DLO's new HomeDock is one of those accessories. Built to fit most any full-sized iPod or iPod nano, the HomeDock combines versatility and simplicity with a sharp design that makes it a winner. If you're looking for a way to integrate your iPod into your home entertainment center, particularly if you've got a newer iPod or nano that features photo and/or video playback, the HomeDock is well worth a look.

DLO sent us a review sample and I've been testing it out for the past couple of months with great results. At first look the hundred dollar price tag seemed a bit steep, but then I considered what it would cost to piece together HomeDock's functionality (line-level a/v out via RCA and S-Video, USB dock, charging dock with AC adaptor, IR remote control) with other accessories from the Apple Store's. I'd need an Apple Universal Dock, $39; USB Power Adaptor, $29; Apple Remote, $29, and; Apple AV Cable, $19. That's $116 so far and I've got four separate devices to deal with and no S-Video out anywhere in the mix. Suddenly, $99.95 for the HomeDock doesn't sound so bad (compare prices at pcprices.net).

Works Good, Looks Great
The HomeDock comes with a base module, remote control, six-foot a/v cable with RCA connectors, six-inch RCA-to-minijack adapter, AC power adapter, and user's manual. Set up is simple, and HomeDock works exactly as advertised. Music sounds great run through the dock's stereo RCA-out jacks into my Onkyo receiver and Energy speakers, my Tivoli Model Two stereo radio, and my Altec Lansing powered speakers. The line-level audio connections are of the variable sort, enabling your iPod's volume to be controlled from the included remote (as opposed to only from your stereo/powered speaker's controls). Audiophiles will likely be disappointed by this, as it means an audio signal of slightly lesser quality than a fixed line-level output would provide. For most people, however, the difference will be both negligable and offset by having a volume control alongside the other iPod controls on the remote.

Photos and videos look very good, as well, played through either the composite (RCA) or S-Video out jacks to my TV set. The USB 2.0 port lets me sync to my iBook with a standard USB cable, and the included AC adaptor keeps my iPod charged while its docked. On the one hand I'm annoyed that Apple no longer includes an AC adaptor with new iPods. On the other hand I was thrilled to buy a 5G model with 50% more capacity (and a smaller overall size) than the previous generation iPod. Either way, it's nice when aftermarket accessories include an AC adaptor as part of the price tag. In this regard, the HomeDock is quite handy - I''d be pretty inclined to spend $100 on all of this functionality before I'd drop $29 for an iPod USB power adapter by itself.

What really makes HomeDock shine, however, is its industrial design. The dock is nearly twice the size as Apple's (or anyone else's) iPod docks at 5.75" x 4" x 1" and finished in black and silver instead of the iPod-standard white (though, oddly, the remote is white with grey buttons). A backlit DLO logo sits in the center of the dock's front panel: it shines green when your iPod is docked and blue when the unit is on but no iPod is detected. Being the owner of a black iPod myself, I really dig HomeDock's look, and it should mesh nicely with most home a/v setups, which was probably DLO's intent in designing it.

The double-width of the dock is due to the iPod connector sitting side by side with a recessed holder for the included remote control. While the whole thing looks pretty cool when both an iPod and the remote are docked, the point of a remote control is to use it, well, remotely, so my remote hasn't sat in the dock since I first set the unit up. This isn't a big deal, but does seem to be a case of form trumping function to some extent.

DLO hit a home run in designing the iPod connector itself. Where most "universal" docks combine a recessed dock connector with interchangable plastic trays to fit iPods of varying thicknesses, HomeDock features a protruding dock connector combined with a support arm that adjusts fore and aft to accomodate iPods of all sizes. The clear plastic support arm sits behind the iPod while its docked; you adjust it forwards or backwards to fit the iPod and then tighten it into place with a fingerscrew. The design also works with many iPod cases so you don't have to remove them for docking. It's simple, clever, and works like a charm.

The tiny remote control works quite well, too. It's not the absolute best iPod remote out there, but it's pretty comprehensive. Controls include On/Off, Volume Up/Down, Play/Pause, Track Advance, Previous Track, Track Repeat, Fast-Forward, Rewind, Next Playlist, Previous Playlist, Shuffle Control, Repeat Control, Mute, and Backlight Toggle. The remote operates on IR instead of RF, so its range is somewhat limited, but it worked just fine from across my living room (just don't expect it to transmit through walls).

Conclusion and Recommendations
DLO's HomeDock is the best docking system I've seen for integrating an iPod into a home entertainment setup. The $99 price tag is fair as compared to assembling a comparable solution from different pieces, but one hundred dollars is still a lot to pay for a way to plug an iPod into a stereo. Still, if you want a dock with USB and a/v connectors and a remote control, HomeDock is the way to go. New iPod owners in need of an AC adaptor will appreciate not having to shell out extra for that, as well.

My only hesitation in recommending HomeDock actually has nothing to do with the product itself - so far as iPod docks go, HomeDock is absolutely top-notch. Before ordering one, though, you might want to consider a wireless audio transmitter that broadcasts via Bluetooth or FM stereo (the latter, of course, will sacrifice some audio fidelity). The one thing that neither DLO nor anyone else has been able to capture in a remote control is the iPod's user interface; it's true that the iPod itself is its own best remote. DLO's remote is pretty good, but it offers neither the click wheel nor LCD screen that make iPods so easy to use. As such, if you're looking for the best way to use your iPod with a home stereo and don't need photo/video-out capabilities, a wireless transmitter is at least worth considering.

The DLO HomeDock sells for $99.99 and is available direct from the DLO website and through online and brick-and-mortar retailers.

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