Universal Dock Outputs: How do I hook up my TV?!

Question

Level 1

0 points

Universal Dock Outputs: How do I hook up my TV?!

I just received my Apple Universal Dock from the Apple Store, and I am baffled. The webpage implied I could simply plug in component or composite video cables, and audio, and watch my stuff on a TV. I was bothered that the page did not show a picture of the back of the unit, but I assumed from the text that it would have appropriate output jacks. Now that I have the package in hand, the photo on the back shows only a flat output connector on the back of the Dock, one that I have never seen. Reviewing the webpage and its adjacent accessory offers, I see no mention of anything that would allow a component or composite video cable connection to the Dock. (I do see a Component AV cable, but it doesn't have anything to do with the Universal Dock, as best as I can tell.) I have not opened the package, assuming the box properly represents the product and not wishing to make it more difficult to return the unit if I have to.

Can someone explain to me what I have and what I need? I've been hooking up stereos and TVs (and Macs!) for decades, and I haven't a clue how to proceed here. Has Apple misrepresented this device by not explaining its output options? Thanks!

MacPro, Mac OS X (10.5.6), iPod touch 2g

Posted on May 21, 2009 4:17 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Riely

Level 1

9 points

May 23, 2009 7:13 PM in response to DavidMalin

You must purchase cables to connect component video, etc. separately. The dock is not necessarily needed when using the cables to connect to TV.

Reply

Answer 2

DavidMalin Author

Level 1

0 points

May 24, 2009 5:24 AM in response to Riely

Riely,

Thank you for your reply. I realize I need some kind of cable, but I don't know what kind of cable to buy. I see on the box that the illustration of the Dock's output is labeled "30-pin," but that's all. I have searched the Apple Store for "30 pin" and found nothing named like that. What is a "30-pin cable," where can I buy one, and what is at the other end of it? I am amazed that Apple just leaves the customer hanging here.

Reply

Answer 3

May 30, 2009 3:32 AM in response to Riely

Hi Guys,

I have a 80 GB Ipod Classic and was about to buy the Universal Dock. I already have an AV cable ( red/blue/white ). I have the following questions:-

1. Where does the dock get power from
2. Can i connect the dock to my amp using the cable that i already have. ( Currently i connect the cable from the ipod to the amp ).
3. Can i charge and play the ipod at the same time

Reply

Answer 4

DavidMalin Author

Level 1

0 points

May 31, 2009 8:14 AM in response to taz_is_here

Hi,

I am not sure I am the person to be answering this, but I have received my Apple Composite AV Cable to go with my Universal Dock, the cable the Apple Store webpage neglected to tell me I needed to plug into my Universal Dock. The Composite AV Cable has Red/White/Yellow phono plugs and also a USB plug at one "end," and the other end is the so-called 30-pin iPod cable plug. It fits into the bottom of the iPod and thus can output directly to a TV or to an amplifier for audio. That plug also fits into the back of the Universal Dock, and of course your iPod fits into the top. That cable also comes with a small plug-in charger with a USB output. I guess you may already have this cable (though you did not mention the USB plug?). If one end plugs into your iPod, then it will fit into the Dock, but it’s the one you need whether or not you have the Dock. The Dock itself appears to use no power. If your USB charger is plugged in, you can get output and charge your iPod (with or without the Dock) at the same time.

Now that I have it, I am disappointed with the Dock. I had also bought a Dexim dock (Richardsolo.com) but did not like it because it did not have full control. Well, neither does the Universal Dock.

They sure don't explain the Dock's functionality very well. One can infer from the Store webpage that the Remote controls everything, when in fact it controls only audio playback (next/previous song, and volume, and only from one preselected playlist), and the Remote controls nothing for video/photo playback except for video volume. I consider this item to be severely lacking. I expected start/stop/back/forward on photos and videos, and playlist selection on all media.

So for your $50 purchase of the Universal Dock, you are in effect getting only the Remote. The Apple Composite AV Cable is much more useful; you can sit up to maybe three feet from the TV and control everything from the iPod in your hand. And of course if you have phono-plug extension cords, you can sit in the chair and control everything from the iPod in your hand.

If you accept the limitations of the Remote, then buy the Universal Dock.

Hope this helps!

D

Reply