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Onkyo DS-A4

iPod®/iPhone® dock

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Item# 580DSA4 offer details

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Onkyo

Our take on the Onkyo DS-A4

The DS-A4 dock gives you a convenient way to connect your iPod or iPhone to Onkyo components and systems, as well as other brands of audio/video gear. An included audio/video cable connects the dock to your receiver to send music, photos and videos from your player. The DS-A4 can also generate an on-screen menu for browsing through your iPod's contents on your TV.

The DS-A4 connects to the proprietary RI ("Remote Interactive") port found on most current Onkyo receiver models, allowing you to control your player using your Onkyo remote. The dock also comes with its own remote for use with other types of audio/video gear.

Highlights:

  • for docking iPods, including 160GB iPod classic®, 4th generation iPod touchreg; and 6th generation iPod nanoreg;
  • compatible with iPhone®, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, and iPhone 4
  • RI input allows iPod control with Onkyo remotes
  • analog stereo RCA (cable included)
  • component video (cable included)
  • RI cable included
  • remote control
  • automatically charges iPod while docked
  • AC adapter
  • 4-3/8"W x 2-3/16"H x 4-3/8"D
  • 10.6 oz.
  • warranty: 1 year
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • DS-A4 Remote Interactive (RI) Dock for iPod/iPhone
  • AC power adapter (with attached 6.5' DC cor)
  • RC-729E remote control (with installed CR2025 3V lithium battery)
  • 6.5' RI cable (with 3.5mm mono miniplug on each end)
  • 6.5' A/V patch cable (with stereo male RCA and composite video plugs on each end)
  • 6.5' Component video cable (with component video RCA connectors on one end and 3.5mm video connector on other end)
  • Instruction Manual (English)
  • Instruction Manual (Fre/Spa)
  • Product Registration/Limited Warranty Card

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

Overview: The Onkyo DS-A4 Remote Interactive (RI) Dock for iPod/iPhone provides an interface between an Apple iPod or iPhone and Onkyo audio/video components and systems which feature an RI remote connector. Once an iPod/iPhone is docked in the DS-A4, you can control basic functions, such as volume control, play, stop, and skip via the Onkyo system's RI-compatible wireless remote control. The dock also allows you to view digital photos, video, and the on-screen display so you can navigate the iPod/iPhone's menu. In addition, the dock charges the iPod/iPhone's battery.

System Compatibility: Nearly all Onkyo receivers, home theater systems, and audio systems are compatible with the DS-A4 through their RI (Remote Interactive) port. Because the DS-A4 includes a dedicated remote control and has standard RCA audio/video outputs, it is actually compatible with any A/V system with those inputs.

iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The DS-A4 is designed for use with select iPod/iPhone models having a Dock Connector. The DS-A4 features an adaptor wheel that turns to adjust for the depth of your particular iPod. This add-on dock is "Made for iPod/iPhone compatible" and supports the following iPod/iPhone model functions (as of November 2011):

iPod/iPhone Model Generation Tested Version Media Type  Control Type Display Type Charge
Audio Video Out Remote iPod/iPhone Song/Artist Text Track Info
 dock connector 3rd N/A N N N N N N N
clickwheel
color
4th 3.1.1 Y N Y Y TV TV Y
 mini 1st 1.4.1 Y N Y Y TV TV Y
2nd 1.4.1 Y N Y Y TV TV Y
video 5th 1.3 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
classic 80GB 1.1.2 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
120GB 2.0.1 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
160GB 2.0.4 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
nano 1st 1.3.1 Y N Y Y TV TV Y
2nd 1.1.3 Y N Y Y TV TV Y
3rd 1.1.3 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
4th 1.0.4 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
5th 1.0.2 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
6th 1.1 PC Y N Y Y TV TV Y
touch 1st 2.2.1 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
2nd 4.2.1 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
3rd 4.3.5 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
4th 4.3.5 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
iPhone 2G 3.1.3 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
3G 4.2.1 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
3GS 4.3.5 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
4 4.2.7 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y
4S 5.0 Y Y Y Y TV TV Y

Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the device and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to revert to the older software version or wait until an newer software update is available.

iPod Audio Playback: The DS-A4 supports audio playback of music, podcasts, and audiobooks stored on your iPod/iPhone through your connected Onkyo AV receiver.

iPod Photo and Video Playback: By connecting a compatible iPod/iPhone model to the DS-A4, you can view movies, music videos, TV shows, and video podcasts on a connected television. Component or composite video connectivity ensures a stable, high-quality video signal output.

