I am about to violate the DMCA. Maybe.

[elfs]

Apple tells you that the video IPod can be hooked up to your television for composite output, but you have to buy the composite output cable from them. The normal three-prong composite video outputs from the camcorder don't work, they insist. They'll sell you one for $20.

Or, for $10, you can go to Radio Shack and buy a C/V Output cable, because they will work. Except (and here's the annoying part!) the red prong is video (yellow socket), the yellow prong is left audio (white socket), and the white prong is right audio (red socket).

How's that for "proprietary technology"? Since it's a violation of Apple's DRM Policy to use the iPod in a manner inconsistent with their dicta, I've probably just violated the DCMA by telling you this, right?

Comments

[rapier.livejournal.com]

Well, unless this were a fictional tale about some Bizarro Elfs with an alternate universe iPod. I've always liked your writing. It's very entertaining. :nods:

[leethomps.livejournal.com]

Nuts to the DMCA :P

[hastings1066.livejournal.com]

So paint the tips the "wrong" color. Then you are modifying preexisting technology to abide by the protection algorithms defined by the manufacturer. ;)

[gromm.livejournal.com]

I laugh every time I see a wire for anything more than $10. Hell, that's probably way overpriced too. They probably manufacture them for about $0.05 each.

[antonia-tiger.livejournal.com]

There can be some differences, but the cable itself is still an insignificant part of the cost.

I take it that, by "prong", you mean the ordinary RCA/Phono plug. The difference between cheap and good plugs, as retail components, is more than a five-metre length of good co-ax costs.