Amazon shipped my 60GB video out a few days ago, so I'll be getting it soon...

I haven't actually seen one in person yet and have a few questions.

RE: iTrip - can I only use the new dock connector iTrip or will the top mount models work as well?

If only the dock connector iTrips works I can see that sucking because often times I'll have mine plugged in charging while the iTrips on top transmitting away. (2G 10GB)

Dumb question - does the iTrip have a dock port on the bottom of it?

RE: Video out to tv
I've been ripping a few movies with Handbrake (way easy btw), and had been advised to rip to 320x240 for the ViPod. How will these movies look when played back on, say, a 32" crt tv screen?

I've heard that the slideshows look pretty killer when outputted to tv - is that true and does it translate to videos?

Should I be Handbrakin at a higher res if I know I want to video out?

One more thing - any 3rd party video out ViPod cables - is it a standard type?

Thanks,

JT

I can answer a few from knowledge but not experience yet:

JTman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> RE: iTrip - can I only use the new dock connector
> iTrip or will the top mount models work as well?
>
> If only the dock connector iTrips works I can see
> that sucking because often times I'll have mine
> plugged in charging while the iTrips on top
> transmitting away. (2G 10G

Not top mount on the Video iPods, just headphone jack (lacks that little input slot next to headphone jack that the nubby c onnector fits in).


> One more thing - any 3rd party video out ViPod
> cables - is it a standard type?
>

You may want to spring for a Apple Dock with Video (and Audio) out. Looks cooler because iPod is Vertical and uses a standard S-Video Cable.



Cheap 3rd party ones can be found on eBay.

Just got my wife a 30gig vPod for Christmas and I've been checking out all the accessories.

The (Dockable) iTrip has nice features (LX or DX output, selectable frequency). It has a 'miniUSB' port into which you use the Griffin PowerJolt via a miniUSB to standard USB Cable. I have seen the dockable iTrip listed for as low as $31.83 at Megamacs, but it's listed as "available" as opposed to "in stock". I have not dealt with Megamacs and am unsure as to whether "available" is as good as "in stock". Direct from Griffin or at a B&M store will cost $49.99. The PowerJolt adds another $24.99 from Griffin. Make sure it's the PowerJOLT (USB) and NOT the PowerPod (which is Firewire).

Griffin also offers the RoadTrip which has the cradle for the iPod at $89.99.

Another alternative...
Kensington iPod FM Transmitter ($59.99 direct or $24.99 from Buy.com) is an all-in-one solution. Eight channel options (presumably for transmission frequency).

The top mounting iTrips will not work with the new video iPods.

As to replay quality on a TV, I haven't done that. Trying to keep the thing as untouched as possible though I did open to check the inscription and I've also loaded the thing with music so it's set to go as soon as she opens it.

Don't forget a case for the thing. Haven't got one yet, but the one from Agent 18 looks very nice although it doesn't seem to be available yet.

Here are links to the products mentioned:
[www.megamacs.com]
[griffintechnology.com]
[griffintechnology.com]
[www.buy.com]

Hope it helps. Please share any observations you might come across on these items also.

Thanks,

I picked up the case deal mentioned on Dealmac the other day from PCMicro - basically you get a nice looking brown leather-type case + a black silicone case + an auto 12volt to dock connector charger cord for $25 shipped.

Not gonna fool around much with the iPod till I get it in a case.

That sucks about the iTrip - I have one of the firepod chargers - not gonna do me any good I guess.

I like the form factor of the iTrip because I often use it when in other folks cars, boats, while camping, etc.

Have to find on of the mini usb charger cords I guess. I've found the white Dock iTrip in stock but haven't seen the black one yet - have you?

Thanks,

Julian

JTman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> That sucks about the iTrip - I have one of the
> firepod chargers - not gonna do me any good I
> guess.

The Video iPod will still charge via a Firewire cable but not sync or do any Dock functions.

The video out to my regular 29" TV's looks just fine. The shows and movies I've ripped myself are of better quality than that of one I downloaded from itunes but it was still very watchable. It would probably look like crap on a nice big screen tv though. But like I said on my regular old TV with only RCA inputs it looks great. Oh, and yes, handbrake is way easy to use ;)

---

---“What you permit, you promote. What you allow, you encourage. What you condone, you own.”

>>>>The Video iPod will still charge via a Firewire cable but not sync or do any Dock >>>>functions.

I'm referring to not being able to use it while also using the iTrip in the car.

Thanks,

JT