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OK, you have determined that your head unit has a wired remote input,
but you may decide to use the IR DCI anyway.

Take a look at the information below, then decide which type DCI you want.

I'd like to buy the IR DCI   I'd like to buy the Wired DCI
 
Pros and Cons of the IR DCI   Pros and Cons of the Wired DCI

The IR DCI uses infra-red signals to control your after-market head unit similar to the way the factory hand-held remote operates.  As such, an IR Emitter (LED) is used to transmit the commands to the head unit.  This emitter is supplied with the DCI and must be positioned so it faces the head unit's IR receiver (usually on the front of the HU). 
Pros - IR DCIs can be used with any of the 10 supported head units, so if you change to any of these head units at a later date you can still use the same IR DCI. 
Cons - First, you have to position the IR emitter so it can send signals to the head unit and some buyers don't like the way it looks.  Also, head units that have tilting faces can make it more difficult to find a position for the IR emitter that works well and doesn't "stick out" too far.  Plus, it's possible for bright sunlight to interfere with IR signals, particularly with tilting faces where the sun can shine directly on the IR receiver when the top is down.  This is a temporary problem and IR reception and DCI functionality returns when the bright sun is not directly on the HU face. 

 

Wired DCIs don't use infra-red commands to control the head unit; they send commands through a special "remote control" wire or a dedicated jack on the rear of the head unit.  Only specific models of some brands of head units have the ability to be controlled via a wired connection. 
Pros - The advantage of a wired system is that you don't have to install an IR emitter and they are not affected by bright sunlight.  Overall, a wired DCI makes for an easier and "cleaner" installation. 
Cons - Wired DCIs are are head-unit-specific, meaning they are designed to work only on a few brands of head units.  The Alpine Wired DCI can only be used on Alpine, Kenwood, and JVC head units but no other brands are supported.  For example, if you currently have an Alpine head unit and buy an Alpine Wired DCI it will work great, but if you later change to a Sony head unit (or any brand other than Kenwood or JVC) your DCI won't work at all and you'll have to buy a new DCI.