While Volkswagen and Audi infotainment systems (often Nvidia QNX based) share similarities and utilize a “Green” menu for advanced settings accessed via VCDS, subtle differences exist in their functionalities and interfaces. A standard MMI system with features like SD Nav and DAB (likely VW’s MIB1) offers VCDS adjustments for:
- Input Gain Controls: Allows individual volume level adjustments for various audio sources including DVD, AUX, Bluetooth, Radio, and iPod. This replicates functionality accessible through standard menus.
- Radio Tuner Timing: Offers numerous, often less practical, adjustments for AM/FM radio tuner timing.
- Power Management: Provides control over standby, timeout, and power down settings.
- Menu Display: Potentially allows customization of menu positions and page orders (untested).
- Auto Brightness: Enables or disables automatic brightness adjustment for the screen. This proves a valuable setting.
- Data Logging: Extensive options for enabling or disabling data logging across various functions, ranging from radio usage to voice control interactions.
However, these settings are often mirrored in the standard system menus. More complex systems, like the MMI Tech Pack with HD Navigation and Google Maps (also likely a version of MIB1), present a different challenge. The menu structure within VCDS diverges significantly, resembling a file structure with seemingly empty folders, lacking familiar tick boxes. Navigating and adjusting settings in these newer systems via VCDS can prove difficult due to this less intuitive interface.
One notable exception in the standard MMI system accessible through VCDS is the ability to disable the Loudness feature, impacting overall audio dynamics. While many basic sound adjustments can be made through the vehicle’s built-in interface, VCDS provides access to a deeper level of customization, though navigating these settings, particularly in newer systems, can require significant exploration and understanding of the software.
