Getting more from video and photos

Almost all iPod docks now include composite video and S-video outputs. A few even offer component video for high-quality progressive-scan viewing. These types of video output let you connect your docked player to a TV to enjoy your iPod's video on the "big screen." And you can display photos and slideshows from your player as well — handy for sharing images with friends and family.

Extra flexibility and control

You can find all kinds of remotes that make controlling your iPod easier than ever. Some models work in the car, so you can operate your iPod without looking away from the road. Some work at home, sending an RF signal through walls to your A/V system in another room. And some strap onto your wrist, so you can control your player while it's in your pocket or bag, without having to fumble around for it.

Listening in the car

What's the best way to listen to your iPod while you drive? Well, it depends on your car's stereo, your budget, and the level of convenience and sound quality you want. You can choose a basic, inexpensive solution, or a high-end option that delivers optimal sound quality and lets you control your player using your car's radio.

Use the iCarStereo tool to find an adapter for your specific iPod, vehicle, and stereo system.

Whatever option you choose, make sure you have an accessory that lets you secure your iPod in the car. Whether it's a universal mount that attaches to the car's interior, or a vehicle-specific mount that bolts onto the dash, one of these simple gadgets can help keep your iPod from flying around your car at the next sudden stop.

Now, let's take a look at what's available for getting music from your iPod to your car's radio.

Budget-friendly accessories

• Cassette adapter — This gadget has been around for a while, and it's still as easy to use as ever. Just plug it into your iPod's headphone jack, and place the adapter in your cassette player. The resulting sound quality sounds about as good as, well, a cassette tape.
• Wireless FM transmitter — Like the cassette adapter, this device plugs into the iPod's headphone jack. But instead of using your car's cassette deck, it turns the music from your iPod into an FM signal, which it transmits to your car's radio. These devices can be powered by "AAA" batteries or your car's cigarette lighter. This option is simple and easy to install, but in some locations, interference and static can be a problem.

Getting better sound quality in your car

• Wired FM modulator — Much like a wireless FM transmitter, this device sends a signal to your car's FM radio. But unlike the wireless solution, the wired FM modulator provides a signal directly to the radio's antenna input, so the signal is much stronger. The FM modulator is still susceptible to interference from surrounding stations, however.
• Auxiliary input — Some car head units are equipped with an auxiliary input jack, which allows you to connect your iPod directly to your car's radio using a minijack-to-RCA cable. While some head units have an aux input conveniently located on the front panel, many place the aux input in back, requiring you to run the cable under the dash.
• Bluetooth adapter — If you want to connect your iPod to your car's radio wirelessly, consider the Bluetooth options. These newer adapters consist of a transmitter, which plugs into the iPod's headphone jack, and a receiver, which plugs into your head unit's auxiliary input. Sound quality is just as good as a wired connection, and without wires running to and from your dash.

A factory stereo iPod adapter like this one from USA Spec let's you operate your iPod with your car's CD changer controls.

Full-function options for ultra-convenient operation
The options above are partial solutions for in-car iPod listening: they let you get the music from your player to the car's radio, but you have to find separate options for securing, and maybe also charging, your iPod.

Interfaces exist, however, which let you use your car stereo (or an external remote) to control the music coming from your iPod, and to display the iPod's information on the car radio screen (or on an external display). This can make using your iPod especially convenient in vehicles that have those controls built into the steering wheel — and contribute significantly to safer driving. Plus, these solutions keep your iPod fully charged, so you don't have to worry about running down the battery.

• Factory stereo iPod adapters — These interfaces are made specifically to connect your iPod to your factory radio. They connect to your factory radio CD changer port and to the iPod, so the sound quality is optimal. They allow you to navigate through your iPod's song collection using your factory radio controls, including steering wheel controls. Some models can display the information on your iPod's menu on your factory radio's screen. This kind of adapter also charges your iPod automatically, making it ideal for long trips.
• Brand-name stereo iPod adapters — If you've upgraded your car's sound system with a brand-name stereo, chances are good that the same manufacturer now has an iPod interface available. These brand-specific adapters connect to a CD changer input, and give you the same superior sound quality as auxiliary input connections. You also get full access to the iPod's menu from your radio and a power supply to keep your iPod charged. Most brand-name radios have superior displays, which makes navigation even easier. Plus you can take full advantage of your system's sophisticated sound-shaping options, so you can get the best possible sound from your iPod's song collection.