The Digital Lifestyle Outfitters' HomeDock is one of a number of products that allow you to connect your iPod to your stereo or home theater receiver via standard RCA cables, but this dock is better than most. You can also connect the HomeDock to a pair of powered speakers.

The Home Dock can hold any iPod that has a dock connector, including the iPod video, mini, and nano. The backrest is adjustable to ensure a secure fit. When not in use, the wireless remote perches in its own slot on the dock, to the right of the iPod.

The HomeDock sports a stylish black and silver design that will blend in nicely with most stereo systems, although the green backlit DLO logo on its front tends to spoil the effect. Unlike many docking systems, the iPod connector is raised, so you can place your iPod in the dock without taking it out of its protective case.

The dock includes a charging system, so when docked, you can recharge your iPod via the dock's power or a USB connection to a desktop computer. In addition to providing a power supply/recharging option, the USB connection also lets you sync your music, photo, and video files with a desktop or laptop computer.

Channeling music from your iPod to your stereo or a set of powered speakers would be justification enough to buy this system, but that's not all it can do. The HomeDock includes composite video and S-video ports, so you can connect your iPod to your TV and wow your neighbors with slide shows or videos of your last vacation. Keep in mind that this feature is not supported by all iPods.

The remote uses an infrared signal, so it requires a direct line of sight to function properly. Fourteen clearly labeled (but not backlit) buttons provide complete control over the music, with functions including power, play/pause, volume, mute, playlist skip, repeat, and shuffle.

Pro: Sound quality is excellent. Includes composite video and S-video ports for sending output to a TV screen, as well as a USB port for syncing files with a desktop or laptop computer. Can recharge an iPod directly or via the USB port.
Con: Remote control doesn't include the option to switch from music to photo or video output.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters
2335 Presidential Drive, Suite 114
Durham, NC 27703-8063
866-800-4763
http://www.dlo.com

Warranty
90 days, limited