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#1 2003-06-16 11:52 pm
- mobynick
- Member
- From: CT
- Registered: 2003-04-21
- Posts: 82
iPod - FM transmitter or connect through tape deck?
Hey...
I know this has been covered before but what do you all think... would it just be easier (and more cost effective) to connect my iPod to my car stereo through the tape deck with whatever you call those things or buy a FM transmitter like iTrip or the Belkin Tunecast? I've heard mixed results with the transmitters, I assume connecting through the tape deck isn't as complicated and produces more consistent results... I mean using wireless frequencies to listen to my iPod is cool, but will it work well?
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#2 2003-06-17 12:29 am
Re: iPod - FM transmitter or connect through tape deck?
connect through your stereo's auxiliary in port. all aftermarket head units have them, and some OEM stereos do.
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#4 2003-06-17 5:35 pm
- Mac10
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- From: New Mexico
- Registered: 2002-04-06
- Posts: 305
Re: iPod - FM transmitter or connect through tape deck?
connect through your stereo's auxiliary in port. all aftermarket head units have them, and some OEM stereos do.
Not all aftermarket car stereo's have an auxillary input.
I would use the tape adapter if given those two choices. I have an iRock and it sounds ok, but a direct link to the stereo is your best bet.
Ed
15G iPod, iPod mini, iSight, eMac 700/1Gb, iBook 800/384Mb, Blueberry iMac 350/320Mb, Tangerine iBook 300/64Mb, 7100/66, 6100/60, Performa 476, LC, SE/30, 3-Pluses, & a 512K w/030 accelerator board.
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#5 2003-06-17 6:00 pm
- dinerfan
- a natural, zesty enterprise
- From: the sunny side
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Re: iPod - FM transmitter or connect through tape deck?
I've had nothing but trouble with Sony cassette adapters (two of them). Maybe try another brand.
I have an iTrip and it works fine driving locally (northern NJ; very crowded FM dial). The acid test's going to be the marathon road trip we're about to undertake.
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#6 2003-06-18 2:22 pm
Re: iPod - FM transmitter or connect through tape deck?
I've had nothing but trouble with Sony cassette adapters (two of them). Maybe try another brand.
I have an iTrip and it works fine driving locally (northern NJ; very crowded FM dial). The acid test's going to be the marathon road trip we're about to undertake.
I read somewhere that due to the way the iTrip software saves frequency settings, you have to turn your shuffle setting to off. Is this true?
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#7 2003-06-18 2:38 pm
- dinerfan
- a natural, zesty enterprise
- From: the sunny side
- Registered: 2000-12-31
- Posts: 11093
Re: iPod - FM transmitter or connect through tape deck?
I read somewhere that due to the way the iTrip software saves frequency settings, you have to turn your shuffle setting to off. Is this true?
Partially, I guess, but the workaround is so simple it's a non-issue.
The iTrip radio stations are stored on your iPod as a bunch of tiny MP3 files, just like your regular songs. Each is 5 seconds long and consists of a few short beeps.
If you play the entire library you'll hit a few of them at some point, but that won't change the settings on the iTrip. What I did, and it's very simple, is create a smart playlist that specifies "Album is not iTrip," and presto, the iPod will never play the iTrip tracks. (Since the rest of my playlists specify what to include, none of them will play the iTrip tracks either.)
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#8 2003-06-20 9:23 pm
- monkeyhouse
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- From: New Hampshire, USA
- Registered: 2001-11-29
- Posts: 53
Re: iPod - FM transmitter or connect through tape deck?
As someone who has an iTrip (and has used the iRock and Sound Feeder), go with the cassette adapter, if you can find a decent one.
I'm using the transmitter simply because my tape deck is broken, and I'm pretty happy with the iTrip, but if push came to shove, I'd be happier with a cassette adapter since you don't have to deal with static or interference from other FM stations (or other people's FM transmitters!).
Of course, if you want to use your iPod in other situations (on someone's home stereo, for example), you may want a transmitter just for that flexibility. It's your call, but I'd say if you're just looking for a way to get music from your iPod into your car stereo, go for the cassette adapter.
HTH...
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#9 2003-06-20 11:18 pm
- mobynick
- Member
- From: CT
- Registered: 2003-04-21
- Posts: 82
Re: iPod - FM transmitter or connect through tape deck?
I got a tape adapter and I am very pleased with the results... what excitement to now be able to listen to my iPod in the car!
"When birds burp, it must taste like bugs."
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