For clients that want a quick and simple iPod to receiver hookup, I use the Onkyo DS-A1 that works with the Onkyo and Integra remote control.

[Link: onkyousa.com]

I want a workable solution for non Onkyo/Integra customers and wondered if anyone has tried the Kensington deal? It's IR and not RF like some are. I know none of these is a high ticket item, but just need a quick add-on for people who don't want docks in walls and all the bells and whistles.

[Link: us.kensington.com]

I've done a few of these. They get the job done. A little tricky to get an mx-850 to learn the codes. Quick button pushes & wave the remote up & away.

Works great, but learning is tricky.

Mike

[Link: dlo.com]

Have you used DLO products? On-line only or do they sell to dealers?

I'm not sure if they sell to dealers. This stuff is such low margin/price that i just buy on line from DLO or from a local retailer.

I've been pretty happy with everything I have seen from them, and hope that this dock is a good bet. I have about five spec'd in jobs that have already been installed...all provisioned for the dock when it ships

DLO is available in Canada from Erikson Consumer. I'm waiting anxiously for the new product to come out. Anyone know when it will be available? The similar product from Griffin Technologies has been pushed to May.

I've played with the Kensington 33164 a bit and think it will be great for basic installs. Just play, pause, skip forward and back....for clients that just want their playlist to start. Will be watching for the DLO and any feedback from you all (howdy, pardner).

I've learned the codes into the IR PRO for RTI use and then copied it thru ProntoEdit to make it a URC device I can import. It works really well with both remotes. Sorta eye catching for the client, too.

Update: The Kensington has the advantage of being able to be given a PLAY command from a smart remote or keypad and go right into play. The DLO HomeDock Deluxe seems to have to go thru the menu to get it playing. In some situations it's nice to be able to just hit play. I think the DLO can be toggled to iPod mode and possibly do a play command (haven't tried it - why have the dock and not see video on your TV; plus that toggle command will get it out of the mode you will normally want to leave it in).

The HomeDock deluxe does the iPod menus onscreen with a composite or S-Video feed to a monitor. It does have a couple shortcomings as others have noted: Toggle mode switch being the major; no discrete power (workaround with RTI sensors), etc.

Now Kensington has jumped up and is offering an Entertainment Dock 500 which will display videos and pics from video iPods to your TV. It does not display music track info like the Home Dock Deluxe, plus they have gone to an RF remote control (the stereo dock uses IR), which makes it unusable as an integration tool.

If you don't care about track and music info on your TV, the Kensington is a decent choice. The HomeDock Deluxe is for displaying all your music, playlists, etc and navigating on screen, at a little higher cost.

Hope the info is of some value to you.