Tuesday, June 12, 2007

iPod: TV Out support

The following iPod models have support for TV Out:

  • Fifth Generation iPod (iPod with video)
  • iPod with color display (iPod photo)

Note: Other iPod models may support viewing of photos or slideshows on the iPod display but do not support TV Out.

The following docks support TV Out when used with an iPod model that supports TV Out:

  • iPod Universal Dock
  • iPod with color display Dock (iPod photo Dock)

iPod models that support TV Out can support viewing on a television two different ways.

Method 1 (Composite video)
Using the AV cable connected directly to the top of the supported iPod or to the line out port on the supported dock.

Method 2 (S-video)
Using S-video when a supported iPod is in a supported dock.

Method 1 setup (Composite video)
This method can be used when the supported iPod is either in or out of the dock. Additionally, you would need a television or other video device that has RCA inputs.

  1. Make sure the TV out is set to "On" in the Slideshow Settings screen. To configure this setting, select Photos > Slideshow Settings > TV Out until TV Out is set to "On."
  2. Connect the AV cable into the iPod (where the earbuds would normally connect) or to the line out port on the dock.
  3. Connect the red RCA connection into the right audio input of the television.
  4. Connect the white RCA connection into the left audio input of the television.
  5. Connect the yellow RCA connection into the video input of the television.

Note: The RCA input connectors on a television are usually color coded to match the colors on the AV cable.

Method 2 setup (S-video)
This method provides slightly better image quality and should be used if possible. This method requires a television or other video device with S-video inputs. Additionally, S-video can only be used when the iPod is in a supported dock.

  1. Make sure the TV out is set to "On" in the Slideshow Settings screen. To configure this setting, select Photos > Slideshow Settings > TV Out until TV Out is set to "On."
  2. Place iPod in the dock.
  3. Connect a S-video cable to the S-video out port on the dock. This connection provides the video signal.
  4. Connect the other end of the S-video cable to the S-video input on the television.
  5. Connect the AV cable to the line out port on the dock. This connection provides the audio signal.
  6. Connect the red RCA connection into the right audio input of the television.
  7. Connect the white RCA connection into the left audio input of the television.

Some televisions may need to be set to channel 3 or 4 or "video" to receive input. Check with the documentation for your television if you're not sure.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300233