www.iTunes.com/download » hi-fi

iPod Hi-Fi:Troubleshooting issues with the Apple Remote

iTunes Guru — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Symptoms

If you suspect the Apple Remote is not working properly, point the remote at iPod Hi-Fi and press the Play/Pause button. The status light on iPod Hi-Fi should blink. If the light does blink, see "iPod Hi-Fi: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)" for a description of the status light messages. If the status light does not blink:

Products Affected

iPod Hi-Fi, iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod

Resolution

Make sure you can play music through your iPod Hi-Fi using the iPod controls. The issue may not be with the remote.
Make sure to point the remote directly (line of sight) at the front of your iPod Hi-Fi. Note: The remote has a maximum range of up to 30 feet (this can be reduced by bright light — especially sunlight).
Make sure the remote sensor on the front panel of your iPod Hi-Fi is not blocked. Verify that there is nothing between the speaker grille and the unit.
If playback is from an iPod connected to the dock connector port, verify it is running the latest iPod Software (see "iPod: How to find software version" http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n60984).
You can use an iSight camera or other digital camera to see if your Apple Remote is emitting a signal. For more information, see "Use an iSight or other digital camera to test your Apple Remote" below.
The remote battery may need to be replaced. Be careful to only handle the new batteries by its edge. Direct contact with the batteries terminals could reduce the batteries performance.
If available verify the remote with a different supporting device (Universal Dock, iMac (Early 2006), iMac (iSight), or MacBook Pro).
If running iPod Hi-Fi off batteries, connect iPod Hi-Fi to AC power.
Reset the iPod Hi-Fi by removing the AC cord and all six batteries, waiting five seconds and then connecting power.
If the remote is still not working, but your iPod Hi-Fi appears to be functioning, see the DIY page for information on replacing the remote or take both to an Apple Authorized Service Provider or an Apple Retail Store.

Use an iSight or other digital camera to test your Apple Remote

You can use an iSight camera to see if your Apple Remote is emitting a signal. Any digital camera or DV camera with an LCD display will work too. Infrared beams are invisible to the human eye, but most digital camera and video cameras use Charged-Coupled Device (CCD) chips or image sensors that are sensitive to infrared light.

To use an iSight or digital camera to test your Apple Remote, follow these steps:

Turn on the iSight by opening the video preview window of iChat. If you are using another camera, turn it on so you see a live picture through the LCD.
Point your Apple Remote toward the lens of the camera.
Press and hold the Menu button on the remote while looking at the video preview window or LCD.
- If you see a faint blinking light coming from the Apple Remote in the video preview window or LCD, then the remote is working properly.
- If you don’t see any blinking light, replace the battery in your Apple Remote and then test it again with your iPod Hi-Fi.

If you’ve replaced the Apple Remote battery but still don’t see a blinking light in the video preview window, your remote may need to be replaced. See the DIY page for more information or contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider or an Apple Retail Store.

iPod Hi-Fi: Troubleshooting no audio

iTunes Guru — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Symptoms

If your iPod Hi-Fi has power, but won’t play audio from an iPod connected to the dock connector, try these steps:

Products Affected

iPod Hi-Fi, iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod

Resolution

Make sure the volume is not turned down all the way by using the iPod controls.
Make sure iPod is not paused by pressing Play/Pause on the remote or on iPod.
Disconnect any devices attached to the audio input port.
The issue maybe with the iPod, connect headphones to the iPod and check playback.
If running off batteries, connect the iPod Hi-Fi to AC power.
Reset the iPod Hi-Fi by removing the AC cord and all six batteries, waiting five seconds, and then connecting power.
Verify your iPod is running the latest version of the iPod Software (see "iPod: How to find software version").
If available, connect your iPod to a computer and make sure the computer can see the iPod in iTunes, the Finder, or My Computer.
If the issue continues and you’ve confirmed the iPod is working correctly, please schedule a service appointment with either an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

If your iPod Hi-Fi has power, but won’t play audio from a device connected to the audio input port, try these steps:

