I notice more and more MP3-capable CD players entering the market. I assume that this capabilty comes from new firmware what has the MP3 codec versus just audio CD. Would it be possible to upgrade older CD players (oh say a 6-disc in-dash Lexus changer) to do MP3s? Just a thought...

Mitch Y2KGS4

 

Mitch,

As of right now, highly unlikely. MP3's are read by hard drive/magnetics while CD changers are laser based. They may come out with a MP3/CD combo in the future if the company is farsighted enough. Place all of these in a DIN sized unit and there you have it!

Percy

 

I think y2kgs4 is referring to the new breed of cd-players that are capable of reading mp3 data that has been recorded to CDR and CDRW discs. These head units have the ability to read data cds and onboard firmware that can decode the MP3s, sort of like winamp on a chip.
To answer your question though, it's not going to happen because it is pretty much impossible.
In my other car I have a new sony head unit that can read mp3 files and it's like having a changer on one cd. You can burn so many standard cd's to a single disc after they've been ripped to mp3's. I definitely prefer it to having a changer. There's nothing like having most of your cd collection burned onto 4 discs!