Acme Research cranks up the silly with "LeDoc" iPod rig

There's certainly no shortage of solutions out there for hooking an iPod up to your TV, but Hong Kong's Acme Research nonetheless looks to have found a bit of room for some innovation, although you'll have to judge for yourself if it's an improvement or not. As you can see above, the "LeDoc" (which does appear to be a legit device, despite appearances) employs a video camera to allow for some big screen iPod-viewing, and thankfully includes a remote so your hand doesn't get in the way of the menus. On the upside, that roundabout system does at least make the dock cheaper than some other solutions, with it setting you back an even $100, although it seems you'll only be able to take advantage of it if you have a pre-2007 iPod.

[Via Gizmos]

[Kyle @ Nov 2nd 2007 8:04PM]

Seriously, even if this is different, do we need more iPod docks?

[McCracAttack @ Nov 2nd 2007 8:03PM]

Ahahahahaha-

*GASP*

-hahahahaha!

Seriously though, that must look terrible.

[Carlos @ Nov 2nd 2007 9:08PM]

The camera is used for navigating the video menus of the iPod - currently no 3rd party video dock allows on screen menus for anything outside of the iPods music folder (this is limited on purpose by Apple).

The camera gets around this by displaying every single iPod menu including video on your TV then lets you switch over to the iPod video out for better resolution once the video is playing.

Endaget is really slipping on their reviews - I thought this was a gadget site - way to miss the main reason for this device.

[W00ter @ Nov 2nd 2007 10:54PM]

@ Carlos:

Sorry, you're uninformed...

Please see the DLO Homedock Deluxe. The newest unit even has album art capability and full iPod video menu capability.

[W00ter @ Nov 2nd 2007 10:59PM]

EVERYONE who thinks there is no device that can output the ipod menus onto a TV, please check out the DLO Homedock Deluxe.

The device allows you to navigate every single menu on the ipod and even features album art.

[Carlos @ Nov 2nd 2007 11:33PM]

@WOOTer

you're right - the Video menu option is a new feature to the DLO Home Dock Deluxe - it must have been added in the last month or so.

Make sure to buy the 2007 model - you may need to download a firmware upgrade from DLO to activate the video menu function

[Sirocco @ Nov 2nd 2007 8:21PM]

Why does everything cost some multiple of $100 nowadays? I don't mind getting change!

[meeko @ Nov 2nd 2007 9:39PM]

I would just get the new Sandisk thingy since it has Divx, do you really need to have 80+gigs of Family Guy on hand at all times? Or if I had deeper pockets a 360/PS3, which offers menu navigation of ipods through usb connect, wireless control on/off, plus superior HD output...

Though I must say bravo on one account, FINALLY A DEVICE THAT LETS YOU SEE THE IPOD MENUS FOR VIDEO!!! I never realized how incredibly handicapped the ipod really is...

[Ryan P @ Nov 2nd 2007 8:34PM]

If the ipod is the perfect thing, does that make this the worst thing?

[SteveMB @ Nov 2nd 2007 8:46PM]

HAHA, they're using a 4th generation iPod. Maybe they can't afford a newer one.

[John @ Nov 2nd 2007 8:55PM]

Is it bad if I've used similar techniques (with different equipment, obviously) because I couldn't find the right video adapters?

[Jamie @ Nov 2nd 2007 9:03PM]

That iPod looks like it's doing cardio on a treadmill.

[Jack O Lantern @ Nov 2nd 2007 9:03PM]

you guys are missing the point - Apple only gives 3rd parties access to the music directory of an iPod - so any onscreen menu is limited to the music folder - no way of selecting video on screen with a remote.

This device displays every iPod menu on screen so you can select whatever video then switch over to the iPod video out all without having to get off your couch.

[Lou Brucker @ Nov 2nd 2007 9:56PM]

What do you mean - is there an ipod device that outputs the menu system of the music folder?? thats all I really need and i can't seem to find a device that will do that for me.

[Jack O Lantern @ Nov 2nd 2007 11:44PM]

Yeah man - check out the DLO Home Dock Deluxe or the Griffin Tune Center.

[Len Hat @ Nov 2nd 2007 9:37PM]

Acme Research? Expect it to backfire somehow and melt down your ipod, Wile E. Coyote style.

[ferryk @ Nov 3rd 2007 5:24PM]

More products from ACME:

http://home.nc.rr.com/tuco/looney/acme/acme.html

[Abel @ Nov 14th 2007 11:09PM]

Does anyone know where can I buy LeDoc docking ? I visited Acme Research website and couldn't find the link to place order.