Quote:
Originally Posted by head_unit /forum/post/18201389
Using the digital output from the iPod requires incorporating a special "handshake" chip into the receiving device. In car audio, a big deal could be made about the interference-resistant digital connection, plus the USB could be used for thumb drives. But in home, generally nobody cares, and it is extra cost.
The chip you are referring to is an
authenication IC but its purpose is primarily for video media as now the majority of music material is free of DRMs. As Apple & iTunes moves from a music fulfilment service to one of video, in order for the studios to release their video content they are requiring Apple to apply some type of copy protection. This is not a major issue for car head units as they largely are
audio based, but it is for home theater AVRs. Also some of the video material from iTunes is actually in 720p but to date and to my knowldge only the latest HK AVRs (2600, 3600) can output this as HD through analog component video...
As I mentioned previously in this thread in their car audio headunits (OE and aftermarket), Pioneer, Alpine, Kenwood and Clarion are all using the telechip solution. As it provides USB input, WMA, MP3, AAC and direct iPod interface.
Just my $0.01..