If you want to watch your iPod videos on your television, there are a couple of methods to do so but you will need to purchase different cables and additional devices depending on which method you choose.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Composite AV Cable for iPod
Step 1. Connect the small end of the cable to your iPod
Look at the bottom of the iPod. There is the port in which you connect your device to charge it. The smaller end of the AV cable connects there. Plug the cable into your iPod to continue.
- The cable you use should be the Apple Composite AV Cable, model MB129LL. It is compatible with all versions of iPod. On the other hand, the iPod AV cable, model M9765G, is only compatible with 5th generation iPods and iPod Photo.
- If you have an iPod AV cable instead of the composite version, you will need to plug the cable into the headphone jack of the iPod.
Step 2. Connect the RCA ports to the television
Locate the red, white and yellow port on your television. The other end of the cable should have audio and one video connectors that are also red, yellow, and white. Plug the cables into the corresponding ports (by color).
If you have a VCR or other device occupying those ports, you may need to plug this cable into the video and audio ports on the front of your VCR and not directly into the television
Step 3. Select the correct source for your television
The method you need to follow to change the source varies from television to television. You may need to change the television to a certain channel (usually 2, 3 or 4) or press the "Source" or "Input" button on your remote control until you find the input that says "Video" or something. Similary.
For more information, see the instructions for your television
Step 4. Navigate to video settings
Navigate to your iPod's video settings menu.
- If you are not in the home menu, navigate to it by pressing the "Home" button on your iPod Touch or the center button on your iPod classic.
- From the start menu, go to the "Video" option. Tap the video icon if you have an iPod Touch or press the center button if you have a classic iPod.
- In the "Video" menu, navigate to the "Video Settings" options. Select it by tapping the icon or clicking the middle button.
Step 5. Select “TV Out”
The “TV Out” option is located at the top of the settings menu. Tap that option on your iPod Touch or select it and press the center button on a classic iPod.
- The word “Enabled” should appear. If it does not appear, another word should appear indicating that the “TV Out” option has been activated.
- As soon as you complete this step, you will see your iPod screen on your television screen. If this doesn't work, check the connection at both ends of the cable and verify that your television is on the correct source and channel.
Step 6. Watch your video
Find the video you want to play by scrolling through your iPod menu as you usually do. Select it and see how it plays on your screen.
Using this method, your video will appear on your television at a resolution of 480i. This is the highest definition you can select, but it is almost equal to standard DVD quality
Method 2 of 3: iPod dock or adapter
Step 1. Connect the port or adapter to your iPod
If you are using a dock, you can connect your iPod by sliding the bottom dock of your iPod into the appropriate slot. The bottom port of your iPod should go directly into the charging component of your dock. If you are using an adapter, you will need to plug the charging end of the cable into the same charging port on the bottom of the device.
- Make sure you have the correct port or adapter for your device.
- Both the universal port for iPod and the universal port for Apple should work for your iPod.
- If you are using a digital AV adapter, you will need to use an Apple 30-pin AV adapter. You will not be able to use another adapter as they are not compatible with the iPod.
Step 2. Connect your port or adapter to the television
The exact ports you need to use vary depending on the type of adapter or port you have. You need to find the correct cable and connect it to your adapter port and to the television.
- If you use a port, use the Apple Universal with a composite AV cable. If you use the universal iPod dock, use an iPod AV cable or an S-Video cable.
- When using the Apple Composite AV Cable, connect the video and audio input components to the television and the video and audio output components to the adapter. The same applies to the iPod AV cable.
- When using the S-Video cable, you need to locate the line-in and out ports on your port and on the television. These ports are circular and have a row of pins on them. The S-Video cable must have the corresponding components to fit into those ports on the television and into the port.
- For the adapter, you will need to find a connection that can connect a 30-pin rectangular port on the adapter to the corresponding port on your television.
- Remember that a digital AV adapter and the universal iPod dock with an S-Video cable can improve the quality of your video (better to use a digital AV adapter). However, the other port connections will only provide 480i video resolution.
Step 3. Set the correct source for your television
The method you use varies depending on your television. Review the instructions to know what to do.
- You may need to change the channel to change the input, especially if you have an old television. The most used channels are 2, 3 or 4.
- If you have a recent television model, you will need to press the "Source" or "Input" button on your remote to select the correct video input.
Step 4. Change the settings on your iPod
Navigate to your iPod video settings and select the "TV Out" option to activate it.
- From the main screen or menu, navigate and select the "Video" menu.
- In the video menu, find and select video settings.
- Locate the option that says “TV Out”. Select it to link your iPod screen to your television. If it worked, the word “On” will appear in the “TV Out” option.
Step 5. Watch your video
Select your video as you usually do on your iPod. It should be played on your iPod and on your television.
Method 3 of 3: AirPlay via Apple TV
Step 1. Use an Apple TV
Apple TV is the cheapest way to use AirPlay. This device usually costs around $ 99.
- If you have AirPlay speakers, Apple AirPort, or AirPlay-compatible receivers, you can do without Apple TV and use one of those devices. Since all that is much more expensive, Apple TV is your best option if you are going to start from scratch.
- You will need an iPod with iOS 4.2 or newer, as well as a secure wireless network.
Step 2. Connect AirPlay on your television
Connect your Apple TV to your wireless network. Verify that AirPlay is connected by entering the settings menu and selecting the option that says AirPlay on your Apple TV”.
The first time you connect your Apple TV to your television, a series of instructions will automatically appear on your screen. When prompted, select your home wireless network from the list of available networks and type in your password, if your network uses one
Step 3. Connect your iPod to the same wireless network
Make sure your iPod is connected to the same wireless network as your Apple TV.
- Select the "Settings" option on the home screen or menu of your iPod device.
- Scroll down to the "Wi-Fi" option and select it.
- Turn on Wi-Fi and scroll through the list of available wireless networks and find yours. Select your network and select the option that says "Choose network."
- When prompted, type in the network password (if it has one).
Step 4. Open a video on your iPod and send it to your Apple TV
Browse through the videos stored on your iPod as you normally do. Select a video and press the "Play" button. The AirPlay icon should appear when you do. Click on it and select "Apple TV" from the options that appear.