Level 1

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iPhone 3G + Composite AV cable = no video

So I bought this Apple AV Composite Cable on eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=2502 68585597

It was new, still in the box, and it claims on the box to be compatible with iPod Classic, iPod Nano (video), IPod Touch, and iPhone. It plugs into the main connector on the bottom of the iPhone 3G. Since I looked on the Apple Store website and didn't find any new AV cables specifically for the iPhone 3G, I assumed that the composite AV cable for the iPhone would work for the iPhone 3G as well.

I got the cable today and plugged it into my TV. Audio comes through but no video; just a black TV screen with audio coming through the speakers. Also, a message pops up on the iPhone 3G screen: "This accessory was not made to work with iPhone. Would you like to turn on Airplane mode to reduce interference ? " And I can choose yes or no. Choosing either one doesn't give me video.

What is the deal here? I looked around on the apple store website and could not find any new AV cable that was specifically meant to output video to TV from the iPhone 3G. Also, the iPhone 3G user guide specifically says:

"+You can connect iPhone to your TV and watch your videos on the larger screen. Use+
+the Apple Component AV Cable, Apple Composite AV Cable, or other authorized+
+iPhone compatible cable. You can also use these cables with the Apple Universal Dock+
+to connect iPhone to your TV. (The Apple Universal Dock includes a remote, which+
+allows you to control playback from a distance.) Apple cables and docks are available+
+for purchase separately at www.apple.com/ipodstore.+ "

I notice that none of the cables on the apple store, nor that paragraph from the iPhone 3G user guide (which also is meant to discuss original iPHone) specifically states that the cables will work with the 3G. Has apple really screwed us over on this, and there is no way to output video to the TV?

Has anyone got this working for them?

Al Powerbook G4 1.67 GHz, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Jul 21, 2008 9:51 PM

78 replies

dgalvan123 Author

Level 1

50 points

Jul 29, 2008 11:41 PM in response to bss18974

bss18974 wrote:
. . . After purchasing the cable, *I tried it immediately without connecting to a TV*. In about 15 seconds, that annoying message came up about not being compatible with the iphone 3g.

. . . I did return my cable almost immediately at the Apple store.

So, as far as I can tell, the AV Cables DO NOT work with the 3G phone yet.

Did you ever try it with the cable actually connected to the TV?

Jul 30, 2008 1:04 AM in response to dgalvan123

To answer some of the questions.

No, I am not convinced the apple composite cable works on Iphone 3G, as Apple did not gave me an answer and pointed me to google.

Discussions here have assured Component cable works on DIGITAL TV.

I am using the normal 3 colours yellow red white, so it should be the composite cable I am after.

I have bought a 3rd party cable off ebay where the seller assures me that they work and tested on the iphone 3G, Please always ask them before you bid or buy. As said many DO NOT WORK.

As for movies, I converted my own collection of DVDs by using DVD FAB ver 5.
This software is by far the most decent I could use to convert and playback on my iphone 3G, with or without english subs if you choose wish.

Again, till date Apple has not stated anything about the cables being compatible, this could be because they are still in testing phase I dont know. I hope this has cleared some understandings about the cables. Is best if the shop allows you to test first before you buy. As these cables are not cheap.
I just bought the 3rd party one to see how it goes as it is only 1/4 of the original's price and is claimed to be tested.

bss18974

Level 1

0 points

Jul 30, 2008 4:59 PM in response to dgalvan123

Yes, does not work. Whether or not it is connected to the TV does not matter. After about 30 seconds or so of playback, the iphone 3g reports the cable is not compatible and shuts off play. At that point, no video goes through cable. You would have to restart the iphone to get video again and it will time out after about 30 seconds.

Notice in the descriptions for the cables, it only says iphone, not iphone 3g. Those accessories designed and tested for the 3g have the iphone logo and the iphone 3g logo (look at the cases for the 3g on Apple's site). So the cable is not tested yet.

perhaps I will try the component cable at some point...

dgalvan123 Author

Level 1

50 points

Jul 30, 2008 5:23 PM in response to Irwin Pang

could you please report back and let us know if the 3rd party cable you bought works? If it does, I'll order one as well. Also, could you send the ebay link?

Thanks!

cfcrider

Level 1

0 points

Aug 1, 2008 11:11 AM in response to bss18974

I just called an Apple Tech support rep, and after doing some research she said the AV Composite Cable should work. I guess going to the store, hooking it up to my car screen in the parking lot would be the only way to find out.

dgalvan123 Author

Level 1

50 points

Aug 1, 2008 1:28 PM in response to dgalvan123

UPDATE:

This one also does not work, according to reviews and comments by people who bought it.

dgalvan123 Author

Level 1

50 points

Aug 1, 2008 1:30 PM in response to cfcrider

see, that's my worry. The following (hypothetical) scenario:

I walk into an apple store and buy the iPhone AV composite cable. Take it home, it doesn't work with the iPhone 3G. Take it backs, saying I want a refund because it doesn't work with the iPhone 3G. The people they say no refund, because it doesn't say that it works specifically with the iPhone 3G on the box or on the web description.

cfcrider

Level 1

0 points

Aug 1, 2008 3:32 PM in response to dgalvan123

That won't happen. First off you let the staff at the store know you're going to return it if the video doesn't work. They'll tell you have 14 days to return the cable. If they give you a hard time when you return it, ask them to test it themselves - surely the Apple store has monitors with composite cable inputs.

