GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020) Discussion about the 2013 and up GS models

2015 Mark Levinson Questions

Old 11-23-15, 08:56 PM
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wangster79
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Default 2015 Mark Levinson Questions

My girlfriend has a 2014 with ML and I liked it so much that I picked up a 2015 replacing an Infiniti FX35.

I use a USB thumbdrive with about 4 GB of MP3s. In the 2014 vehicle, there is no skipping when I start the vehicle. The music starts playing right away and there are no brief pauses.

I have an identical USB stick with exact same contents in the 2015 GS and when I start the car, music starts playing then there are couple brief pauses which is driving me insane. Is this normal in the 2015?

Also, I have album arts embedded into most MP3s. None of the album arts are showing. It only displays a generic image depending on the genre. I have tried enabling/disabling gracenote album art.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using IB AutoGroup
Old 11-24-15, 03:41 AM
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AL13NV8D3R
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I have a 14 GS with Mark Levinson and have the same problem as your 15 GS using USB stick filled with mp3s.

My solution was to use an old ipod nano to store the mp3s and now everything is smooth. Album art works too with ipod. Album art NEVER worked when USB flash was used.
Old 11-24-15, 09:44 AM
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wangster79
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Originally Posted by AL13NV8D3R
I have a 14 GS with Mark Levinson and have the same problem as your 15 GS using USB stick filled with mp3s.

My solution was to use an old ipod nano to store the mp3s and now everything is smooth. Album art works too with ipod. Album art NEVER worked when USB flash was used.
Which problem are you referring to? The skipping at the beginning or the album art? I'm not a big Apple guy. Do I have to use iTunes to transfer MP3s to the iPod Nano or can I drag files into the iPod using a Windows PC? Also, how do you connect the iPod to GS? USB or bluetooth?
Old 11-24-15, 10:27 AM
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jkeller
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As far as I know, you have to use iTunes to transfer music to an iPod. I ditched Windows back in the Vista days and haven't looked back. I have album art weather I'm using my iPod nano on usb or if I'm streaming my iPhone off of bluetooth and no skipping either way. Try using your phone both usb and bluetooth to see what happens. You might also try another usb stick, there are A LOT of very cheaply made usb sticks out there.
Old 11-25-15, 03:24 PM
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wangster79
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Please let me know if this is normal or if your 2015 doesn't do this.

A lot of times, I know where I am going and I don't need to be looking at the map. So I set the main screen to the audio as shown below.


However, after about 30 seconds, the main screen reverts back to the map like below.


I tested it with the fuel consumption screen (like below) and the main screen stayed that way for minimum 10 minutes.



Anyone else's 2015 GS (with Mark Levinson) have problem keeping the main screen on audio?
Old 11-25-15, 03:43 PM
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Originally Posted by wangster79
Anyone else's 2015 GS (with Mark Levinson) have problem keeping the main screen on audio?
Go to Set up -> General -> Automatic screen change -> Turn this OFF.

Last edited by rijc99; 11-25-15 at 03:50 PM.
Old 11-25-15, 03:55 PM
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wangster79
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Originally Posted by rijc99
Go to Set up -> General -> Automatic screen change -> Turn this OFF.
Thank you so much.
Old 11-25-15, 04:26 PM
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ybing
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Have you tired take it out from "folder"?

The system only support English, Spanish & French... double check your system language and also click into properties ---> details, see if there is any strange letters, it usually pick up the name from there

Or maybe try rename it again in details.

I bluetooth mine phone and play music... and most of mines are Chinese so it won't show up anyways

I did used USB once at the first, but it is difficult to navigate in car, get a small ipod maybe save you a lot of time, Black Friday is coming anyways haha
Old 11-25-15, 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by wangster79
Which problem are you referring to? The skipping at the beginning or the album art? I'm not a big Apple guy. Do I have to use iTunes to transfer MP3s to the iPod Nano or can I drag files into the iPod using a Windows PC? Also, how do you connect the iPod to GS? USB or bluetooth?
I was refering to both the skipping and the album art. Both issues were solved when i dug out the old ipod. I am not an ipod person either. I personally hate Apple products because of their apple only ecosystem. I prefer android all day. But have to use ipod because apparently apple ipod integrates seamlessly into lexus head unit.

Its not all that hard to put music into an ipod. First you need to download and install itunes on your computer. Then connect your ipod. The make sure you update to latest ipod software. Then you need to make a playlist. From within itunes browse your mp3 files and drag them to your playlist. After you are done click sync. Unplug ipod and connect to Lexus. Enjoy skip free music.

If you need further assistance please get on youtube and search for a video tutorial about putting music into ipod. Hope this helps.
Old 11-26-15, 05:01 PM
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Target has a black Friday special on iPod nano for $119.20. I know everyone isn't into Apple products, but they integrate with Lexus stereos very nicely.


http://www.target.com/p/apple-ipod-n...prods_vv|pdpv1

Last edited by jkeller; 11-26-15 at 05:09 PM. Reason: insert price
Old 12-03-15, 09:52 AM
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wangster79
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Originally Posted by AL13NV8D3R
I was refering to both the skipping and the album art.
Thank you for the clarification.

Originally Posted by AL13NV8D3R
I personally hate Apple products because of their apple only ecosystem.
That makes it two of us.

Which iPod are you using? I wasn't sure if I can just get a used iPod off eBay or Craigslist.
Old 12-03-15, 08:20 PM
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ybing
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I will suggest you get a newer model, with new iOS install; older Gen will be very laggy with new iOS system

I have all my music in my phone, so when it pair the phone I have all the music as well; 6s Plus is what I'm using lol
Old 12-04-15, 04:08 PM
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When wired through the USB you get verbal commands that you don't when using BT.
We just buried an early iPod in the console with a "12 cable and leave it on. Shows on
screen as iPod, displays songs/artist/time, responds to steering wheel buttons, stays
charged up. Better than the old HD transfer because I can take it to rental cars pronto!
Old 12-04-15, 04:39 PM
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wangster79
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Please correct me if I have any of this wrong before I purchase an used iPod.

I'm planning on buying a used iPod Nano (4th generation), keeping it plugged via USB port on my GS. By doing so, I should have no skipping issues at vehicle start, album art displayed on the navigation screen, control the iPod using buttons on the head unit and steering wheel. I don't use the voice command too much but that should work.
Old 12-04-15, 07:33 PM
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ybing
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Originally Posted by wangster79
Please correct me if I have any of this wrong before I purchase an used iPod.

I'm planning on buying a used iPod Nano (4th generation), keeping it plugged via USB port on my GS. By doing so, I should have no skipping issues at vehicle start, album art displayed on the navigation screen, control the iPod using buttons on the head unit and steering wheel. I don't use the voice command too much but that should work.
Yes, it should display on the screen if the language is supported by the system not artwork for me on bluetooth

But I never connect thru USB... so maybe I'm not right LOL, my IS is to small and too much work to connect the phone to the car every time sit in it
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