How To Use iPod as Media Player for HDTV

Not all users require a fancy Home Theater PC or Mac Mini to occasionally watch movies or listen to music from TV and A/V receiver. iPod Touch or iPhone could be an ideal solution to this as it is capable playing high quality video and includes a TV-output option. This brief post will explain what is needed to view movies from HDTV using an iPod or iPhone.

1. Get the latest iPod Touch

2. Get a docking station and connect with TV
Apple sells it’s standard docking station with an IR-remote capability. In addition to this, you will need two extra cables:

- RCA stereo audio cable to connect audio out to an A/V receiver

- Apple Component A/V cable to connect docking station into a HDTV

Simply connect the stereo plug of the RCA audio cable into the docking station and other end into the A/V receiver. Alternatively, you can use your TV’s speakers with the component cable if you do not have an additional receiver.

3. Copy movies to your iPod
You might need to convert media files into the format required by the iPod and iPhone. Just remember the maximum supported resolution and bandwidth limitation (H.264: 640×480 at 1500Kbps according to Apple, but in reality iPhone/iPod supports up to 720×480 at 1500Kbps). In MPEG-4 compression bandwidth is supported up to 2500Kbps.

4. Play your movies on Media HDTV and control with a remote control
Apple remote control is very handy to control your iPod using the docking station. Note that you can also watch online content from Youtube, Joost etc from your TV using your iPod/iPhone.

In summary, if you already own an iPod or iPhone, you do not necessarily need to buy an expensive computer or media player into your living room, but you can enjoy your movies, music or Youtube videos from your HDTV using a component A/V cable connected to your iPod/iPhone.