Verify the device plays correctly when not connected to the iPod Hi-Fi. See the documentation that came with the device for more information.
Make sure the device is not muted by pressing Play/Pause on the remote.
If an iPod is connected to the dock connector port on your iPod Hi-Fi, disconnect it.
Verify that the device’s volume is set at midrange.
Make sure you are using the correct audio cable, and that it is connected firmly to your iPod Hi-Fi and to the device.
If you have access to another device, check the cable using a different device.
If running off batteries, connect the iPod Hi-Fi to AC power.
Reset the iPod Hi-Fi by removing the AC cord and all six batteries, waiting five seconds, and then connecting power.
If the issue continues and you’ve confirmed the device and cable are working correctly, please schedule a service appointment with either an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

iPod Hi-Fi: Troubleshooting sound quality issues

iTunes Guru — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Symptoms

If the sound quality of your iPod Hi-Fi is not optimal:

Products Affected

iPod Hi-Fi, iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod

Resolution

Decrease the volume of either that device, iPod Hi-Fi or both. Hearing a buzzing sound when a device is connected to the audio input port may be caused by a volume setting that is too high.
Try a different song from a different source (different CD, different artist).
Disconnect the iPod or the audio device and verify the sound quality using headphones.
Set the iPod’s EQ setting in the Settings menu to Off (select Settings > EQ > Off). If using a different audio device, verify its EQ or tone settings are set to normal, flat, or off. See the documentation that came with the device for more information.
The acoustics in a room may be a factor. Try moving iPod Hi-Fi to a different location in that room or try a different room.
Verify that the iPod Hi-Fi Tone Control setting is set to Normal, if a supported iPod is available (select Speakers > Tone Control > Normal). Note: Depending on acoustics in a room and the type of music playing, you may get better results by selecting Treble Boost or Bass Boost instead of Normal.
If running off batteries, connect the iPod Hi-Fi to AC power.
If playback if from a device connected to the audio input port, try connecting with a different cable or a different device, if available.
Reset the iPod Hi-Fi by removing the AC cord and all six batteries, waiting five seconds, and then connecting power.
Remove the speaker grille to determine if this is causing the sound quality to not be optimal.
If the issue appears to be too much bass, use the iPod EQ setting for Bass Reducer (select Settings > EQ > Bass Reducer).
If the issue continues, please schedule a service appointment with either an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Apple TV: Optically connected iPod Hi-Fi emits static with chirps and pops

iTunes Guru — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Symptoms

The iPod Hi-Fi may produce static/chirps/pops when playing some video content, even though UI sounds, music and other video content produces the expected audio.

Additionally, the following conditions are true:

You have an iPod Hi-Fi connected to your Apple TV via an optical cable.
You are playing an HD movie rental that you obtained from the iTunes store.
You hear only static audio with chirps and pops.

Many HD movie rentals on the iTunes store support true Surround Sound and contain a Dolby Digital sound track, but the iPod Hi-Fi does not support Dolby Digital sound. When Apple TV sends the digital file to the iPod Hi-Fi connected via an optical cable, the iPod Hi-Fi produces an audio rendition of the digital data. This creates the static audio with chirps and pops.

Products Affected

Apple TV

Resolution

HD movie rentals on the iTunes store always have an AAC stereo audio track that is supported by an optically connected iPod Hi-Fi.

To get the AAC stereo audio track to play through your optically connected iPod Hi-Fi:

On the Apple TV, go to Settings > Audio.
Highlight Dolby Digital Out and click Play to select Off.

This forces the Apple TV to output an available stereo audio track, rather than a Dolby Digital multi-channel audio track, over the HDMI and optical ports.

Note: Changing the Dolby Digital Out setting affects both Sony/Phillips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) and HDMI audio.

If you want to output Dolby Digital on HDMI while the iPod Hi-Fi is connected, you must connect the iPod Hi-Fi via analog stereo cables instead of optical cables.

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.

iPod Hi-Fi: Troubleshooting “no power” with batteries or AC power

iTunes Guru — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

Learn how to troubleshoot your iPod Hi-Fi if there is no power (No sound, no status light, and no playback) when using batteries or AC power.

