iPod Video - Best Gift for 2009

iPod classic is one the most favored portable media players of all the times. Various generations of iPod classic have been in existence and they are numbered up to six. Instead of the flash based storage which was found in the later iPods, this series utilized hard disk drives of the 1.8” variety. The user interface of the iPod is given much highlighting than the technical capabilities. As a result of this high handed approach, it boasts of a unique and innovative user interface ever found in a portable digital media player.

The iPod video was first introduced in the fifth generation of the iPod classics. This was first brought out in October 2005 on the heels of the much acclaimed iPod Nano. The iPod video had an integrated 2.5” screen which boasted of a resolution of 320x240. The technology used in the screen was QVGA and the centre wheel of this product was a bit smaller than the ones found in the iPod counterparts. Before the arrival of this iPod video, the iPod family had all the products in a single color, which happened to be white. Black color was introduced first in iPod video.

The device was also a bit different from the other similar siblings, with marked physical changes in the aesthetics department. One of the notable features which were omitted in the peripheral was the four pin remote port. This had initially caused much uproar, because out of the blue the backward compatibility of the product was marred. The pricing for the 30GB and the 60GB models were $299 and $399. Special edition iPods were also released at a hefty price tag of $349.

Only two video formats were playable in the device. They were the MP4 and the H.264. Other videos maybe purchased from the fabled iTunes store at a nominal price. Videos from video sharing sites like youtube and google video can be transferred into the iPod using the iTunes software. The software helped in the seamless transformation of the formats. S-video out was provided in the device. Hence the device can be hooked up with a television or projector or even to a simple pc monitor. This enabled in viewing the contents in widescreen. Apple iPod AV cable also helped in ensuring connectivity to various peripherals. Some of the camcorder cables, which had integrated RCA and three band audio video can also be used to connect the iPod video to other displays. The plugs of this cable needed to be swapped for the proper signal passage.

The device was given a major update in September 2006. Screens were brighter, a feature for searching the media, playback had an optional gapless feature, iPod games were finally supported and enhanced earphones were direct results of this upgrading. Longer play time of the video was also a major addition. The iTunes software which was initially provided along with the device in the form of CD media was stopped. And users were required to download the software directly off the Apple website.