Pro Pod Power Tips
6 Ways to turn your Video iPod into an Apple TV
Option 1: Wired
The easiest way to get video from your video iPod is to purchase a mini-jack to RCA adapter ($6). Apple sells one of these ($90) but standard cords work with a simple swap of the red and yellow cables. On the iPod you'll need to turn on TV output at Videos>Video Settings>TV Out. Here you turn on or off widescreen and set NTSC versus PAL.
Option 2: The (Wireless) Video Dock
A video dock will allow you to seat and charge your iPod while you're watching it on TV. This can be pretty important if watching longer features. My favorite is a recently reviewed option called the wiDock ($110). In addition to video docking (via S-Video), this wireless dock allows you to sync remotely over a wireless network - meaning you can locate your iPod in your entertainment center and sync wirelessly just like (gasp) an Apple TV. The wiDock does nto include a remote (see below) but works with the Apple IR remote.
Option 3: Remote Control Video Dock I
There are two options that include a video dock and remote controls. Check your TV's connectors: the KeySpan AV dock supports S-Video (also in black) for $65. For RCA connections, look at Belkin's TuneCommand for $80. Both options include RF remote controls with great range.
Option 4: Remote Control Video Dock II with On-Screen Menus
For dollars more than the Apple AV connection kit above, you can land an awesome home theater interface for your video iPod. DLO's HomeDock Deluxe supports S-Video and RCA connections, a remote control and a customizable on-screen interface. Amazon has it for $115.
The iPod with video is one powerful machine. While the Apple TV is larger, more expensive and has a smaller hard drive you may be suprised to find your iPod makes a great solution for your TV.
Note: In researching this article, I scoured the 'net for reports of iPods kicking the bucket from too much TV play and was unable to find anything. Drive failure is a reality for all iPods, but I have found no reports of excessive video playback linked to dead drives. That said, no promises from me.
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