[FRANKe]

I figured this was the most appropriate place to post this - forgive me if it's not.

I was just reading a report from CES about a product by MSB Technology called the "Digital iLink". They mod the iPod to bypass the internal DAC and ouput a digital signal:
http://www.msbtech.com/products/iLink.php

I thought this kind of mod was illegal (violating DRM rules or something).

Anyway, Vinnie what are your thoughts about this kind of mod? Something you could do (less expensive)? Are there any legal issues (and if not, why hasn't this been done before)?

Thanks.

[Vinnie R.]

Hi Franke,

I saw this.  At $2000, I think it is going to be a tough sell for MSB (but I could be wrong on this one, and the concept if very cool  ). 

I posted my thoughts about it here on this 3-page thread:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=215641

Something you could do (less expensive)?

I have no plans to do something like this, and I'm sure it took MSB a lot of time and effort.

For the cost of the iPod and MSB iLink, you can get a RWA modded Olive music server, Nokia 770 to wirelessly control it, and you'll get a lot more for your money (built-in cd player, cd burner, internet radio, use of an external hard drive for more storage, analog inputs for recording to the hard drive, etc. etc. etc.).   

Still, their product is a cool idea and if it was priced a lot lower, I bet it would really sell! 

Are there any legal issues (and if not, why hasn't this been done before)?

I'm not sure about legal issues with doing something like this... I'm not sure what they would be.

Why hasn't it been done before?  Well, you can't grab SPDIF (the digital output format used by most external dacs) directly from inside of the iPod.  You need to take the native data and clock signals before the internal dac and send them to unused pins of the dock connector, and then use external circuitry to take them and processes them to SPDIF. 

Unless this product is really mass-produced, it is not going to be cheap.... and we all know that the audiophile market (which this product is meant for) is not the "mass-market."

Best regards,

Vinnie

[FRANKe]

Thanks for the info Vinnie!

[Brad]

(sorry for the sidetrack)
Vinnie - have you seen the Nokia 800?
Same price, but faster processor/more memory

I also thought if someone could write a custom app for a Nintendo DS light, it might make for a pretty nice remote jukebox controller 

(back to thread on iMod)

[Vinnie R.]

Hi Brad,

The Nokia 800 looks great!

Also, with the new Olive software update, you can supposedly add CD album art files and the Nokia (or wireless laptop that you are using) will show them.  I need to try this out...

Thanks,

Vinnie