How to Put Rockbox on an iPod Video

Rockbox is a free, open source program that works as a replacement for your iPod Video's default operating system. Rockbox allows you to add various new programs, applications and games to your iPod that are not normally available, such as the use of voice commands, the ability to record radio stations and the ability to rename and delete files without connecting to a computer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• iPod Video
• USB 2.0 Cable
• Computer with USB 2.0 Port

1. Verify that your iPod Video is either 5th or 5.5th generation. Rockbox is not compatible with the 6th generation iPod.

2. Connect the iPod Video to the computer, using the iPod's USB cable.

3. Download Rockbox's automated installation package, Rockbox Utility.

4. Unzip the downloaded file using a decompression program such as Winzip. Run the Rockbox Utility program.

5. Click the "Autodetect" button when the program loads. Rockbox Utility should automatically detect your iPod.

6. Unmount your iPod Video's USB connection, and then unplug the iPod.

7. Reset your iPod manually by holding down the "Menu" and "Select" buttons. When your iPod has restarted, Rockbox should load.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that your iPod Video has the "Enable use as disk" option turned on. This feature can be enabled through iTunes.
• Before you begin installation, make sure that any programs that connect to your iPod, such as iTunes, are closed.

Resources

• Rockbox