Products Affected

iPod Hi-Fi, iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod, iPod touch

No power from batteries

If the iPod Hi-Fi has no sound, no status light, and no playback from a new set of batteries:

Remove iPod and any device attached to the audio input port on the iPod Hi-Fi.
Verify the batteries are not expired.
Verify batteries are installed correctly (check positive (+) and negative (–) terminals are positioned correctly). Note: All six batteries are not inserted the same direction.
Reset the iPod Hi-Fi by removing the AC cord and all six batteries, waiting five seconds, and then connecting power.
If available try different batteries.
If available verify batteries work on another device.
If the issue continues, please schedule a service appointment with either an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

No power when connected to AC power

If the iPod Hi-Fi has no sound, no status light, and no playback from AC Power:

Remove iPod and any device attached to the audio input port on the iPod Hi-Fi.
Make sure the power cord connectors on both ends are pushed in all the way.
Try a different wall socket or try another device with this wall socket.
If plugged into a power strip, plug directly into the wall.
Reset the iPod Hi-Fi by removing the AC cord and all six batteries, waiting five seconds, and then connecting power.
If the issue continues, and you feel the issue may relate to the power cord, you can order a replacement. If you have already replaced the cord, please schedule a service appointment with either an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Using the Apple Remote with iPod Hi-Fi

iTunes Guru — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

The iPod Hi-Fi includes the Apple Remote. This same remote works with other Apple products, including:

iPod Universal Dock
iMac (Early 2006)
iMac G5 (iSight)
MacBook Pro

Products Affected

iPod Hi-Fi, iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod, iPod touch

The Apple Remote is an infrared (IR) remote. It works by line of sight. The infrared receiver on the iPod Hi-Fi is located behind the speaker grille on the top left-hand corner. Removing the grille can increase the range of the remote slightly. The remote has a range of up to 30 feet and has a very wide coverage angle:

Remote Functions

You can use the Apple Remote to control playback of the attached iPod or with another audio device connected to the audio input port. To switch playback between the iPod and another device connected to the audio input port press and hold the Menu button.

Remote functions for iPod

The remote can be used to perform the following functions when playing music from an iPod in the dock connector:

To
Do this on the remote

Play a song, pause a song, or resume playback of a paused song
Press the Play/Pause button

Change the volume
Press the Volume Up or Volume Down button

Skip to the next song
Press the Next/Fast-forward button

Restart a song
Press the Previous/Rewind button once to restart a song

Play the previous song
Press the Previous/Rewind button twice to play the previous song

Fast-forward a song
Press and hold the Next/Fast-forward

Rewind a song
Press and hold the Previous/Rewind button

Switch to a device connected to the audio input port
Press and hold the Menu button (or remove the iPod from the dock)

Place iPod to sleep
Press and hold the Play/Pause button for five seconds

Remote function for device connected to audio input port

The remote can be used to perform the following functions when playing music from a device connected to the audio input port:

To
Do this on the remote

Toggle between muted and unmuted sound
Press the Play/Pause button (this does not stop or pause playback of the device connected to the audio input port)

Change the volume
Press the Volume Up or Volume Down button

Switch to an iPod connected to your iPod Hi-Fi
Press and hold the Menu button

Note: The Menu button on the remote does not perform the same function as pressing the Menu button on the iPod. The Menu button on the Remote changes playback between the iPod and an audio device connected to the audio input port. Because the remote does not have a wheel or a select button, you cannot use the remote to navigate the menus or skip to a different playlist on iPod. You must use the iPod’s controls to navigate the menus or choose another playlist.

Pairing your iPod Hi-Fi with the remote

The included Apple Remote works with other compatible Apple products that have a built-in infrared (IR) receiver. You can set your iPod Hi-Fi to work only with the included remote so that remotes for your other devices do not affect your iPod Hi-Fi. This is called pairing.

