Customer Reviews

Sony Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter for iPod (Black)

5 star:		(152)
4 star:		(45)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

If you're looking for info on how well this works with headsets, I'm sorry to say that I don't own a BT headset (yet). This review focuses on the transmitter in conjunction with a Sony BT receiver that I use to connect my iPod to my home receiver, since that was the primary reason that I got one of these. But hopefully you'll still find something useful.

First off, Amazon's two sentence product description is a bit too brief, so here are some specs from the packaging:

Communication System:
- Bluetooth Specification version 2.0 + EDR
Output:
- Bluetooth Specification Power Class 2
Maximum communication range:
- Line of Sight approx 10m (30 ft)
Freqency band:
- 2.4 GHz band (2.4000 GHz - 2.4835 GHz)
Modulation method:
- FHSS
Compatible Bluetooth Profile:
- A2DP, AVRCP
Supported Codec:
- SBC
Supported Passcode:
- 0000, 1234, 8888
Terminal:
- iPod connector

Compatible iPod models (official):
- iPod nano 1st generation
- iPod nano 2nd generation (aluminum)
- iPod mini 1st generation
- iPod 4th generation
- iPod 4th generation (color display)
- iPod 5th generation (video)

Although the compatibility list does not mention it, this add-on definitely works with the iPod classic, because that's what I'm using. The terminal is the current standard 30-pin connector, so if your iPod is more recent than the above list, chances are that it will probably work... but I can only speak for the classic.


CONTENTS:
The package comes with:
- iPod Bluetooth transmitter
- manual
One funny note regarding the packaging: I couldn't believe how HUGE the packaging was for such a small item!! The main photo on the package depicts an iPod with the transmitter cleverly placed in view right below the iPod photo, where it would plug in. It certainly catches the eye.


USAGE:
It couldn't be simpler You just turn on your iPod and connect the transmitter to the port, and in order to activate it, you set your receiving device into pairing mode and then hold down the button on the transmitter for about 7 seconds until the two devices are paired. That's it.


SOUND:
Overall, I find the sound quality on the receiving side to be excellent. I base my opinion on headphone comparisons between:
a) plugging directly into the iPod and
b) plugging into my Bluetooth receiver unit
As far as I can tell, the sound is pretty much identical, although a bit lower in volume, but that may due to my Bluetooth receiver.

For reference, I'm using the transmitter in conjunction with the Sony HWS-BTA2W Bluetooth wireless audio transmitter/receiver as my Bluetooth receiver. Both these two devices support Bluetooth 2.0 and A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). For audio comparisons, I used a pair of Sony MDR-V700DJ Monitor Series Headphones.

One important thing to note is that you cannot control the volume of the transmitted sound. I'm not exactly sure why that is, but it appears to be by design. All your iPod controls behave as they normally do and you can even move the volume slider up or down, however it has no effect on the transmitted sound. Some functions, however, do still affect the sound, such as "Sound Check", "Volume Limit", and all the "EQ" settings. Since these features still work, I'm assuming that the lack of volume control is by design. The volume output is the max allowed by the Volume Limit setting.

My only guess is that the volume control is to be used in conjunction with AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile), but I don't have such a device to confirm. I don't know if this happens on other iPod bluetooth adaptors, but I could see the inability to control the volume via the iPod becoming an issue if you want to use it with a BT headset (unless the headset has volume controls)


RANGE:
The packaging states "Line of Sight approx 10m (30 ft)". I had thought that Bluetooth did not require line of sight, but Sony clearly states so and for the most part, it holds true for this unit. I have tested up to around 25 feet with clear line of sight and the sound remaind crisp and clear. Clothing also did not present any problems. I buried the iPod and transmitter under a pile of ski clothing with no effect.

But once you block the path with walls or other sources of interference, the signal will start to become choppy or completely cut off. Be warned that your body can also block the signal. Cupping my hands completely around the transmitter would pretty much turn the signal to crap beyond only a few feet from the BT receiver. In most cases, as long as I'm witin a one or two feet, the signal still comes through, but the more I block the signal and the further I go, the more the signal would degrade, as is to be expected.

As far as home use goes, as long as I'm in the same room and not actively trying to block the signal, I haven't had any problems.


DESIGN:
The design is about as simple as you can get. It has a single big button in the center, which you can use for various functions (turning on/off, pairing) and a bright blue light which signals the unit's activities. It is completely powered by the iPod, so no extra power supply or battery is required.

I have seen similar Bluetooth attachments for the iPod which are little blocks the same width as the iPod. Personally, I prefer the small design of the Sony. One major factor that I like about it is that I can plug it into my iPod without removing it from its protective case. I use a leather casing by INCASE which only leaves me an opening for the 30-pin connector at the bottom.

My main pet peeve that I have about most block adaptors is that while they may blend better with the iPod in overall shape, there aren't any cases (that I know of) available that fit an iPod WITH attachments, so if you use a case and want to connect something, chances are you'll have to remove the iPod from its case before plugging in your accessory. The Sony might make for an odd shape, but for my purposes at least, it works better and I think that it still looks pretty slick.

One thing that Sony could have added, however, is a locking clip for the transmitter. The transmitter sits pretty snugly and doesn't feel like it'll fall out by accident, but it would have been nice to have that extra sense of security.


CONCLUSION:
The unit is a bit pricey, but overall I'm quite satisfied with its functionality. The sound quality is good and for my purposes, I haven't had any problems with signal strength.

