Games - ITrip

	Games - ITrip

The iTrip is an FM transmitter made by Griffin Technology as a third party accessory for Apple Computer's popular iPod.

The iTrip plugs into the headphone socket of the iPod and converts the audio output into an FM radio signal, which can then be picked up by appliances such as car radios. It has a range of about fifteen feet, and can broadcast on any FM frequency from 76.0 to 108.0 MHz (though the default US configuration is limited to 87.9 to 107.9 MHz). Instead of using batteries, the iTrip draws its power from the iPod through the remote control port located just next to the headphone socket.

In March 2006, Griffin Technology released the iTrip as well as some of their other iPod accessories for the Sony Playstation Portable (PSP).

Models

iTrip

The main iTrip product, which is still sold just under the name iTrip, consists of just the main cylindrical unit, the headphone jack and remote connector. Instead of external buttons, the iTrip uses the iPod itself to control the broadcast frequency. Software bundled with the iTrip adds a playlist to iTunes containing audio files with a special set of tones in them. When this playlist is synced to the iPod, the user can play one of the tracks corresponding to the desired frequency, which causes the connected iTrip to adjust frequency. To avoid the accidental tuning of the iTrip, each sound file has a short pause followed by another tone that causes the tuning command to abort. In normal operation the user must pause the sound file playing during the period of silence. After a few seconds the iTrip then accepts the command and will tune itself to the new frequency.

Before the release of the iPod with dock connector (3rd Generation and up), the iTrip plugged into, and drew power from the headphone jack contacts on top of the iPod. This version of the iTrip is still sold as the Original iTrip.

iTrip Black

The iTrip Black is identical to the standard iTrip but black with white lettering, to match the design of the iPod U2 Special Edition.

iTrip mini

Shortly after the release of the iPod mini, Griffin introduced an iTrip mini designed to fit the iPod mini. The unit's body is designed to continue the iPod mini's profile, and the headphone jack and remote connector are located to the side to match the different location on the iPod mini. Aside from these physical shape differences, the functionality of the iTrip mini is the same as the standard iTrip.

iTrip with LCD

In August 2005, Griffin launched a new version of the iTrip which incorporates a backlit LCD and a knob on the right hand side to control the iTrip's settings. It also introduced two sets of broadcast frequencies, US and International, and two transmission modes, LX and DX. The LX mode provides stereo audio at the expense of signal quality, while DX mode broadcasts a stronger, mono signal. The iTrip with LCD is sold alongside the 'original' format iTrip.

iTrip with Dock Connector

In October 2005, shortly after the launch of the 5th Generation iPod, a version of the iTrip that uses the lower dock connector was announced, following the removal of the remote control connector from the 5th Generation. This use of the dock connector makes it compatible with 3rd, 4th and 5th Generation iPods, iPod minis and iPod nanos, though the design is targeted primarily at the main iPod line. The iTrip with Dock Connector incorporates an LCD screen as with the iTrip with LCD, and is controlled by a switch on the side. It comes in black or white, to match the colour options of the iPod.

iTrip Auto

In December 2005 Griffin introduced the iTrip Auto. A version geared exclusively to use in a car. It resembles the USB cord that comes with the iPod, but contains the FM transmitter inline with the cord as well as a car charger at the end of the cord. This is particularly useful for long trips and for charging your iPod when in the car without having to purchase multiple adapters and cords.

This version of the iPod also optimizes the audio coming out of the iPod so no volume adjustments need to be made on the iPod itself, thus allowing you to control the volume exclusively through your car's radio.

iTrip for nano

Also in October 2005, a version of the iTrip designed exclusively for the iPod nano was announced. It connects to the iPod nano via the dock connector and headphone socket on the base in a 'sled' design - the iPod nano sits in front of the main body of the iTrip which is roughly the same shape and size as the iPod nano itself, and extends underneath it to connect to the base. The iTrip's settings are controlled onscreen with the iPod itself. A USB port is also included on the base to allow charging/syncing without removing the iTrip. This iTrip also introduces a 3-station memory, a Japanese frequency mode and dynamic volume control branded SmartSound.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for ITrip ]