To set your iPod Hi-Fi to work only with the included remote:

Connect your iPod Hi-Fi to an electrical outlet. If your iPod Hi-Fi has batteries, you do not need to connect it to an outlet.
Make sure other products that are compatible (see above) with the remote are not in range, and hold the remote close to your iPod Hi-Fi (about 3 to 4 inches away).
Press and hold the Menu and Next/Fast-forward buttons on the remote simultaneously for about six seconds. The status light blinks green several times. Your iPod Hi-Fi now works only with the paired remote.

To reset your iPod Hi-Fi to work with all Apple Remotes:

Connect your iPod Hi-Fi to an electrical outlet. If your iPod Hi-Fi has batteries, you do not need to connect it to an outlet.
Make sure other products that are compatible with the remote are not in range, and hold the remote close to your iPod Hi-Fi (about 3 to 4 inches away).
Press and hold the Menu and Previous/Rewind buttons on the remote simultaneously for about six seconds. The status light blinks green several times.
Your iPod Hi-Fi now works with all Apple Remotes.

You may wish to pair your other Apple Remote–compatible devices with other Apple Remotes so that the remote you use with your iPod Hi-Fi does not affect those devices. See the documentation that came with the other devices for instructions.

iPod Hi-Fi: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

iTunes Guru — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Summary

Learn the answers to some of the frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding iPod Hi-Fi.

Products Affected

iPod Hi-Fi, iPod

Which iPod models support the iPod Hi-Fi?
Can I connect iPod Hi-Fi to my computer and use it as a dock?
How do I connect my iPod to the iPod Hi-Fi?
When using on the go, how many batteries does iPod Hi-Fi require?
How do I insert my batteries into iPod Hi-Fi?
Does the iPod Hi-Fi charge the iPod while running from batteries?
How can I get the most out of the battery life for my iPod Hi-Fi?
How do I adjust the tone of the playback of iPod Hi-Fi?
How do I set my iPod so its backlighting stays on when connected to iPod Hi-Fi?
How do I set my iPod to show the album art when using with my iPod Hi-Fi?
Can I use my iPod Hi-Fi to listen to audio from a different source?
How do I switch playback from an iPod to a device connected to the audio input port?
What does the status light mean?
Can I use the iPod Hi-Fi while traveling?
How do I pair the remote so it only works with my iPod Hi-Fi?
Where is the serial number located on my iPod Hi-Fi?
Does the battery indicator on an iPod connected to the iPod Hi-Fi’s dock connector reflect the charge level of the six D-size batteries installed in the iPod Hi-Fi?

Which iPod models support the iPod Hi-Fi?

iPod Hi-Fi is supports all iPod models (iPod sold separately). iPod models with a dock connector are supported via the integrated dock, while iPod models that do not have a dock connector need to be connected to the audio input port using a 3.5 mm stereo miniplug. iPod models connected through the dock have enhanced support for the remote. Newer iPod models, like iPod nano or Fifth Generation iPod, support additional features when connected through the dock.

Note: Recent iPod models that do not support FireWire charging, such as the iPod nano (4th generation), and the iPod touch (2nd generation), will not charge when used with the iPod Hi-Fi.

Can I connect iPod Hi-Fi to my computer and use it as a dock?

iPod Hi-Fi does not have a USB or FireWire port to connect to a computer.

How do I connect my iPod to the iPod Hi-Fi?

To connect an iPod with a dock connector insert the dock adapter that fits your iPod, and then connect your iPod. Your iPod Hi-Fi includes dock adapters that work with most models of iPod with dock connectors. If you want to connect another iPod, you can easily remove the dock adapter from your iPod Hi-Fi using a fingernail, insert the adapter that fits the other iPod, and then insert the other iPod. If there is no dock adapter for your model of iPod included with your iPod Hi-Fi, an adapter may have been included with your iPod or is available separately.

