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No Video Output on iPhone

It's official: your older video iPod can duplicate many of the features of Apple TV, but the iPhone specifically cannot. There is no capacity for outputting video, via Apple dock, cable or third-party accessory. This means that the iPhone will not be a direct competitor to the Apple TV (good news for Apple, perhaps). It also means that any videos you may have bought a second time or encoded again at higher resolution may have been in vain. And so are your chances of ever bringing movies to your vacation rental, weekend home or friend's house to watch via iPhone.

When you queue up a movie or TV show in the video iPod, you see the options "TV on" and "TV off". If you select "TV on", your iPod screen goes blank and the program starts up on TV. There's a dock with S-Video output, and a cable that you can plug directly into a video output with composite video, plus stereo sound.

It may not come as a surprise that you can't plug in the cable: Apple has notoriously depressed the headphone jack so that only headphones with super slim jacks will fit. But even connected via 30-pin to Apple's own dock and a 3rd party Memorex iFlip, the outcome is the same. There is no option of "TV on," at the start of video play or buried deep within the menus. Thank God the iPhone has a spacious screen, cuz that's all your ever gonna watch it's videos on, ever.

iPhone docked:

iPod docked:

iPhone with Apple cable:

Cable doesn't even fit:

iPod with cable:

4:29 PM on Sun Jul 1 2007
By Wilson Rothman
14,871 views
24 comments

Comments

  • I'm sure is only a matter of time before the iPhone becomes a fully integrated devise. It's pretty predictable that the new iPod will look like the iPhone with the new touchscreen interface, then the iPhone will get some goodies such as video output.

  • maybe rev2 ? oh and add slingbox player too while you're at it.

  • From the firmware they found a device tree listing of tv-out ...

    So maybe it is just not in the firmware right for a later time.

  • Image of AskTheAdmin AskTheAdmin at 05:13 PM on 07/01/07 *

    I dont think so SLOWPC. They are not looking to compete with their own devices. Not going to happen. And we could help with that SLOWPC... :)

    your pals @ Ask The Admin: [www.asktheadmin.co]

  • The Nokia N92, N93, N93i, N95 and others all can have video output for cheaper. Why cant the iPhone?

  • I wonder if that's something that can be added through a software update.
    Also, this is my first Gizmodo comment made from my iPhone!

  • Hmm, glad the iphone has as much functionality as my 200 dollar video ipod. Not to hate, but what an oversight. And why don't people know these things before the device has been purchased? Does apple not release specs?

  • Here's an idea. Just use your video ipod. It's as portable and fits 10x more. Why does the iphone have to do everything ? Will it make my dog shut up at night? Will it lower the toilet seat ? NO how come ? I thought this was the Jesus phone - the device to end all devices! What it can't even transfer files through bluetoth ? Or fast dial ? or connect to 3G? Well then I'l get my hands on as many as I can and talk about it aaalll year!

  • so my question is how did Steve Jobs present the iPhone for the first time on that conference if we could only see the output of the iPhone screen on the projector? It didn't seem like a camera was zooming into it. It wouldn't be so clear anyways.

  • @ Achilles

    I think if you look at the keynote address he says "This is a special iphone" or it "as a special connection" something like that, can't remember the exact words, that enabled it to show it on the screen. I might be wrong, but its worth checking out again if you're really curious.

  • Isn't the Apple TV supposed to accept input from WiFi devices? Maybe it's a stretch, but if you happen to have both the Apple TV and iPhone lying around (you lucky bastards!), try seeing if you can at least get the iPhone to talk to the Apple TV. If nothing else, you can make another iPhone related post with the results! :-)

  • This is ridiculous. Of course its gotta support TV/Out at some point. The main PROBLEM however, is that it cannot simply be "video-out", as it is on the iPod, it really needs to be a whole suite of presentation options, which had to effect release timing. I'm sure people would like to output video from their landscaped applications as well. I was perplexed at first that the iPod didn't simply mirror its screen, later, this made much more sense.

    I think the iPhone should inherently have MORE options, as being able to browse the Internet on your widescreen TV using the iPhone (or at least make records) would mirror the demonstration uses competing devices are able to offer.

