Filed under: Accessories, Audio, iPod Family, Multimedia, Video
Griffin TuneCenter: Now THAT'S a docking station
Shortly after I
bought my 5G iPod, I got a Universal Dock and remote.
The dock is...ok. It lets me play my videos, music and photos on a TV, all the while charging my iPod (as long as I
spend yet another $20US for a cable, and a wall charger, bringing things to a grand total of $116US). Yet, it seems to
lack that Apple flair we all love so much. I want my iPod to act as a media center when connected to my television. At
first glance, it looks like the TuneCenter
from Griffin Technology may be what I'm after.Viewing photo slide shows and watching videos work as you would expect. It's how the TuneCenter handles your music library that really has my interest. When connected to your TV, the TuneCenter displays track and playlist information. With the included remote, you can navigate your iPod's entire music library, adjust the EQ, set shuffle and repeat preferences, plus the usual play, skip, pause, forward and volume functions.
Here's where it gets really cool: the TuneCenter also streams internet radio via your home network, either wirelessly or via ethernet. Again, on-screen navigation lets you select a station. The best part? It costs less than Apple's set up: $99.99US. Better features for less money? Yes, please.
Griffin is taking pre-orders now. The TuneCenter will work with the following iPods:
- 3rd Generation iPod with touch wheel and buttons
- iPod mini
- 4th Generation iPod with Click Wheel
- IPod photo
- iPod U2 Special Edition
- 4th Generation iPod with Color Screen
- iPod nano
- 5th Generation iPod with Video
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Blair Robinson said 5:11PM on 1-11-2006
I'm kinda confused about two things
Does it have built in wireless to connect, and can I stream music directly to this (Like the Airport express). Cause if thats the case 100 bucks is a bargain.
Reply
Henry said 5:24PM on 1-11-2006
Well, it's not actually any cheaper ( http://engadget.com/2006/01/10/apples-other-gear-av-connection-kit-and-nano-in-ear-earbuds/ ), but it's certainly better if it displays the menus on your t.v. so you can navigate your ipod from far away.
Reply
Lajos said 6:00PM on 1-11-2006
And even more important, can you put movies on older ipods and watch them on tv?
Reply
LD said 6:04PM on 1-11-2006
It has it built in. Go to the tech specs on their website.
Reply
Tilted said 11:13PM on 1-11-2006
Great... hopefully they'll actually start shipping it some time in 2007.
Reply