DLO's HomeDock Goes High Def

Now a part of Philips, the company continues to build on its success. One such example is the HomeDock, which connected the iPod to a television and allowed for remote-control access, as well as on-screen display. The most recent generation of the product is the HomeDock HD which, as the name implies, brings High Definition to the line.

Measuring a scant 1 x 7.9 x 3.75 inches and weighing 12 ounces, the HomeDock HD is a low-profile, flat black base, with an iPod connector protruding from its center. Behind the connector is a rubberized stub that acts as a stand for the inserted device. Along the front is a small power button and a blue LED. Rear video output connections include HDMI, S-Video and Composite Video. There are also connections for Digital Audio out, RCA Audio out, a mini-jack Auxiliary Audio input, as well as a USB port and a jack for the included AC adapter.

The simple setup consists of connecting the unit to a television via one of the video output methods and plugging the power adapter in. The device takes about a minute or so to start up before presenting a colorful, easy-to-use menu. With a video-capable iPod docked, the main menu choices are Music, Videos, Shuffle Songs, Now Playing, Settings and Extras. When selected using the included RF remote, each displays a corresponding submenu, including Playlists, Artists and Albums.

Supported resolutions include Standard Def PAL and NTSC, as well as High Def 720p and 1080i. Album art is displayed when playing music but, as the manual warns, it takes several seconds to load from the iPod.

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The HomeDock has a cataloging feature, which the user can choose to download and store all the artwork from the iPod library. This allows the artwork to be displayed much faster, but the device can't be used while cataloging, which can take up to 45 minutes depending on the size of the library.

The CRN Test Center reviewers found every facet of use easy and intuitive. The colorful menus flowed smoothly, and there is even a Cover Flow-like interface and various Album Art screensavers, although none of these features are very useful if you haven't cataloged your library. Video and sound quality is, of course, limited by both the original source and the class of amplifier and television used, but we found it lived up to expectations.

The HomeDock HD can be used to play an iPod through external speakers while being controlled with the remote. Non-iPod devices can also be played though a TV or stereo, although there is no on-screen display or remote-control support in this situation. There is support for most iPod versions, up to and including the iPod Touch and, while not officially supported, we were able to use a first-generation iPhone with it too (in Airplane Mode, of course).

The unfortunate downfall of this model is the price. Selling at retail from $200 to $250, the device doesn't seem extremely overpriced. But when competing head-to-head against the similarly priced Apple TV, it falls short on features.

We don't have any major criticisms against the device, we just wish it cost a little less. Custom installers will be happy to know that there is also a Professional version of the HomeDock HD available with additional connectivity and configuration options designed specifically for the Home Installation Market.