Where can I find affordable iPod Classic-compatible video cables?

October 7, 2007 12:10 PM

Where can I find affordable iPod Classic-compatible video cables?

I recently purchased an iPod classic, and it's great except that it can't use the old camcorder-style video cables that you could use with the 5th-generation models. The new cables seem only to be available on Apple's website, and they cost $49, which seems excessive. Is there a better source, or do I have to wait for third-party manufacturers to catch up? I'm looking for online or Portland-area sources.

Thank you very much for your help.

posted by concrete to technology (5 comments total)

With the new iPods, Apple added a connection to the video output connector in the iPods that basically makes it work only with the Apple branded cables. These cables have a new chip in them, which is necessary for the new iPods to output the video. For the time being, the only way to go is to get the Apple cables, and I don't think they have any plans on opening this technology up to third parties
posted by zacharyseibert at 12:56 PM on October 7, 2007

If you just got it, might you be able to return it and get the just EOL'd model? You'd then be able to get the el cheapo cables.
posted by rbs at 1:41 PM on October 7, 2007

There are some reports on the MacRumors forums that the latest iPod Classic/Nano firmware update fixed the video out issue and that you can now use older cables with it. I can't test it, but if you have an older cable that fits the jack but doesn't seem to be working, try doing the firmware update and trying it again. Worth a shot.
posted by Kosh at 1:46 PM on October 7, 2007

Nevermind, I read the thread further and it looks like that was wrong. Sorry about that. :(
posted by Kosh at 1:47 PM on October 7, 2007

I'm in the same boat with my new Nano. The new cables don't even ship for 2 weeks.

However... on the plus side, the $49 also gets you a wall charger. Yes they are forcing a package deal on you, but the old cables were $20 and the wall charger is $29, so technically you (we) are paying the same for the cables.
posted by The Deej at 5:40 PM on October 7, 2007