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'../banner.php' ?> </h2> <h2 align="center">Xitel HiFi-Link for iPod</h2> <p align="left"><strong>How it works:</strong></p> <p>Whereas Apple's official iPod AV cable extracts the AV signals from the iPod through its headphone port, Xitel's HiFi-Link for iPod gets the AV signals from the iPod's dock connection. This means, at least for the for audio, your getting the line level analog signal from the iPod. Considering that the signal from the iPod, whether through the headphone or dock port, is analog and not digital; the line level signal from the dock port is the best possible signal available from the iPod. Also, a line level signal means a constant volume signal; adjusting the volume from the iPod does not affect the volume of the signal. </p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/xtel_hifi/15.jpg"><img src="atruereview/xtel_hifi/15th.jpg" alt="Xitel HiFi-Link for iPod" title="Xitel HiFi-Link for iPod" width="180" height="250" border="0"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font></p> <p>For video, the HiFi-Link for iPod buffers the video before sending it through the composite output. Buffering the video insures that the video signal has enough power so the image is not distorted and there is no audio interference. A composite video connection, though not the best video connection option, is the most common video connection type. Xitel's decision to use a composite connection insures compatibility with virtually any television set. </p> <p><strong>Usage/Performance:</strong></p> <p>Based on my experience, the performance of the Xitel HiFi-Link for iPod is indeed as good as advertised. To test the audio quality, I docked my trusty 4th Generation iPod and connected it to various speaker systems including the <a href="http://www.atruereview.com/soundmatters/index.php">Soundmatters MAINstage</a> and the <a href="http://www.atruereview.com/alteclansing/index.php">Altec Lansing MX5021</a>. EQ settings were turned off to make the sound as pure as possible. Sound quality varied from speaker system to speaker system, but the common factor was a very clean audio signal with no noticeable noise or static. </p> <p>The effectiveness', for the lack of a better word, of the built-in TruBass feature also varied depending on the sound system the dock was connected to. For example, when connected to the Soundmatters MAINstage, turning up the TruBass had a very pleasing effect. The overall bass increased noticeably; thus, making the music more voluminous overall without too much distortion to the high and mids. When connected to the Altec Lansing MX5021 though, turning up the TruBass did not increase the bass that much for it was already very strong. It sounded like TruBass is trying to increase the bass on the mids. The end result is a hollow rumble, similar to what a "hallway" EQ setting sounds like. </p> <p>To test the video quality I was able to temporally get my hands on a new video capable iPod. I connected it to my 36" CRT Toshiba television (not HD). Unfortunately, Xitel did not include a composite video cable. This could mean a trip to Radio Shack if you do not have a spare cable lying around. </p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/xtel_hifi/14.jpg"><img src="atruereview/xtel_hifi/14th.jpg" alt="Xitel HiFi-Link for iPod" title="Xitel HiFi-Link for iPod" width="239" height="250" border="0"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font></p> <p>Photos from the iPod looked clean and relatively sharp. Videos overall looked very fluid, though the clarity largely depended on the quality of the clip. Clips encoded in the maximum resolution of 480x480 at 2.5 Mbps looked stunning, while clips encoded at 320x240 at 768 Kbps looked a bit soft with noticeable pixilation at certain moments. </p> <p>Even though the iPod Nano can display pictures, it cannot display pictures through the HiFi-Link for iPod to the TV. This, of course, is because of Apple's decision to omit the capability from the Nano. The iPod Nano is able to use the HiFi-Link for audio outputting though. </p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/xtel_hifi/08.jpg"><img src="atruereview/xtel_hifi/08th.jpg" alt="Xitel HiFi-Link for iPod" title="Xitel HiFi-Link for iPod" width="250" height="109" border="0"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font></p> <p>Xitel purposely designed the simple remote to be blatantly bulky ("full size" as Xitel calls it). The reason for this is so the remote will have a better feel in the user's hand. Additionally, the remote will be harder to misplace. Lastly, the big body allows the remote to use more common AAA batteries instead of coin sized batteries. In those respects, the remote is very well designed. The heft and volume of the remote makes it satisfying to hold and use. The rubber buttons require only an adequate amount of pressure to depress. However, I do notice about a half second delay between pressing a button and the iPod performing the function.</p> <p align="center"><a href="atruereview/xtel_hifi/10.jpg"><img src="atruereview/xtel_hifi/10th.jpg" alt="Xitel HiFi-Link for iPod" title="Xitel HiFi-Link for iPod" width="250" height="107" border="0"></a><br> <font size="-1">Click on image for larger picture</font></p> <p>As mentioned earlier, the Xitel HiFi-Link for iPod charges the iPod while it is docked. This is a very nice feature as it insures that the iPod will not die out while you are using it with your AV equipment. It also means the iPod will be adequately charged when you are ready to take it on the road. </p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong></p> <p>Xitel's first foray into iPod accessories is very commendable. The HiFi-Link for iPod is a well designed and solidly built device. In addition to providing superb composite audio and video outputs to the iPod, it also keeps your iPod charged. The included remote allows your media to be controlled from afar. The adoption of the Dock Adapter system insures compatibility with future iPod models. Overall, Xitel's HiFi-Link for iPod is one of the best AV connection accessories for the iPod currently available. </p> <p><strong>Pros:</strong></p> <ul> <li> Very well designed</li> <li> Great audio and video quality</li> <li> Uses Dock Adapter system insuring future iPod compatibility</li> <li> Charges iPod</li> <li> Nice TruBass option</li> </ul> <p><strong>Cons:</strong></p> <ul> <li> Composite video cable not included</li> <li> TruBass performance varies with speaker setup</li> </ul> <p><strong>Ratings:</strong></p> <table width="227" border="0"> <tr> <td width="105">Esthetics:</td> <td width="183">Excellent</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Features:</td> <td>Excellent</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Performance: </td> <td>Excellent</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Price: </td> <td> Good</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Overall:</td> <td>Excellent</td> </tr> </table> <p>(Ratings Possible: Terrible, Very Bad, Bad, Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent)</p> <p><a href="atruereview/xtel_hifi/ipod.php"></a> <a href="xtel_hifi/ipod.php">Previous (Description)</a></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div id="footer" class="clr"> <div class="rk-1"> <div class="rk-2"> <div id="the-footer">  </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </body> </html>