For those who want to listen to their digital music files on the car sound system, an iPod FM transmitter is a feasible option.
FM transmitters are devices that can connect to digital audio players such as the iPod, and convert the playback of digital music (such as mp3s and other such file formats) into radio waves such that they can be received and played by a radio tuned to the appropriate frequency. These devices can actually be used with any radio, but they are most usually used with car radios, to allow headphones-free listening to the iPod while driving.
But, wait, aren’t there any other options for connecting an iPod to the car’s audio system? Well, yes. So-called “cassette converters” are available, but these come with a mess of wires, and obviously need a cassette tape player onboard. Most modern cars do not sport cassette players anymore, and getting one just for the purpose of using a converter is not exactly a neat solution.
Integrated iPod controllers are also available from a variety of car audio manufacturers such as Alpine, Kenwood, and Pioneer. These offer better sound quality than either FM transmitters or cassette converters, but have to be installed by professionals into your car, and usually range in price in the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. These controllers are also often burdened by clunky, slow interfaces, at least compared with the interface of the iPod itself. And of course, these are not exactly portable, and will remain bundled with the car even if the time may come to sell the vehicle.
So we return to FM transmitters. These devices connect to the iPod in a variety of ways. The most versatile of these connect using only a standard headphone plug, and can thus be used for portable CD or DVD players and other audio devices as well. Some FM transmitters also come with their own power supply, usually AA or AAA batteries, which make installation nonexistent. Simply plug the device into your iPod, take any necessary setup steps and you will be well on your way to having your iPod playing on your car audio system.
However, FM transmitters are not perfect. Being FM transmitters, they need a clear frequency to utilize. Otherwise, interference from radio stations and the like may overpower the signal from your iPod. This is especially a problem in urban areas with many frequencies occupied by radio stations. The sound quality also takes quite a loss through most of these transmitters. Different transmitters differ in the audio quality they deliver, with portability and ease of installation usually being the trade offs. The best FM transmitters in terms of sound quality are usually more difficult to install, not to mention more costly.
For price and convenience, a good iPod FM transmitter simply can not be beat. The loss in audio quality may be quite noticeable, but as technology continues to improve, newer models of these transmitters are likely to gain better sound support.
