noticed that the Blaupunkt headunit in the VZ is very picky with CDs. It only seems to accept the genuine audio CDs. In most cases it will not play CDs that are burned in your average CD/DVD writer.

The aim here is to make a CD with specifications close enough to Red Book CDs - the ones you buy at your music store, recognized by all CD players. Through trial and error, I've managed to find my own way of successfully burning CDs that are playable in the factory headunit. Thought to share it with you guys.

Now I'm sure some of you will say why not just buy an aftermarket headunit? The reasons for me not doing so:

• The factory unit is perfectly fine for me.
• Would rather spend the money for the headunit on something else.
• Don't want to ruin the appearance of the centre console.
• Don't want to lose steering wheel controls and some dash functions.

Well then, here we go!
Getting started, what you'll need:

• CD-R - I'm emphasizing only CD-R (CD-RW or other wont work)
• CD/DVD writer - The ones that come with your computer/laptop will work fine.
• Burning program - This one works wonders, and its free too! Download and install. burrrn.net – The home of Burrrn and Mr QuestionMan » Burrrn
• Songs - Its best if your songs are in FLAC or WAV format, since these preserve the original quality of the music (FLAC is a form of compressed WAV). MP3's are OK, but they won't have that flawless sound quality as WAV or FLAC.

Getting ready to burn your CD-R:

1. With the CD-R now in your writer, open up Burrrn.
2. Drag your songs into Burrrn's playlist. If all your songs are from one source (e.g. one album), be sure to un-mark ReplayGain. This function is only needed if your songs are from different sources, meaning their sound volumes may vary dramatically. You can only fit a maximum of 17 or 18 songs on one CD-R. No more than 80 minutes of music, otherwise CD-R may not play.
3. Choose either 8x or 12x for the writing speed. This is to ensure optimum compatibility of your CD-R with the headunit.
4. Make sure the "Close CD" checkbox is ticked.
5. Be sure to close all windows (no not the ones that let in the nice breeze and sunshine lolz). You're ready to Burrrn !

Notes:

• While burning, LEAVE YOUR COMPUTER ALONE!!! The computer needs to focus on burning the CD-R. If you start opening windows and other programs during the burning process, you might well end up with a CD-R that wont play.
• Process only takes about 5 minutes... just be patient lol

Hope this helps guys Enjoy those beats!

[Torquative]

awesome write up! Cheers

[Slipper]

LOL this is funny, especially the part about leaving your computer alone whilst burning, this isn't 1995 your CD will not become "corrupted" if you surf the net whilst burning, the built in burning function in windows media player in w7 works wonderfully and is foolproof, itunes also has great burning software built in, nevertheless good writeup for new players

[wortus]

I've had good luck using WMP's built in CD burning function with CD-R Issues with burning while your using the PC shouldn't occur with a newish PC and operating system.
FLAC and WAV are the best but MP3's at the highest bit rate are also pretty good, they may sound differnet in your home setup but in a car with the standard speakers would be fine.

[Phyco]

I've noticed that the Blaupunkt headunit in the VZ is very picky with CDs. It only seems to accept the genuine audio CDs. In most cases it will not play CDs that are burned in your average CD/DVD writer.

While this guide will definitely be helpful for some, this has never been an issue for me. I have used numerous brands of audio cds, all burnt at 48x or 52x by either Nero or iTunes with no playback issues. Obviously if you attempted to play a Data CD with either WAV or MP3 files it would not work, as these head units are not intended to play any form of data file.

[SH.00.MA]

Im in the same boat as Phyco, when i had the stock unit i burned tons of music cds using ashampoo at w/e speed and the headunit played all of them, but because its just a basic cd player i chucked it and got an mp3 dvd unit so dont have to swap dvds very often.

[heyitsEnricoPallazzo]

Use Windows Media player for burning. Never had an issue with playing these in the Blaupunkt.

Appreciate the write-up though.

[tHe_sTiG]

While this guide will definitely be helpful for some, this has never been an issue for me. I have used numerous brands of audio cds, all burnt at 48x or 52x by either Nero or iTunes with no playback issues. Obviously if you attempted to play a Data CD with either WAV or MP3 files it would not work, as these head units are not intended to play any form of data file.

