Apple iPod connectivity is standard across the Scion lineup for 2008. Scion’s standard 160-watt maximum output Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system features a head unit with iPod control. The head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line display on the head unit’s screen.

Connectivity is achieved by plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing optimal sound quality and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and steering wheel audio controls. A standard mini-jack port also allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the tC’s Pioneer speakers.

Since many Scion customers add in-car entertainment systems to their vehicle, the tC comes standard with rear head unit outputs allowing for the addition of external amps to boost power to the front and rear speakers, and subwoofers.

The tC’s optional premium audio system adds one more feature to the standard head unit, the ability to download “skins” to play on the LCD faceplate. Customers can download images, four-second video clips and eight-second movies from Pioneer’s website. In addition, Pioneer software allows customers to burn their own images and movies onto a CD and upload
them onto the available head unit.

Both the standard and premium head units retain key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility, a user-customizable welcome screen, MP3 and WMA capability, Automatic Sound Leveling (ASL) and Sound Retouch Technology (SRT), which provides clearer
CD sound quality. Both systems will also feature six speakers: two tweeters and speakers in each door panel.