RRolf, do u plan to trash out your Chinese HU? EDIT: I just read your post about your PIII crash. I hope your insurance covered the damage. I'm still waiting for CASKA 3692, they promised it in mid March, but they posponed the term to April, :-(
I have had many contacts with 'Jade' (North American rep) - she doesn't bother answering the basic question - *if* they even plan it... I went as far as emailing the whole Coagent sales force... I think this has something to do with Rosen teaming up - note the Rosen stuff as a brand has a huge markup - the aftermarkets sell in the $1500 range (which is silly). With the Pioneer Z110 price so low, that's the ultimate route for me ($680 with rebate). My guess is the Caska - if/when it comes out will have similar lead time issues to the Metra (remember - Metra was due out last October).
I agree, Rosen's agreement with Caska probably gives them an exclusive in the US or North America--but, as we have seen elsewhere, that won't stop internet seller from outside the US. IIRC, Rosen's website had a pdf promo piece that said it would be available in 2/2010, that has now been changed to read "available in 2010." At >>$1000+ I think they might price themselves out of the market. I have been following the development of a similar product for Volvos to be marketed by a Swedish company. They are into their third iteration and it keeps getting pushed back, mostly due to software issues as I understand it. These 3rd party oe style HU's seem to have a long way to go...
Yes - I was one of the first to get the PIP 800x480 device - and there were many bugs. I can't imagine a new device not having them - and at the price, it gets silly ($1000+) when there are quality alternatives (Pioneer, JVC, Kenwood). The stock Prius nav now goes for $1800, and it's like $2100 dealer installed (without bugs). I'm guessing they will have a difficult time.
The CASKA pricing should be (I hope based on Mazda pricing) around $800 eqivalent. The design flaw for standard 2DINs is evident. There is a huge empty space on both sides of 2DIN isntalled, which I dont like. If the space is filled with buttons for direct unit control (instead of touch screen), it has a much better look. I'm currently dealing with the local Toyota about the weak FM radio. Will see with what result.
I am seriously wondering *if* the Caska implements the front buttons via the steering (CAN?) bus. This would make sense, as the buttons change - and it would be programmable... The 'base' unit is a 7" 2DIN chassis... If so, I could see a market for a "Caska" surround.......
Pics of the Metra are in this thread already : http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...tronics/79462-new-metra-surround-install.html