    Here's the thing... clearly, if iPhone starts allowing video streaming from an iTunes computer, and if a wireless video-out could be purchased, many people, myself included, might prefer this perhaps even to getting an Apple TV (especially if it supported my current outdated TV). But, I'd more prefer a basic composite TV-Out than wireless iTunes streaming to my iPhone. --but, I'd... um, still like that too.

  • "they don't want it to compete with Apple TV" huh? Isn't that like saying OralB should only make one toothbrush because they don't want the other designs to compete with the original?

    I THINK...with release of Office 2007 for mac you will see a presentation suite, along with better Exchange support. This will allow for video out.

    Even more important to Apple will be the release of iTunes Mobile, buy audio and video via the phone. This move would almost have to allow for video out.

    I sure hope something happens with video out. My ExtremeMac Road Show cable in the car is going to get a lot less use.

  • I already posted laughing about the iPhone. I shall do so again, here.

    Hahahaha! I am SO happy to see the iPhone disappointing. The hype surrounding it was so intense I felt confident it would.

    And all of these reasons are why I knew it would disappoint. I knew, since it was tied to a carrier, that all the nonsense American carriers pull would be present in the iPhone is generous amounts.

    Apple has made an inferior product to protect their own product line and to cow tow to AT&T, who wants to bone the consumer (BT crippled, no MP3 ringtones).

    For that reason ALONE, I want to see the iPhone fail miserably, in the same way the ridiculously crippled ROKR failed. I like companies that look out for me, the consumer.

  • I already posted laughing about the iPhone. I shall do so again, here.

    Hahahaha! I am SO happy to see the iPhone disappointing. The hype surrounding it was so intense I felt confident it would.

    I can't plug the iPhone into a TV? OH NOES! I can't make calls on my iPod either.

    I don't get the schadenfreude-at-any-cost attitude that the iPhone seems to engender in some people, but hey... as long as you're happy.

  • The good news is -
    you can get 30 Rock on your laptop free at nbc.com
    and soak up all its comedy goodness without being disappointed by the iPhone!


    Seriously, though, I still want one.

  • The first pic is amazing! Kudos for the laconic picture!

  • @ SOMETOAST: You misunderstand. I'm getting no joy from the people who bought the phone. I'm waging something of a one-man war against the cell phone companies, and any company that gives us something other than what they COULD give us for profit motives. They should be giving us the best product they can make. I'm enjoying this because I want to see AT&T fail, not Apple and certainly not the consumers.

  • You know what I like? That the Giz reporters are systematically answering all the questions I had about the Iphone, and news about the charateristics of the phone, both good and bad are being being communicated to us quickly and seemingly without prejudice. Cool.

  • It is a shame that you can't watch the videos on your iPhone on your TV. But Apple has to keep some features to roll out with for the 2nd generation iPhone. Otherwise there would be no draw to purchase the upgraded version. As you wait for this feature to be available, why not watch videos on your iPhone that were made for the mobile video enthusiast? Check out zannel.com for tons of great videos that are perfect for a mobile lifestyle.

  • HEY SOMETOAST: The iphone far from lets you down when you get one. And you know you want one. This is why you keep reading and reading about it looking for affirmations of your weak take on the device for which you haven't even tested.

    Prior to owning an Iphone I was a blackberry user. And this device makes me laugh at my old bberry.. I cant even pick it up anymore.

    People remember it is a phone.. a 'smart phone' not alien technology. Everything in it is nothing new or extra crazy in innovation.

    It just a killer little device that's running os x,.. that functions very well with 2.0 web appz, doubles as a video ipod, digital camera, and more.

    Sure there are windows mobile devices out there that do 'more' but they suck as devices 'and yes I have tested a bunch of them' and they are no fun.

    I will say that the iphone is not maybe a great device for the 'power user',.. maybe for normal consumer to light power user.

    I own a web design company and do business on it just fine. There are a couple features that my bberry had that this doesn't that I am fine with.. the trade offs are WAY worth it.

    Why people bitch about ATT is beyond me. All cell companies suck. Whats the diff?

