About iPod Cables

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By Chris Weiss
eHow Contributing Writer

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There are several types of iPod cables that serve different functions. Cables can be used to connect your iPod to a computer for charging or transferring music, and can also allow you to transmit the music on your iPod onto a stereo system or television. If you've ever wanted to have access to your iPod music for home or car entertainment, an iPod cable is the way to get it. Here's a look at some of the different iPod cables and how they can be put to use.

Significance

iPods have long been the standard in personal portable audio. However, since you can pack such a large, diverse music collection onto your iPod, it is nice to be able to use the unit as a component audio input for a car or home stereo. The iPod makes a convenient music player for parties and background music, playing a variety of music without you ever having to change CDs or listen to commercials or music you don't like. An iPod is obviously more portable than a computer, so it affords a much easier way of transferring your music to a stereo system. Cables allow you to use your iPod nearly anywhere that you'd like to listen to music.

Identification

Home audio cables for iPods are very simple. The cable is a basic Y cable with a plug that connects to your iPod and analog left/right connectors that plug into the left/right inputs on your stereo receiver. Simply plug into the iPod, connect the left and right inputs to your receiver and switch your receiver to the appropriate input category using the menu and you're ready to play.

Types

In addition to the home audio cable, cables are available for vehicles and multimedia use. Car cables utilize the mini-jack input on your car stereo, and offer a simple, direct connection that allows you to play your iPod collection in the car. iPod AV cables allow you to output both sound and video to a television, enabling you to create a slideshow with iPod pictures, as well as play music. AV cable is available for specific iPod models, such as the video iPod or iPod with color display. iPod USB cables are available for charging your iPod and transferring music from a computer.

Considerations

iPod cables can be purchased inexpensively (for $10 to $30) and are an excellent way to drop the headphones and enjoy your music collection in the house or car. iPod cables are available from a variety of manufacturers, including Apple, Monster and Belkin, and can be found online or at an electronics store. When purchasing, be sure the cable works with the specific iPod model(s) you intend to use it with.

Misconceptions

It's important to note that an iPod is not a high-fidelity device, and will not provide CD-quality sound when played on a stereo system. iPods use compressed digital-music files that drastically limit the sound quality. For the best sound, download music in a lossless format, such as FLAC or ALAC. However, be aware that these files will take up much more room than a typical MP3 file.