Watching your iPod on a big screen

Posted: Monday, June 18, 2007 3:58 PM

The HomeDock Deluxe has one purpose - to allow you to watch and listen to your iPod content on a big-screen TV. 

HomeDock Deluxe is a clever, all-in-one, remote controlled cradle and charger unit for your iPod. 

It also provides you with a terrific interface that you see on your big screen TV.

Operating the HomeDock Deluxe is simple: you just slide your iPod into the device.

The HomeDock Deluxe works with later iPod models – that means fourth-generation iPods with click wheels, fourth-generation iPods with color displays, fifth-generation iPods with video, iPod nanos (first and second generation) and iPod minis.  You can easily adjust the docking station slot to fit your iPod’s exact dimensions.

You connect HomeDock Deluxe to your television set via the composite or S-video connection.  There are stereo RCA output jacks for the audio. The HomeDock Deluxe comes with all the wires you’ll need.  The HDD does not connect to your computer or to the Internet.  Your iPod is meant to do that.

All HomeDock Deluxe functions are handled by the remote control included with the device. Set-up is a breeze and using the device is easy. You can see, hear and control all your iPods videos, music and photos on your big screen. 

You can also decide on your HomeDock’s on-screen color theme from the 12 included choices and can choose from one of five built-in screen savers.

In my tests, I found the HomeDock Deluxe delivered exactly what it promised.  It allowed me to enjoy iPod content on my LCD TV.  It takes only 15 minutes or so to get proficient at using the remote control. The device also let me recharge the iPod’s internal battery while it was plugged in.

The HomeDock Deluxe is the brainchild of DLO (Digital Lifestyle Outfitters) and retails for $149.99. That makes it an inexpensive way to let a number of people enjoy your iPod at the same time.

$150 just happens to be half the retail price of Apple’s 40GB AppleTV ($299) which makes it somewhat of a bargain.  There’s now a $399, 160GB Apple TV as well.

But, AppleTV does more.  It lets you store your entertainment on the built-in hard drive (leaving your iPod for other tasks), connects to a computer and the Internet via Wi-Fi and provides higher quality component, HDMI and optical audio outputs. 

Viewing video downloads from the iTunes store look just about the same on both the HDD and the AppleTV when using a high-definition screen.  I would rate video quality of both as OK – not spectacular.

But, in the long run, AppleTV seems to offer more potential.  For now, it works with media on your computer.  But, in the near future, the sky’s the limit for Apple’s device.

They’ve already announced a deal with YouTube. And soon you should be able to download new items directly to your AppleTV, bypassing iPods, computers and maybe even your cable or satellite box.   Very cool.

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