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TICKET ARCHIVE -> iPod Hi-Fi

Logan - Nov 4, 2006 - 2:41 pm

I recently purchased an iPod Hi-Fi to use with my iMac (I do not own an iPod). After a few hit-and-misses, I figured out how to get the damn thing to work through Airport Express & iTunes. However, it only plays music. If I switch to a video in iTunes, it will not support the sound.

I'd just like to know if it's possible to set up my Hi-Fi to support all sound from my iMac without plugging it directly into the headphone port. Can I get sound from the iMac and the Hi-Fi together when playing video games, watching movies, etc. (not just music)?

iMac Core 2 Duo 20"
Airport Express
iPod Hi-Fi

DeltaMac - Nov 4, 2006 - 3:34 pm

Here's an article from Apple, confirming what you are experiencing - Airtunes does not support audio from movies or other forms of audio. basically plays music, and many audio files, but not audio in other forms.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302713

So, the answer is yes, by connecting to the iPod Hi-Fi (directly), and choose that external input.
- Dale

Logan - Nov 4, 2006 - 3:43 pm

So, if I connect the Hi-Fi directly to the headphone port, won't that eliminate sound from the iMac built-in speakers? Also, if you don't mind me asking, what do you mean by "choosing that external input"?

DeltaMac - Nov 5, 2006 - 12:41 am

The Sound pref pane gives you a choice about how the sound is directed. Plugging in an external device does not necessarily prevent you from hearing the sound through the internal speakers, too. You can also choose to have system alerts sent only to the internal speakers, so you don't hear those through the external speakers. Software like Audio Hijack also gives you other possible connection options.
How to Choose the external input? It's in the manual for your iPod Hi-Fi, but if you have lost that - here's the info
"To switch playback from an iPod to a device connected to the audio input port:
If an iPod with a dock connector and an audio device are connected to your iPod Hi-Fi at the same time, your iPod Hi-Fi plays music from the iPod by default.
Press and hold the Menu button on the remote. The status light blinks green, and the iPod pauses. To switch back to the iPod, press and hold the Menu button again.
You can also remove your iPod to switch to a device connected to the audio input port."
I forgot, you don't have an iPod (but you bought this iPod accessory, when there are other great speaker systems for considerably less money, so you don't need the switching instructions, I think you just plug in, and listen.
- Dale

Logan - Nov 5, 2006 - 9:53 am

System Preferences>Sound>Output allows me to change the balance and volume of the internal speakers. There's no other option.

It's no big deal since music is the main reason I bought the Hi-Fi, but now you've got me second guessing myself. Is it impractical to use the Hi-Fi for external computer speakers in your opinion? It sounds great and considering the cost of a new AV reciever + speakers, I don't think it's that unreasonable in terms of price. Plus, It's nice to have the apple logo on everything around my desk.

DeltaMac - Nov 5, 2006 - 10:05 am

If you plug the Hi-Fi into your iMac, you will (probably) see the Hi-Fi show as an additional device. You would see the same additional listing for output simply by plugging in some headphones.
Good speaker system, as long as you are aware of the limitations when you use through AirTunes.
Why would you need an AV rec, when you can get really good powered speakers, such as your iPod Hi-Fi?