Use this table to determine which iPod models are supported by each adapter and use the model number to order an extra 3-pack of adapters for that iPod model:

Use this table to determine which iPod models are supported by each adapter and use the model number to order a 3-pack of additional adapters for that iPod model:

Identification Number

on Adapter

iPod Models Supported

Model number to order a 3-pack of adapters

10, 15, 20 GB iPod (dock connector) models

(The 20 GB is the thinner version — .62 inches / 1.57 cm)

MA117G/A

20, 30, 40 GB iPod (dock connector) models

(The 20 GB is the thicker version — .73 inches / 1.85 cm)

MA118G/A

iPod mini and iPod mini (2nd generation)

MA121G/A

iPod (Click Wheel) 20 GB and 30 GB

MA119G/A

iPod (Click Wheel) 40 GB

MA120G/A

iPod with color display 20 GB and 30 GB

MA122G/A

iPod with color display 40 GB and 60 GB (also known as iPod photo)

MA123G/A

iPod nano 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB

MA124G/A

iPod classic 80 GB and 120 GB, iPod (5th generation) 30 GB¹

MA125G/A

iPod classic 160 GB, iPod (5th generation) 60 GB and 80 GB (Late 2006)¹

MA126G/A

iPod nano (2nd generation) 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB²

MA593G/A

iPhone 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB¹

MA722G/A

iPod nano (3rd generation) 4 GB and 8 GB¹

MB126G/A

iPod touch¹

MB127G/A

iPhone 3G

MB546G/A

iPod nano (4th generation)

MB568G/A

iPod touch (2nd generation)

MB569G/A

Notes

Included with the Apple Universal Dock.
iPod nano (2nd generation) is not compatible with the original iPod nano dock adapter.
If your iPod doesn’t have a dock connector, you can use an optional audio cable to connect it to the audio input port.

When using on the go, how many batteries does iPod Hi-Fi require?

You can run iPod Hi-Fi off of AC power or from batteries. iPod Hi-Fi requires six D batteries when using on the go. Apple does not recommend using a combination of different types of batteries. For example, do not mix alkaline batteries with zinc carbon or rechargeable batteries.

How do I insert my batteries into iPod Hi-Fi?

Insert the batteries positioning the positive (+) and negative (–) terminals on the batteries as shown below. All six batteries are not inserted the same direction. Instead the batteries are divided into two sets of three batteries.

Does the iPod Hi-Fi charge the iPod while running from batteries?

If you are using the iPod Hi-Fi with batteries (and not plugged into an electrical outlet) and you connect an iPod with a dock connector, the batteries in your iPod Hi-Fi provide a minimum charge to iPod. If the iPod is on, it charges for 30 minutes. If the iPod is asleep, it charges for 15 minutes. If you disconnect the iPod and reattach it, the charge cycle starts again. The best way to charge an iPod connected to the dock connector port is by connecting the iPod Hi-Fi to AC power.

Note: You cannot disable the iPod Hi-Fi from charging an iPod connected to the dock connector (you can connect iPod to the audio input port and iPod Hi-Fi will not charge iPod, but you will not have access to some functions of the remote).

How can I get the most out of the battery life for my iPod Hi-Fi?

When not in use, your iPod Hi-Fi enters a low-power standby mode to save battery life. However, if you don’t plan to use your iPod Hi-Fi for an extended period, you may wish to remove the batteries to extend battery life even longer. See "Tips and Tricks to get the most out of your iPod Hi-Fi’s batteries" for more information.

Note: If you don’t want the batteries in your iPod Hi-Fi to expend power when iPod isn’t playing, remove iPod from your iPod Hi-Fi. If your iPod Hi-Fi is plugged into an electrical outlet, the iPod battery charges until it is fully charged.

Discharged batteries should be removed as soon as possible to avoid damage to iPod Hi-Fi from battery leakage.

How do I adjust the tone of the playback of iPod Hi-Fi?

With some newer models of iPod, you can also adjust the tone of playback from iPod Hi-Fi to suit a particular environment. Only the Fifth Generation iPod (iPod with video) and iPod nano running iPod Software 1.1 or later support changing the tone. You’re able to adjust this setting if you see a Speakers item in the main menu when you connect your iPod. The tone setting will be remembered by iPod Hi-Fi until you change it. Select Speakers > Tone Control, then select Treble Boost, Normal, or Bass Boost.

How do I set my iPod so its backlighting stays on when connected to iPod Hi-Fi?

