Patent ID: 8184825

Claim:
A stereo control interface device adapted to be installed in a vehicle as an aftermarket product, wherein the stereo control interface device is adapted to be hardwired coupled to at least one local vehicle stereo control device originally installed in the vehicle so as to receive signals in a first format from the at least one local vehicle stereo control device to control an originally installed stereo receiver that was responsive to signals in the first format, wherein the stereo control interface device is adapted to produce output signals in a second format and transmit the output signals via hardwire connection to a replacement aftermarket stereo receiver that is responsive to signals in the second format and that is installed in the vehicle to replace the originally installed stereo receiver, wherein the stereo control interface device is adapted to translate the signals in the first format to signals in the second format so that the at least one local vehicle stereo control device originally installed in the vehicle can be used to control the operation of the replacement aftermarket stereo receiver via the stereo control interface device, wherein the stereo control interface includes a memory and is programmable to store in the memory output signals corresponding to the local vehicle stereo control device such that subsequent activation of the local vehicle stereo control results in the stereo control interface recalling from the memory at least one output signal corresponding to the local vehicle stereo control device and wherein the stereo control interface is programmable so that the interface can be adapted for use with a plurality of different types of replacement stereo receivers.