  • Component Video Output (480p/576p): The DS-A4 supports 480p and 576p from its component video output when using the iPod classic (3rd/4th/5th gen), iPod nano (3rd/4th/5th gen), iPod touch (2nd/3rd/4th gen), and iPhone (3GS/4).
  • Component Video (480i/576i): The DS-A4 supports 480i and 576i output from the iPod touch (1st gen) and iPhone (2G/3G), using the DS-A4's component video output.
  • Composite Video Output (480i): The DS-A4 supports 480i out via its composite video output from the iPod video (5th gen).

Note: A component video and composite AV cable is supplied. The album cover art which displays on the iPod/iPhone screen cannot be made to display on the TV.

On Screen Display (OSD): The Onkyo DS-A4 features an on-screen display (OSD) mode that enables you to browse your iPod/iPhone's music (playlist/artist/album/song/genre/composer) and video (movie/music video/TV show/Video Podcast/Rental) by category on your connected television for easy navigation and selection. In OSD mode, you can browse your iPod/iPhone using the keys on the dedicated remote controller. You can choose from four page modes (Small, Medium, Large and Page) that let you move through your iPod/iPhone's music library in progressively larger steps. The OSD also displays information about the track being played such as playback status, shuffle mode, playback time and total time.

IR Wireless Remote Control: The Onkyo DS-A4 comes with its own wireless IR remote controller to control all basic playback functions of the unit and your iPod/iPhone. With its simple layout and easy operability, this palm-fitting remote controller is particularly handy for navigating and selecting your music through the unit's OSD. The remote controller also brings one-touch control for random playback of songs or albums; a resume function that will return to the track being played when the iPod is stopped or removed from the Dock; and a repeat function for one track or all. The remote controller can also be used to set its own ID (an option when you have multiple remote controllers as part of your system) or to select NTSC or PAL for video playback.

Remote Interactive (RI): Remote Interactive (RI) is an exclusive Onkyo control system that allows RI-compatible Onkyo audio components to be controlled with a single remote controller. In addition, all components can be turned on or off together, and the amplifier will automatically turn on and select the appropriate input source when playback is started on a source component. You can control your iPod/iPhone using the Tape or HDD/Dock input source and remote control mode. You must first switch the RI mode switch on the back of the dock to the input source/remote control mode you plan to use. Onkyo's RI system allows you to use your amp's remote controller to control the basic functions of your iPod/iPhone, such as Play, Pause, Fast Forward, Fast Rewind, Next Song, Previous Song, etc. Depending upon the model of your amp and generation of iPod/iPhone, you may also be able to use some of the following advanced functions through Onkyo's RI system:

  • System On/Off: When you turn your amp on or off, the RI dock and your iPod/iPhone will turn on or off accordingly.
  • Auto Power On: If you press Play on the remote control while the amp is in Standby, your amp will automatically turn on and select your iPod as the input source, then, the iPod/iPhone will begin playback.
  • iPod Alarm Clock: Use your iPod/iPhone's Alarm Clock function to automatically turn on your iPod/iPhone and amp at a specified time, the amp's input source will automatically be set to the input to which your iPod is connected.
  • Direct Change: If you start iPod/iPhone playback using the remote control while listening to another input source, your amp will automatically select the iPod/iPhone as the input source.
  • Timer Play: You can use your amp's Timer function to turn on your amp and iPod/iPhone and start playback at a specified time.
  • Advanced Playback Functions: Shuffle, Repeat, Backlight, Playlist/Album mode, Next/Previous Playlist, Next/Previous Album.

Note: To use these functions, your iPod/iPhone must be in the RI dock, and the RI dock must be connected to your amp with both an RI cable and an audio cable. An RI (3.5mm) cable is supplied.

Charging: The Onkyo DS-A4 will charged your iPod/iPhone's battery while docked.

Screen Saver: You can set the time at which the screen saver is activated to any on of the following four options: 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or Off. When the screen saver activates, the onscreen display on your TV disappears. Press any button on the remote controller to cancel the screen savers and resume the onscreen display.

 

Product Reviews

Review Summary

Average Customer Review:

9 people say:
(7)
(1)
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1-9 of 9 items Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

IPOD add-on

Written By Joseph R, Warwick RI on Sunday, August 14, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
I am using this unit for wholehouse music. Purchased it along with a 160GB Ipod classic. Works great.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

easy to use

Written By kkd, Baltimore, MD on Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
We use these Onkyo iPod docks in a dance studio so lots of different people use them with different iPods, iPhones, etc. It works great with all of them and is so easy to use. It's also very easy to hook up.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Sounds Really Good!

