iPod Universal Dock vs Apple Universal Dock vs whatever other dock

Yes, DO NOT get the iPod Universal Dock.

The iPod Universal Dock is the old version.

Here's some clarification:

1. iPod Universal Dock -- was the name given to the first dock Apple made. Your iPod Touch can actually use this dock to play audio and the remote works with it too but you will not be able to use this dock to show videos and slideshows on the TV screen. This "iPod Universal Dock" has a round window in the front for the Infrared Receiver.

2. Apple Universal Dock -- this is the newer dock Apple currently makes. Your iPod touch can use this dock to play audio and video. This doc's Infrared Receiver is an oblong rectangle.

The reason I say do not get the iPod Universal Dock is because if you are starting anew, you might as well go with the dock that has the most functions for an iPod Touch. Personally, I own an iPod Universal Dock which I bought some years back and so I am not going to buy another dock even though this current dock does not offer the full functionalities for the iPod touch.

Remember this:

iPod Universal Dock = old version = has round window for the infrared receiver = cannot display videos of the newer iPods but can for older iPods.

Apple Universal Dock = new version = has long rectangular slit for the infrared receiver = can display videos (after you buy the appropriate cable for it, which is separate).

Ha! I'm sorry...I want to retract the advice I gave here. For some reason, my iPod touch (32GB) does work with the older iPod Universal Dock even for displaying slideshows (i.e., photos) AND videos.

See this thread I started:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=6867274#6867274

Supposedly (and even according to Apple's own documentation) the new iPod models (iPod Classic and iPod touch) do not work with the iPod Universal Dock to display videos.

I bought the iPod Universal Dock about 2 years ago and the package I bought came with the remote and AV cables. The AV cable is made by Apple and is Apple's own version that splits the signal into TV and 2 audio (L & R) signals.

Message was edited by: Conal Ho

I can also confirm that the old dock works with the Touch--I just watched a movie on it and it's great. Thank GOD I don't have to waste another $50!

Ah, that's strange? I went and bought the iPod Universal dock, but later took it back because according to Apple's site, you need the Apple Universal dock to output video. I never opened the iPod Universal dock to test it out, just took it back assuming it wouldn't work. Dang it. I wonder if some of the older 3rd party iPod docks will work? The one I currently have doesn't. It also only has an S-video out, so I wonder if that could be it.

I can confirm as well that my 16GB 1.1.4 (with January upgrade) iPod touch outputs video content to my TV through my iPod Universal Dock, model A1153 (round IR window), using the "red/white/yellow" cable included in the iPod AV Connection Kit.

Andrew

I finally upgraded to the iPod touch from my old classic iPod. The dock I have for the old iPod is the firewire dock. Can I use this dock or wil it mess up my iPod Touch? Not even gonna try it unless someone else has.

I actually use my Touch with the old firewire dock along wiv the firewire power adapter (the ones that came bundled wiv 3rd gen iPods). So far it works fine.