Apple might be rigid, but they're not going to refuse to accept a return on a product that doesn't work.

bss18974

Level 1

0 points

Aug 2, 2008 7:37 PM in response to cfcrider

It is not going to work. I already tried the composite cable at the Apple Store in Allentown PA. It did not work. I returned it on the spot. I had asked an Apple Store employee and one of the Geniuses at the Genius Bar. They said it should work but could not guarantee it. Said I had to purchase the cable to test it. I did. I then opened the package and connected to my 3G. Within 15 seconds or so, got that dreaded message "This device is not designed to work with the iPhone 3G. Would you like to turn on Airplane mode?"

then video went back to main menu and stopped being shown.

I immediately returned the cable as I was told I would be able to.

Others are saying the Component Cable will work.

If you do get it to work, I would be most interested. I have had no luck with Apple Cables and other cables. Also, it appears that cables that are 3.5mm output cables (similar to headphone connections) do not display video either through the headphone port or the line out port on the iphone/ipod dock. I was hoping that would be a way around it... but that fails too. Sound works fine.

Oh well...

Aug 3, 2008 3:41 AM in response to bss18974

Just wait for my feedback, there no point me posting anything and no one is giving proper help nor answers. I am quite fed up.

Nafcom

Level 1

0 points

Aug 3, 2008 5:24 PM in response to Irwin Pang

Irwin Pang wrote:

No, I am not convinced the apple composite cable works on Iphone 3G, as Apple did not gave me an answer and pointed me to google.

They gave an answer to me. The composite cable doesn't work for the iPhone 3G as the pinout is totally different. Therefor, all cables have to be checked for compatibility by Apple first and then getting redesigned. When the Composite TV cable for the iPhone3G will come they don't know.

Aug 3, 2008 7:06 PM in response to cfcrider

I bought the component Apple cable during the week to use with my Kenwood DNX8120 dvd/navigation head unit.

When I plug it into my 3G iPhone I get the "this accessory is not designed to work with the iPhone" but music still works. As far as video goes, it works - sometimes. If I watch a movie from the phone without unplugging, it will be fine. If I unplug and then reattach later on - I will not get video until the phone is rebooted.

Considering a genuine Apple product is the only way to get video out on new generation iPod products, I am a little upset I spent $50 bucks on a cable that doesn't work properly. Stick to a pinout already Apple.

I still want to test the cable with my first generation iPhone to see if it is more stable.

Message was edited by: teknics41

Aug 3, 2008 8:47 PM in response to teknics41

Probably one of the best post for this thread so far. 😟

I am unhappy because I didnt got any help, no one has really help. and I am thinking whether or not iphone 3G has REALLY a TV out?

Apple store cant answer and so did the help from the call support.

I just got an email from the ebay seller:

Dear buyer, sorry to inform you that we just get some feedback from our customers and find that this item is not perfectly designed. You may have to use it together with the dock (plugging your machine on the dock) in order to function well. If you dislike it or find other problems, please contact us and we will provide solutions, thanks

I am sure getting a full refund as I questioned him twice before he shipped the item. No, I am not happy, I cant get it to work is one thing. I am not getting any answers either which is very disappointing.

Dont you dare point me at feedback guys, I am already having a hard time as it is solving this solution. The above thread is MORE of what I want to see.

How you test
What kind of cable Composite or Component, what kind of TV or equipement you tested.
What was the result? Not compatible, worked 30 secs? etc?

Nafcom

Level 1

0 points

Aug 3, 2008 9:01 PM in response to Irwin Pang

I am unhappy because I didnt got any help, no one has really help. and I am thinking whether or not iphone 3G has REALLY a TV out?

Apple store cant answer and so did the help from the call support.

Well, the answer I have posted above earlier is from AppleStore
The connection on the iPhone3G does support TV-Out, just connector has different pinouts. SO Apple will release a working cable, but they just first have to re-design one. - So we have to have patience here until it's out.

K9Shadow

Level 1

0 points

Aug 3, 2008 9:45 PM in response to dgalvan123

I too bought a cable from eBay knowing about the autentication chip. I had just hoped that someone had cracked the chip. I had no success, I got the same this isnt designed for iPhone stuff but found it interesting that it would output video for 30 seconds or so. I guess it takes some time for a handshake to happen. I then spent the $50 for the Apple COMPOSITE cable not even thinking the 3G would be different. I brought it home and tried it and it worked fine. I started reading this thread and wondered if I had given it enough time or if it would time out as well. I have been watching Hot Fuzz for about 15 minutes now with no trouble. It has never given me the not designed for iPhone screen. I burned the movie from my dvd with a downloaded converter app.
The pinout is the same as it works for me and others according to this post.
The issue must lie somewhere else. I have a 16 gig with a later build date and the more recent build code of 2.0 (5A347 I think it is). I also havent seen the issue of having to turn the phone off or on when plugging in the cable.
I am baffled though how Apple doesn't even know if their own overpriced cable will work.Seems like buying a car and asking if it needs gas to operate, just seems to be something they should know.
I also wanted to add that I am plugging this right into the phone not into a dock, not that I have one that works anymore ;P

Message was edited by: K9Shadow

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iPhone 3G + Composite AV cable = no video