Written By Rebug, Brooklyn, New York on Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
It sounds really good. I'm using this with the 160 Gig IPod Classic. I have a Onkyo TX-NR708 receiver and a 7.1 speaker setup using Polk Tsi300 speakers as my fronts, the Polk CS10 as my center, Polk Tsi100's as my surrounds, Polk OWM3's as my rear surrounds and the Yamaha SW315 Sub- Woofer finishing off the setup. I mention the speakers that I am using with the IPod to let you know just how good a docking station this is and that it has the ability to bring out great sound.

I am impressed with the sound that I get while using the IPod on this docking station. It's great to use when I have my family over and don't want to take the time out to change CD's. The sound is crystal clear, the highs are high, the mid- range is very good and the base is ridiculous and I always use the All Channel music sound choice.

I initially set it up so I could use the on-screen display but I turned that function off just as a personal preference. It worked perfectly well but I have the docking station placed in such a convenient place that there is no need for me to use it. I like to play it with the TV off. The remote that comes with the docking station works really well so that is what I use instead. No need for the on- screen display. I can't speak about how well it works for the I Phone because I don't have one. This is a good product that should complete anyone's audio setup and I highly recommend it.
7 out of 7 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

ipod dock

Written By sjk, pittsburgh, pa on Sunday, July 03, 2011
 
hooked up to a Onkyo TX-8555 receiver, very easy to operate, excellent sound quality, the quality of the docker is great, charges the ipod, can be operated by the receiver remote and the remote that came with the docker system, excellent choice, i would recommend a buy.
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

ONKYO DS - A4 DOCK

Written By killerk95, Iowa on Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
Very Nice unit and a great addition to my stereo! I needed something to connect my IPOD to an older Yamaha component system, and it had to be able to connect with RCA cables. The Onkyo is a sweet little dock and couldn't be any simpler to connect and get her going. The sound is excellent thru my old Kenwood 888's and I couldn't be happier with the purchase. Jeremy from customer service talked me into this item based on what I was needing, and it is exactly what I needed. Thanks Jeremy!
Pros:
Ease of connecting and setting up to play was simple as well.
Cons:
None that I can see, awesome dock!
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5 out of 5

Great Accessory

Written By Les, Denver CO on Monday, March 12, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
Very easy to install and setup.
Pros:
Love how it controls my IPhone for watching Movies and music. Great item to have!
Cons:
None!
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5 out of 5

Works perfectly

Written By rek, Boston, MA on Sunday, January 29, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
Product was easy to install and works perfectly with our Onkyo receiver.
Pros:
Reasonable price, easy to set up, easy to use
Cons:
none
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4 out of 5

Excellent Product

Written By DonH, Springfield, VA on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
With the superb assistance from a Crutchfield advisor I selected this IPod dock for my Onyko 709 Receiver - seamless integration - works great. My biggest challenge was programming my universal remote to operate the dock - but figured it out and everything works flawlessly.
Pros:
Installation a snap!
Cons:
Would be nice if it had an HDMI connection, on screen display looks dated, but does the trick.
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3 out of 5

Operation is obtuse.

Written By Lowery, Oklahoma City, Ok on Saturday, August 20, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

 
The sound thru my Onkyo receiver is excellent. However, there is no interaction on the TV when listening to the Iphone4 radio via wireless internet. In other words the screen is blank. This is also true when viewing pictures. There is interaction on the TV screen when listening to playlists from iphone4(the mode button controls this). This interaction between the remote and the unit is at best average. To date, I have been unable to see any Settings from the remote. Very average setup. The instructions that come with the unit are poor.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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1-9 of 9 items

Learn more about iPod Docks

Learn more about iPod Docks

How to Choose an iPod®/iPhone® Dock for Your A/V System

How to Choose an iPod®/iPhone® Dock for Your A/V System

Ralph Graves
4/15/2012
based on 31 ratings (7 comments)
 

Learn how to choose an iPod dock with the right capabilities and audio/video connections for your home A/V system.

 
Accessorize Your iPod®

Accessorize Your iPod®

Ralph Graves
4/24/2011
based on 11 ratings
 

Learn about the different types of accessories available for your iPod.

 
A Beginner's Guide to the iPod®

A Beginner's Guide to the iPod®

Ralph Graves
7/24/2010
based on 27 ratings (3 comments)
 

This guide provides you with the core information you need to get up and running with your new iPod. Topics range from basic functions and file management to videos, podcasts, and troubleshooting.

 
iPod® Generations Chart

iPod® Generations Chart

Ralph Graves
10/29/2010
based on 867 ratings (20 comments)
 

Sort out which generation iPod you have with these handy charts. Includes the iPod, iPod mini, iPod nano, and iPod touch.

 
iPod® FAQ

iPod® FAQ

Todd Cabell, Ralph Graves
8/27/2011
based on 21 ratings (1 comment)
 

A list of frequently asked questions about iPods.

 

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Onkyo DS-A4