Owning an iPod is a wonderful experience. As time goes by, one will be introduced to a wide variety of accessories and iPod docks are simply a natural extension of the device.
home entertainment system with its own speakers and video output connection. Having said, there is definitely no lack of multifunctional docks available commercially. The problem now is to decide on an appropriate iPod dock that fulfill you needs. All docking connectivity is via a proprietary 30-pin connector and the detailed pin layout are published materials for vendors of iPod accessories.
Compatibility issues between the iPod and the docked system are rare. Nowadays, the majority of the docks comes with RCA analogue stereo output that enables one to connect to any av receiver’s auxiliary inputs. For higher quality, digital output via coaxial is also possible. Sound quality is subjective and highly dependent on the caliber of the audio files on the iPod. The most expensive docks cannot reproduce high-fidelity sound from a highly compressed MP3 file. Ultimately, no dock can beat the sound of a decent hi-fi.
Audio compatibility is never an issue for most iPod docking station, but the video is. Hence, be sure to scrutinize the docks capability to support the projections of various video formats. The output ports are usually the analogue composite video and S-video outputs. At this point of writing, digital output docks are rare. If picture quality is of concern, go for the superior HDMI based output as it guarantees an extreme quality video connection. Docks are designed and engineered to use in audio and video systems.
There are 2 classifications: one is original equipment manufacturer make for their own house brand and the other is 3rd party manufacturers. The advantage of the former is complete compatibility with the brand’s receiver and you can manage the player with the receiver’s remote. Hence, the ultimate convenience and peace of mind.
Different docks have different visual display elements. For instance, some iPod docks shows video from the player but do not have any on-screen menu. Only the basic controls like play, stop, pause and skip. Other docks have a more elaborate on-screen menu for easier navigation.
Suggested Readings
Checklist:
- Look for compatibility with other iPod models
- Look for navigation control of iPod menus through TV displays
- Look for bundled features like clock and radio
- Look for optional battery power
- Look for line input for connection of non iPod
- Physically experience the projection of sound in large and small rooms
- Look for limited volume output
- Look for the capability to deliver 25W of sound power
- Look for the support for the various video formats
- Look for support in self help forums
Featured Product:
| Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Loudspeaker Dock System for iPod (Silver/Black) |
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| Retail Price: $599.95 |
| Amazon Price: $599.95 |
Zeppelin allows you to have real hi-fi stereo sound wherever you need it–upstairs, downstairs; in your office or in a second home. Unlike most iPod speaker docks, Zeppelin has increased capabilities that allow additional sound sources to play through Zeppelin, view videos on a screen using your iPod or iPhone, and/or stream sound using Sonos, Apple AirPort Express, or any other networking system. This makes for easy incorporation into your home theater, office, and/or bedroom setting.
Zeppelin is much more than a standard iPod speaker, and with its aesthetically pleasing design and amazing sound quality, it will reinvent the way you listen to music.
| JBL Radial High-Performance iPod Loudspeaker (Black) |
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| Retail Price: $229.95 |
| Amazon Price: View Sale Price |
The Radial incorporates a universal iPod dock adapter, which is compatible with most docking versions of the iPod, including the iPod video 5G and 5.5G and the iPod nano 1G and 2G. Simply slide your iPod into the dock and you’re set–no additional cords to connect or adapters to fuss with. As an added convenience, the Radial also offers an auxiliary input for connecting a variety of other portable audio devices, including the iPod shuffle, personal MP3 and CD players, desktop and laptop computers (all platforms), and satellite radio receivers. As long as your portable audio device has a 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack connection, you can play the audio through your Radial speaker.
As a bonus, the Radial comes with a wireless RF remote control, giving you the freedom to enjoy your music from across the room, in another room, or outside up to 20 feet.


Thanks for the article about ipod docking. I have an ipod and enjoy it very much. It’s good to know the many ways that it can be docked to other devices.
A statement in Forbes magazine discovered that Apple will produce enough income from content sales equal to approximately 10% of its ipad hardware revenue through the end of the year and about 30% in 2011.
Hey, what’s up? fantastic stuff. When I put up my HD I always use my battery tender. It has added to the life of my battery, in fact I have not changed my battery in six years and my bike starts at a moments notice. Just a trickle charger is not enough you need to use the tecnology of the battery tender.
Lots of consumer electronic companies such as Philips, Sony, Samsung, JVC etc.. are incorporating the iPod docks to their products. We now have DVD player, BluRay players and Home Theater Systems with an iPod Dock. Even other businesses make many on iPod. Thanks for the post..