Hi mate, that's funny since that's how I tried it at first: 48x - 52x as an audio CD, not a data CD. All attempts failed. Nero, iTunes, WMP, you name it. By reducing speed and coming closer to 12x, the player would only sometimes accept the CDs. 12x turned out to be the best for me.

[VYMAD]

I burn on Windows Media Player, too and have never had a problem on the Blaupunkt. Nearly all the discs I play are burnt.

[Trent L]

I agree you certainly need to limit the number of tracks you try & squeeze onto a CD-R though. I've found that trying to maximise the number of tracks leads to jumping and disc read errors.

I keep it down to 15 - 17 tracks or about 70 minutes music per CD.

[tHe_sTiG]

I agree you certainly need to limit the number of tracks you try & squeeze onto a CD-R though. I've found that trying to maximise the number of tracks leads to jumping and disc read errors.

I keep it down to 15 - 17 tracks or about 70 minutes music per CD.

True that. A typical audio CD has about 74 minutes of music, best not to go higher than that. Anything above 80 minutes and you'll have difficulties.

[1_johnboy]

I dont actually know anyone who has had a problem with the factory headunits and burnt cds. Even my old vt with the eurovox played them fine.
tHe_sTiG, you might have a failing burner or cd player or just bad luck

[Whitesack07]

all mine are bunt, ive downloaded songs from the interent then used itunes to burn my songs onto disks, never had a problem yet

[richardpalinkas]

no need to burn cd's for the original if you have an mp3 player or ipod. read one of my threads started and it links you how to hardwire an aux input to the factory head unit. either that or go into the vy section, there is a stickied thread on how to hardwire an aux plug to the factory head unit. and yes it does work because i have used it in the past before i upgraded my head unit. back to the OP, good write up

[CapriciousWL]

I went the other way and stuck an iPod in the glove box. It has 20,000 songs on it and interfaces through a Parrot MKI9200. Full iPod control, retain original head unit etc. It hijacks the amp input via a relay. May also need a supression filter as there are some forms of interference from the alternator. Additional parts are a small LCD screen and a remote control that are fixed to the dash. The unit is able to be connected to a pc to upgrade firmware etc. Much better functionality than I expected, don't have to change disks, better sound quality than FM transmitters and having the full interface to the iPod as well as a full Bluetooth interface for the phone is excellent. Will also take SD cards, USB sticks or a line in.

[DarkEnvy]

LOL this is funny, especially the part about leaving your computer alone whilst burning, this isn't 1995 your CD will not become "corrupted" if you surf the net whilst burning, the built in burning function in windows media player in w7 works wonderfully and is foolproof, itunes also has great burning software built in, nevertheless good writeup for new players

there's nothing wrong with leaving your computer so it can burn. good write up.

[Phyco]

there's nothing wrong with leaving your computer so it can burn. good write up.

This day in age, why would you even need to? There is something wrong with your setup if you aren't at least able to browse the web while burning a CD/DVD/Blu-Ray Disc. Gone are the days of 'Single Core' systems, everything should be able to handle at least two tasks at a time now.

[cavz]

Maybe I should look for another head deck. I sometimes even get skipping on pre-recorded cd's.
I've totally given up on cd-r's but I'll give it another try with you're advice.
I also wish to retain the the original unit for all the same reasons you mention.

[enVy6]

I actually have this problem, i tried to do the OPs method and it just says to me error reading disk and spits it back out. I had better luck using iTunes, which i burnt it with the 54x(or w/e max speed is), it plays, but its sh*t and it skips a lot. im going to try using iTunes again with x12 and hopefully i get something working, as radio is getting old.

[undersuspicion]

does this also work with the vy blaupunkt audio system? Are they same headunits?

[tHe_sTiG]

does this also work with the vy blaupunkt audio system? Are they same headunits?

Hi mate, I believe so, since they're the same headunits.

[Jesterarts]

I burn my songs using itunes, I have 4 burn discs in my VZ 6 stacker and all play fine.

[undersuspicion]

nice will have to give it a go over the weekend. Cheers for the info.

[keith.s]

I use cheap Sony CD-R's bought from the supermarket (25 spindle). Nero burns them at 8X. They work just fine.