iSymphony

For owners of the new iPod nano (3G) and the new iPod classic

I have a new iPod nano (3G) or new iPod classic. Is it compatible with iSymphony docking products?

If you have purchased an iSymphony unit recently and it does not appear to fit your new nano or classic, please follow these simple instructions for locating and using the adapter provided to you by Apple:

Locate the adapter that is currently installed in your iSymphony unit.
Remove the adapter from the top of the unit.
Locate the white adapter than came in the box with your iPod nano or classic*.
Insert the white adapter into your iSymphony unit and press firmly to seat.
Insert your new iPod and enjoy.

* All iPod products shipped by Apple include an adapter specifically designed for that model. The new iPod nano and classic come with an adapter that will allow your new iPod to fit securely into iSymphony docking products. If you have any other questions, please call the iSymphony Customer Service Hotline at 877-832-4369.

NOTE: We are working on developing our own dock adapters for these 2 new model iPod. If you would like to be put on a mailing list for these adapters; please e-mail us at info@myisymphony.com.

For owners of the iPod nano (2G)

I have a new (second generation) iPod nano. Is it compatible with iSymphony docking products?

Beginning in November of 2006, all iSymphony products will be fully compatible with the new iPod nano. If you have purchased an iSymphony unit recently and it does not appear to fit your new nano, please follow these simple instructions for locating and using the adapter provided to you by Apple:

Locate the adapter that is currently installed in your iSymphony unit.
Remove the adapter from the top of the unit.
Locate the white adapter than came in the box with your iPod nano*.
Insert the white adapter into your iSymphony unit and press firmly to seat.
Insert your new nano and enjoy.

* All iPod products shipped by Apple include an adapter specifically designed for that model. The new iPod Nano (rounded edges) comes with an adapter that will need to be used for your new nano to fit properly. If you have any other questions, please call the iSymphony Customer Service Hotline at 877-832-4369.

I am trying to watch videos on my iPod classic or new nano (3G) through the video output but it doesn’t seem to work. Why?

Apple have decided to cripple the video output on new nano and classic models unless the docking station incorporates their new “authentication coprocessor”. Without this authentication chip in place, the video out setting on these iPod models cannot be enabled, preventing the user from outputting video to a TV. At the time of writing iSymphony models do not include this technology, however we are working hard to support this feature. This FAQ does not apply to older video-capable iPod models – they are still capable of unrestricted video output as before.

I can’t find the dock adapter for iPod nano (1G or 2G). Where is it?

The adapter for iPod nano (1G or 2G) is already installed in the top of the most iSymphony units as in the picture below. If you own an iPod nano (1G or 2G), the system is completely ready for you to use, right out of the box.

Can I connect devices other than flash drives or iPod shuffle to the USB port on the unit?

iSymphony Music Systems can access and play back music files in MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) formats from devices that support the USB mass storage device standard. This includes:

iPod shuffle1
USB flash drives2
USB flash memory cards accessed through USB card readers3
USB hard disk drives4

Additionally, M2/M210 can access media files including JPEG images and MPEG video from the above media devices. Please refer to your user manual for details.
Devices that require FireWire connection or multiple USB ports for power are not supported.

1 Please see the FAQ below about iPod shuffle for more details
2 Compatibility with all USB flash devices is not guaranteed
3 Compatibility with all USB card readers and flash memory devices is not guaranteed
4 This unit will work only with hard disk drives that conform to the USB mass storage standard, use one USB port for power and data connection (combined), that do not exceed the power rating of the USB port on the unit (500mA at 5V), or have a separate power supply.

Are iSymphony models compatible with iPod shuffle?

iSymphony products offer limited compatibility with both the original (white, first generation) iPod shuffle and the newer second generation model.

First Generation shuffle: You may play back music stored on your first generation shuffle though the USB port only if it is in MP3 format. Songs purchased from iTunes, songs in Sony ATRAC format, or songs purchased from some online music retailers cannot be played. To enable playback, it may be possible to convert your music to one of the playable compressed formats, or burn it to an audio CD, depending on the DRM restrictions. If you wish to play back songs that you have stored on your iPod shuffle, please refer to the user manual for instructions on connecting the shuffle’s headphone output jack to the system’s AUX IN inputs.

Second Generation shuffle: Second generation shuffle is not compatible with iSymphony models for music playback through the USB port. If you wish to play back songs that you have stored on your iPod shuffle, please refer to the user manual for instructions on connecting the shuffle’s headphone output jack to the system’s AUX IN inputs.

When I connect a USB flash drive or SD/MMC/Memory Stick card, I can’t seem to play back the songs on the device. What am I doing wrong? (M2 and M210 only)

The LCD screen on M2/M210 displays track information in a very simple way. All the files on the disk are considered “tracks”, regardless of the folder structure on the disk. Only those in supported formats (MP3, WMA, JPEG, MPEG) can be played, showing up as track numbers on the LCD. When the disk is first connected, M2/M210 reads the file structure and finds the first playable file. Playback will proceed from this point if you press PLAY.

If you connect a disk that has multiple file formats, for example music and images, the best way to manage playback of the files you want is by connecting a TV. This will allow you to view the on screen display, providing a complete view of all playable files and folders on the connected disk and allowing easy navigation. It will also allow you to see images and MPEG videos as they are played. Please refer to your user manual for instructions on connecting a TV, accessing media devices and for information about using the on screen display.

I can’t power my iSymphony unit on. What’s wrong with it?

Occasionally irregularities and power spikes can interfere with your unit. Please unplug the unit from the wall, wait at least 30 seconds and reconnect it. The problem will be resolved.

I don’t hear any sound from my iSymphony unit (one or both channels). What am I doing wrong? (M1 and M2)

Check that the speaker wires are connected properly – you need to make sure that the metal part of the speaker wire makes direct contact with the metal contact point on the speaker terminal. If you have pushed the speaker wires too far into the unit, the plastic insulation on the wire may be preventing electrical contact.

I am trying to connect my TV to M2/M210 using the Component Video connections. The colors of the cables and connectors on my TV don’t seem to match what it says in the user manual.

If your TV has only red, white and yellow connectors you do not have component video inputs, only composite video inputs. Please connect the yellow “VIDEO” connector on your TV to the yellow “VIDEO OUT” connector on the back of the iSymphony unit.

If your TV has green, blue and red connectors, you have component video input and you may connect the TV to M2/M210 using the component video outputs on M2/M210. Please use the included multifunction cable to connect like colored connectors on the TV to those on the M2/M210, then follow these instructions for setting up the unit to work with the component outputs.

I want to use the iSymphony unit to drive speakers other than those you supplied. Is this OK? (M1 and M2 only)

We do not recommend using speakers other than those provided with the unit. By using unapproved speakers you risk damaging the unit by overloading the internal amplifier. Use of unapproved speakers may void your iSymphony warranty.

Can I connect more than one pair of speakers to the iSymphony units? (M1 and M2 only)

No, you should never connect extra speakers to the system. By using adding extra speakers you risk damaging the unit by overloading the internal amplifier. Connection of additional speakers may void your iSymphony warranty.