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This site is all about the ability to use your iPod successfully in your car will change the way you listen to your music collection while on the road. No longer will you have to fiddle with trunk loading CD changers, search for the one CD that is just right for your trip, or worry about your CD carrying case being stolen.FM transmitters
There are two varieties. One allows you to tune your radio to any unused frequency and set the corresponding frequency on your iPod, and the other is preset to a specific frequency. For more detail on the preferred functions check our ipod FM transmitter comparisons below.
According to Telematics Research Group, nearly half of 2007 automobiles offer iPod integration. Calling iPod support “the most sought after feature in cars,” the firm says iPod integration is up from only 12% of vehicles last year. Meanwhile, auxiliary input is supported by nearly 60% of ‘07 models, and MP3 and WMA audio file support will be available on 75% of ‘07 vehicles..
If you’re looking to take your iPod on the road with you then the FM transmitter for iPod and MP3 players is a solution to consider.To successfully listen to your iPod in your car requires that you find a way to connect it to your car stereo. In this section we cover one solution - the iPod FM Transmitter. We have rounded up all the iPod FM transmitters we could find and tried to compare them feature for feature.
These things are nothing more than short-range FM radio stations. You first tune your car’s FM radio to an open (unused) frequency, then plug in your iPod, switch the transmitter to that same frequency, and listen. Unfortunately, many transmitters are overwhelmed by more powerful radio signals enough to make listening nothing more than a static-filled experience. Many variables affect the quality of the sound. How choked are the FM airwaves with competing signals in your area? How sensitive is a particular car’s antenna? The location of the transmitter and the quality of the electronics.
FM transmitters for iPod and other MP3 players range in price from $20 to $100. The transmitters that connect to the iPod dock only work with iPods (duh). Those that use the headphone jack will work with any MP3 or CD player for that matter, we call these universal players in the chart. Bare-bones models usually use AAA batteries and only broadcast to a few frequencies (these are not recommended). More expensive units charge your iPod while in use, transmit to all frequencies, allow you to preset frequencies and offer built-in docks with digital displays. Some remember your last station and have auto off functions.
Check out all our FM Transmitter for iPods reviews and articles here.
Direct Connection
Direct Connection delivers the best fidelity and uses your built-in CD or steering wheel controls but also the most expensive. Many car manufacturers are starting to offer built in iPod support.
New IP-PORT adapters allow you to interface any iPod that has a 30-pin docking connector with the factory radio iPod interface connects and controls an iPod through factory radio Access songs similar to operating a CD changer Plug-and-play harness for easy installation.
Click this link to buy the IPod Adapter
Auxiliary Input
Auxiliary input is the plugin you’ll see on the back of most home stereos. It allows other audio devices to be played. This input plug is beginning to appear on factory installed radios. A simple and inexpensive stereo 3.5 mm headphone connector is all you need, available at Radio Shack. There are many devices available. Many of them have chargers that work through the cigarette lighter to charge your iPod while you use it and built-in, stereo line-out audio jack that lets you attach an audio cable from your iPod directly to your stereo input, or run a cassette adapter from your iPod into your stereo’s tape cassette player.
Read reviews and articles on Auxiliary Input devices for your iPod.
Cassette connectors
Yes, these are still around. This type looks like a regular cassette case except instead of a tape there is a metal head which makes contact with the “reader” head inside your tape player. A phone cable is attached to the back of these plastic cartridges which you plug into the headphone jack of your iPod. Please note - to get best results clean the tape head of accumulated dust and oxide. Just run an audio tape through and friction should do the job nicely.
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