Onkyo dock offers iPod video, Nano support...

Onkyo USA has announced that its current DS-A1 Remote Interactive (RI) dock is compatible with Apple's newest iPod models, including the iPod with video and the iPod nano (as well as previous iPod models). The DS-A1 Remote Interactive Dock acts as an audio and video interface between the iPod and Onkyo receivers and also acts as a battery charger for the device as well as enables users to operate key iPod control functions using the receiver's remote control. Onkyo says it has developed a new adapter insert to accommodate the smaller dimension of the iPod Nano. This adapter will ship with all new DS-A1 units, and individual adapters will be made available to all current owners of the DS-A1 at a nominal cost to cover shipping and handling charges.

iPod nano class-action lawsuit expands...

Consumers today from the United Kingdom and Mexico filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple Computer in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, claiming the new iPod nano is defectively designed allowing the screen to quickly become scratched with normal use. Much like the class-action lawsuit filed in late October on behalf of users in the US, the complaint alleges that Apple knew about the design flaw, but chose to ignore them in order to speed the product to market. The defect is a result of a much thinner layer of resin used in designing the Nano that does not provide adequate protection from scratching, according to the suit.

Tunewear rolls out Tunecup iPod cradle

Tunewear todyay introduced the TUNECUP, its accessory designed to play iPod music/video inside a vehicle on-the-go. TuneCup connects directly to your stereo via audio-out, or utilizes a cassette adapter (not included) to route iPod tunes through your tape deck. An S-video port offers connectivity to your in-car AV system to view photos or watch video on any photo or video-capable iPod. The TUNECUP cradle has an adjustable slider on each side that fits all current iPods including the Mini, 3G, 4G, photo, and 5G models (14.5 - 19mm). The ball joint offers adjustable positioning for easy access. TUNECUP is available for $40 from Tunewear's website.

Thousands of video clips available for iPod

showfootage.com announced it is now offering a selection of thousands of video clips for portable video players, such as Apple's fifth-generation iPod. Offerings range from live clips featuring flickering candles, tropical beaches or fireworks, to computer animated scenes with hundreds of different motifs and colors. Clips can be downloaded directly from the vendor's website, and the service can be used without a subscription. showfootage.com also features a free "clip of the week" that users can subscribe to as a podcast via the media service at Apple's iTunes Music Store. Video clips are priced from $1.25 each.

Kiwali previews nanoDeco faceplate collection

Kiwali today unveiled the Kiwali nanoDeco for iPod nano, a set of two rigid "faceplates" that cover the face and back of the device through the use of a removable adhesive. "The nanoDeco is a natural follow-up to our exciting ShuffleDeco collection. We have a totally new set of very hip and sophisticated designs that will allow users to personalize the look of their iPod nanos." The nanoDeco is designed to provide limited protection from scratches and everyday hazards, is easily removable, and is expected to be available in December (pricing was unavailable).

NBC prepared to offer more content via net

NBC Universal's chairman and chief executive today announced that the company is prepared to offer more programming in new media outlets, but is unsure of the protections against piracy in some venues. Bob Wright, the NBC Universal chairman said "we can't provide them with content unless they can adequately protect it. [...] We have to protect it and we need to price it appropriately," according to a report from Reuters. Wright saw reporters today, issuing a study on the economic contribution of U.S. industries that rely on intellectual property to generate revenues, hoping to spur industry leaders--as well as legislators--in the fight against piracy.

Podner 1.0.1 supports MPEG muxed audio

Splasm Software Friday released Podner 1.0.1, a significant update to its QuickTime-based iPod video formatting utility. Version 1.0.1 supports MPEG muxed audio, preserving MPEG audio in iPod-friendly MPEG-4 or H.264 formats. The update fixes frame rate calculations for MPEG movie files, and is capped at 30 frames-per-second. Podner will no longer accept movie files that have been protected by the creator, and aspect ratios below 4:3 are correctly preserved. Podner 1.0.1 requires Mac OS X 10.4, iTunes 6, and QuickTime 7.0.3. Podner is priced at $10.

TechRestore offers iPod battery upgrades

TechRestore announced that it has begun offering a new overnight iPod battery upgrade service for all full-sized iPod models. The service includes the replacement of the standard iPod battery with a TechRestore high-capacity battery with up to 20-hours of playback time. The TechRestore Overnight iPod Battery Upgrade is available starting today for $50 iPod owners located in the continental United States. The service includes overnight pickup of the users' iPod at their location, installation of a replacement high-capacity iPod battery and return overnight shipping. The old iPod battery is then recycled in conjunction with the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation. "With our new lower pricing and higher capacity batteries, iPod owners can now get the fastest full-service battery upgrade at the best price on the planet ," said Shannon Jean, Founder and President of TechRestore.