What’s the RCD330

RCD330 PLUS (AKA R 340G, RCD330): An Advanced In-Car Entertainment System for Volkswagen Vehicles

RCD330 PLUS, also known as R 340G or simply RCD330, is an advanced in-car entertainment system specifically designed for Volkswagen (VW) vehicles. It integrates multiple functions aimed at enhancing the driving experience for drivers and the entertainment enjoyment for passengers. Below is a detailed explanation of RCD330 PLUS.

I. Compatibility

RCD330 PLUS is tailored for Volkswagen models on the PQ35/46 platform, such as Golf 5, Golf 6, Jetta MK5, Jetta MK6, CC, Tiguan, Passat B6, Passat B7, Polo 6R, Touran, Amarok, Scirocco, Sharan, Transport, as well as certain models from brands like Skoda and Seat. With the installation of decoders and adapters, it can also work on Volkswagen models on the PQ25 platform, such as the Santana, and on models like the Beetle, Tiguan, Passat, and Jetta produced between 2016 and 2018. This allows RCD330 PLUS to seamlessly integrate into the existing infotainment systems of these vehicles without complex modifications or adjustments.

II. Functional Characteristics

• Smart Connectivity: RCD330 PLUS supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink functions. This means drivers can safely and conveniently access navigation, phone, messaging, and music apps from their smartphones via the in-car screen. This seamless connection not only improves driving safety but also enriches and conveniences the infotainment experience during driving.
• Multimedia Support: Beyond smart connectivity, RCD330 PLUS supports playback of various audio formats (such as MP3, APE, FLAC, etc.) and connectivity with multiple external devices including USB, AUX, SD cards, OPS and Reverse Camera. This allows drivers to easily enjoy diverse media content.
• HD Touchscreen: RCD330 PLUS is equipped with a 6.5-inch HD touchscreen with a resolution of 800×480 pixels. This screen provides a clear and detailed visual experience and supports touch operations, enabling drivers to intuitively control the in-car entertainment system.
• Bluetooth & Calls: The built-in Bluetooth module and microphone enable RCD330 PLUS to support hands-free calling. Drivers can answer and make calls through the in-car system without needing to distractingly operate their phones.
• Radio Reception: RCD330 PLUS has a broad radio reception frequency range, including AM 530-1600kHz and FM 87.5-108MHz, ensuring drivers can clearly receive various radio programs.

III. Installation & Upgrades

Installation of RCD330 PLUS is typically straightforward and plug-and-play due to its compatibility with Volkswagen models on the PQ platform. Additionally, with its multiple connectivity options and smart connectivity functions, drivers can upgrade and expand the system according to their needs.

IV. Conclusion

In summary, RCD330 PLUS is an in-car entertainment system with rich functionality, strong compatibility, and ease of installation and upgrades. It not only enhances the infotainment experience during driving but also improves driving safety through smart connectivity features. For drivers who own Volkswagen models and wish to upgrade their in-car entertainment systems, RCD330 PLUS is undoubtedly a worthwhile consideration.

let’s first understand CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink.

Volkswagen incorporated the MirrorLink feature into its OEM RCD330 product in 2016.

**About MirrorLink**:

MirrorLink® is an open standard for connectivity between cars and smartphones, allowing users to remain connected to their smartphone apps while driving. Drivers can interact with compliant smartphone apps through any compliant in-vehicle infotainment system (IVI). The smartphone applications project their user interface (UI) onto the IVI display. Additionally, audio apps can stream and play through the car’s speakers. MirrorLink enables interoperability between a wide variety of smartphones and cars. It also gives all participants in the ecosystem an equal stake in the thriving connected-car market. MirrorLink® is currently available in millions of cars and supports dozens of applications on hundreds of millions of mobile devices.

MirrorLink is a “connected vehicle” standard jointly initiated and established by internationally renowned mobile phone manufacturers and automakers. It aims to standardize the effective connection between smartphones and in-vehicle systems and provide a good user experience.

When using this standard for smartphone-to-car connectivity, bidirectional control of specific applications on both the smartphone and the in-vehicle system can be achieved. The goal is to allow users to control their phones using physical buttons or voice commands on the car while driving, without needing to look at, touch, or operate the phone’s screen. This includes answering/making calls, listening to music on the phone, using phone navigation, etc. Of course, the phone itself remains operable during this time.

This cross-industry alliance includes mobile phone manufacturers such as NOKIA, Samsung, Motorola, LG, SONY, HTC, and automakers such as BMW, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, and many others.

Volkswagen incorporated the Carplay and Android auto feature into its OEM RCD330 product in 2017.

**About CarPlay**

CarPlay is an Apple standard that transforms a car radio or automotive head unit into a display and controller for an iOS device. It is compatible with iPhone 5 and later models running iOS 7.1 or newer versions. According to Apple, more than 800 car models support CarPlay, and vehicle owners can add support by installing specific aftermarket vehicle audio products. Most CarPlay systems connect to iOS devices via USB, while some offer wireless connectivity, and wireless support can also be added through aftermarket dongles.

There are three primary ways to control CarPlay:

1. Siri: You can communicate with your car through Siri, telling it what to do next. You can also hear messages received on your phone and respond using voice dictation.
2. Touchscreen Display: Some cars that support CarPlay are equipped with a touchscreen display, allowing you to open or close apps from a relatively simple home screen.
3. Physical Buttons: Cars with physical buttons are another way to control CarPlay, seamlessly integrating controls such as volume adjustment and track skipping.

**About Android Auto**

Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror the features of a smartphone (or other Android device) onto a car’s dashboard information and entertainment head unit. Once an Android device is paired with the car’s head unit, the system can mirror certain apps onto the vehicle’s display. Supported apps include GPS mapping and navigation, music playback, SMS, telephone, and web search. The system supports both touchscreen and button-controlled head units. Hands-free operation through voice commands is available and recommended to minimize driver distraction. Android Auto is part of the Open Automotive Alliance, a collaboration between 28 automobile manufacturers, with Nvidia serving as the tech supplier. As of 2022, Android Auto is available in 48 countries.