Only the Fifth Generation iPod and iPod nano running iPod Software 1.1 or later support an additional level of control of the backlighting when the iPod is connected to iPod Hi-Fi. When connected to iPod Hi-Fi, these iPod models will have a Speakers menu. Select Speakers > Backlight, then select On Keypress, Always On, While Playing, or Always Off.

How do I set my iPod to show the album art when using with my iPod Hi-Fi?

You can also set whether you see the Now Playing screen or album artwork on iPod. You’re able to change these settings if you see a Speakers item in the main menu when you connect your iPod. To set your iPod to display full screen album artwork (when artwork is available for that song) select Speakers > Large Album Art so the setting is On.

Can I use my iPod Hi-Fi to listen to audio from a different source?

Your iPod Hi-Fi has a digital/analog audio input port. You can use it to play music from an iPod that doesn’t have a dock connector or from other audio devices, such as a CD player, stereo receiver, or computer. If you have an AirPort Express Base Station, you can connect it to iPod Hi-Fi and play music from a computer in another room using AirTunes. You connect audio devices or an older iPod using an audio cable with a standard 3.5 mm stereo miniplug. For higher-quality sound, you can connect an optical digital audio device using an S/PDIF optical digital audio cable with a Mini-Toslink connector.

How do I switch playback from an iPod to a device connected to the audio input port?

If you have an iPod connected to the dock connector port and a different audio device connected to the audio input port you can select between the playback of these two devices by press and holding the Menu button on the remote.

What does the status light mean?

Status Light and Action

Indicates

Status light displays green for two seconds when inserting iPod

When the iPod Hi-Fi recognizes that an iPod that has a dock connector was inserted into its dock connector port

Status light blinks green once when you press a button on the remote

Indicates that the iPod Hi-Fi received and can perform that function

Status light blinks amber once when you press a button on remote.

Indicates that the iPod Hi-Fi received the command, but cannot performed the function. Example: Volume is set to maximum, and you press the Volume Up button.
The iPod Hi-Fi could be paired to a different Apple Remote. This may occur if you have another device that uses the Apple Remote, like the iMac, MacBook Pro, Universal Dock, etc.

Status light blinks green (for up to one minute)

iPod Hi-Fi playback of iPod has been paused. After one minute it stops blinking the status light green.
iPod Hi-Fi has muted a device connected to the audio input port (by pressing the Play/Pause button) on the remote

Status light blinks green after pressing Menu button on remote
iPod Hi-Fi changes playback between iPod and audio input port

Status light blinks amber after pressing Menu button on remote
iPod Hi-Fi cannot change playback between iPod and audio input port, because it only recognizes one source present

Status light blinks green three times while pressing Menu and Next/Fast Forward

Pairing remote with iPod Hi-Fi

Status light blinks green three times while pressing Menu and Previous/Rewind
Reset (unpair) remote with iPod Hi-Fi

Status light displays green for two seconds when you connect the AC power cord
iPod Hi-Fi is receiving power from AC power

Status light displays green for two seconds when you remove AC power and have good batteries
iPod Hi-Fi is receiving power from the batteries

Status light displays amber continuously when you remove AC power, but eventually stops
iPod Hi-Fi is not receiving power from the batteries or there are no batteries

Can I use the iPod Hi-Fi while traveling?

The iPod Hi-Fi has an auto-switching power supply. Because of this it can accept a range in both voltage and frequency, and only require a plug adapter for the specific locale. It supports 100 V to 240 V, 50 Hz to 60 Hz.

How do I pair the remote so it only works with my iPod Hi-Fi?

See "Using the Apple Remote with iPod Hi-Fi" for steps to pair the Apple Remote with iPod Hi-Fi.

Where is the serial number located on my iPod Hi-Fi?

The serial number is printed on the inside of the battery compartment of your iPod Hi-Fi. See "iPod Hi-Fi: Locating the serial number" for more information.

Does the battery indicator on an iPod connected to the iPod Hi-Fi’s dock connector reflect the charge level of the six D-size batteries installed in the iPod Hi-Fi?

No, the iPod’s battery indicator reflects the charge level of the iPod’s internal battery.