    No video out?.. sure that would be cool.. but if you can afford an iphone you can afford a video ipod or a $99 portable dvd player.. jeesh.

    I think personally when you see iphone users 'complaining' or 'wanting' features they truly are asking for such things because the device is nearly perfect.. people can taste it,.. a couple more tweaks and features and the thing is perfect.

    I was strumming along Giz and saw this post and couldn't refuse.

    If your reading this trying to find a good reason to buy an iphone welp.. you dont need one.. just go to a store and fiddle with one for 10 minutes it will sell itself... then go pick up the nicest Windows mobile device you can find.. the decision will be simple for a standard consumer/light power user... be sure of what you need as a user.


    Oh ya,.. jesus is far from perfect.

  • OK Retards. Read this.

    iPod and iPhone: TV Out support

    * Last Modified on: November 14, 2007

    * Article: 300233

    The following devices have support for TV Out:

    * iPod touch
    * iPhone (software version 1.1.1 or later required)
    * iPod nano (3rd generation)
    * iPod classic
    * iPod (5th generation)
    * iPod with color display (iPod photo)

    Note: Other iPod models may support viewing of photos or slideshows on the iPod display but do not support TV Out.

    The following docks support TV Out when used with an iPod model or iPhone that supports TV Out:

    * Apple Universal Dock (requires either the Apple Composite AV Cable or the Apple Component AV Cable - will not work with the iPod AV Cable).
    * iPod Universal Dock or iPod with color display Dock (iPod photo Dock)

    iPod models that support TV Out can support viewing on a television in several different ways. Use the tables below to see which cables and docks can be used with each iPod model. Check the documentation that came with the cable or iPod for information on how to connect and enable TV out.

  • The Elves were at work this Xmas converting my iTouch iPod into an iPhone... now that I am no longer working at a secure Government facility.

    ;>p At least something good came out of that Lab layoff.

    On the subject of the phone....

    GET the iPHONE!!! It is absolutely fantastic!!! Hands down.... the coolest gadget I have ever used in my life (and I am a pilot who has flown some pretty cool jets...)

    If you buy one, AT&T offers unlimited data/web for $20/month. I got the 8GB version. It now has all of my MP3 songs on it, 4 full-length movies, my full calendar which can be synced with yahoo (I think), and 2 months worth of my email (with multiple accounts... and I can download more if I want). It takes me directly to U-Tube if I want to browse videos. It lets me jump from phone numbers in email to dial them on the phone. It integrates with almost all the iPod crap out there (including my cars). Any voicemail messages show up as a list on the screen and you can see them all like email; and don't have to listen to them to know who called when. You can get full color weather, maps, and web-cam video live from anywhere. It is totally operable with one hand buy using your thumb. Need I say more?

    Ok... not every new airplane is produced with the most powerful engine or best avionics, and the things I would fault the iPhone for are minor:

    1) Bluetooth seems to only work with a mono headset. You can't sync data via Bluetooth.
    2) You need to put a case around it so it won't break if it drops. (no big deal... but be careful when you open the package for the first time. It jumps out of the box and onto the floor... it happened to me... no kidding!)
    3) The camera only takes still shots and there is no flash. (but the pictures are great!)
    4) It does not provide an easy way to tie a safety strap onto it (like most cell phones and cameras have).
    5) It did not come with the video out cable, so I need to go back to the Apple Store... Oh darn... ;>)
    6) I can't type long messages like this without being tempted to hit the phone button on the earphone cable, to just make a simple phone call instead (but I don't know who you are... so this will have to do.)

    I hope they are going to come out with one that acts as a universal remote sometime in the next few months... and I believe it will also support stereo blue-tooth headphones and WiFi audio streaming like the Mac to Airport setups. But until then, I am happy with this one and I'll buy the next one and give this one to my best friend when the new one comes out.

  • Hmm, if it doesn't work, then what is this?

    [store.apple.com]

    "Connect an iPod or iPhone to your television with the Apple Component AV Cable, gather up your friends, and watch videos or slideshows together on the big screen. You can also connect the Component AV Cable to your stereo or powered speakers for a room-filling audio experience."

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