As an aside, my primary goal was to connect my iPod to my home speaker system. I was originally looking at the iPod Universal Dock, but found it to be completely worthless, since the remote control could only play/pause/skip prev/next and control the volume. For actually selecting music, I still had to go up to the dock in order to browse for my music. And who wants to get up to change music anyway? :)

Using this Bluetooth setup, I can now use my iPod as a fully functional "remote" (except for volume) and have my music come out of my main speaker system. I do wish I could have the option of charging my iPod while it's broadcasting (since the charging port is occupied by the transmitter), but the fact that I can keep my iPod in its protective case and the nice compact size and look of the transmitter makes for a decent tradeoff. Bottom line: If you have a nice home speaker setup, I totally recommend going this route!

**UPDATE 12/13/2007**
Just a few more quick notes and clarifications (as if this review wasn't long enough, eh?) since I've been using it for about a month now... and I still LOVE this device!

Usage:
I should clarify my above comment that it only requires pairing with your receiving device ONCE (like most BT devices). After the initial pairing you can unplug it and only plug it back into the iPod when you want to use it. If you're near your previously paired receiving device, all you have to do is plug the transmitter into your iPod and hit play, and the receiver should immediately pick up your audio signal. To preserve battery life, the iPod transmitter only transmits if you're actually playing music, which is pretty good.

Lack of volume control:
After having read other reviews for similar attachments, the fixed volume output appears to be normal. For my purposes, it would have been nice if I could have controlled volume directly from the iPod, but I'll live. At least I know that it wasn't necessarily a design-flaw in this particular device.

If you've tried another Bluetooth transmitter for your iPod, you may be stunned at just how small this one is (see my product picture relative to coins).

As others have said, it pairs very easily and since it draws power from the iPod, it doesn't require charging.

Some additional notes:

The size of the button is very convenient for any size fingers (many units feature extremely small buttons).

The unit fits securely in the iPod and does not break connection if you shake the iPod, and I mean SHAKE it. Great even for robust exercise.

The power it draws from the iPod is minimal, having only a negligible effect on the battery charge. In this configuration, it outlasts the charge of my Motorokr S9 Headphones

The sound quality is excellent. My previous Bluetooth transmitter was never so clear.

The range is the best I've come across for a Bluetooth device. As an experiment, I connected the device to my iPod in my bedroom and then went downstairs to do some laundry. The sound was clear and uninterrupted until I got to the laundry room door, about 30-35 feet from my iPod.

You really can't go wrong with this unit. It's more expensive than some of the others, but you'll love the convenience and level of performance.

This Bluetooth adapter does work with the iPhone in spite of the message you get when you plug it in. The message states that it doesn't and asks you if you want to switch to airplane mode. Just answer no and continue. The key to getting it to work is to start whichever application you are using to play before you plug in the adapter. My only problem is that occasionally if I'm moving with the iPhone on my belt, the sound will "cut out" for a second.

I just received my iPhone 3G this week, and like many people, I was extremely unhappy that it did not come with Bluetooth support for my Motorola S9 stereo headset. For the life of me, I can't figure out why Apple chose not to support the Bluetooth A2DP standard. I expected more from a company on the leading edge of digital stereo and smart phone integration.

Fortunately, Sony came to the rescue with their TMR-BT8IP Bluetooth Transmitter. This small device plugs into the iPhone 30-pin connector and gets power from it, so there is no charging necessary (very nice). It comes in black or white, so it matches the current iPhone colors nicely. Sony Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter for iPod (White) Sony Bluetooth Wirleless Transmitter for iPod (Black)

I have been using the Motorola S9 with my Samsung Blackjack for about a year and half, and I love it. I have become hooked on listening to high quality stereo with no wires to get tangled. As an added bonus, you can pick up phone calls without missing a beat, and even redial without touching the phone. Motorola MOTOROKR S9 Bluetooth Version 2 Wireless Stereo Headset for Cell Phone

Getting everything to play well together was a pain, but now that it's working, I'm a very happy with Sony, and Motorola, but still annoyed with Apple! Apple fumbled the ball here, which added an unnecessary $60 expense to the iPhone along with hours of frustration...

Hopefully, the following instructions can help mitigate some frustration for other buyers of iPhone.

The trick to getting everything to play together is to recognize that the iPhone's built-in Bluetooth is used to control the phone features of the headset, and the Sony Bluetooth transmitter is used to control the stereo music features of the headset. You must pair the headset with the Sony transmitter first, and then pair the headset with the iPhone.

1. Turn off Motorola headset
2. Turn on bluetooth on iPhone
3. Plugin Sony to iPhone
4. Answer no to the iPhone Prompt "This accessory is not made to work with iPhone" - this comes up every time :(
5. Press and hold Sony button for 7 seconds until blue LED flashes quickly
6. Press and hold Motorola headset power button until blue LED goes solid
7. Sony and Motoorla will automatically pair
8. Stereo music should now be heard on headset
9. Press and hold Sony button for 3 seconds until it tops playing music
10. Unplug Sony transmitter from iPhone
11. Turn off Motorola headset
12. Use iPhone Bluetooth control to start scanning for devices
13. Press and hold Motorola headset power button until blue LED goes solid
14. Motorola headset should show up on iPhone as unpaired
15. Pair iPhone with Motorola headset
16. Headset can now answer incoming calls using left ear button or iPhone answer
17. Plugin Sony to iPhone
18. Press and hold Sony button for 2 seconds
19. Stereo music should now be heard on headset

Even I still have trouble getting this script to work consistently, but rest assured, if you're persistent, it can be made to work, and it works very well. It's just a shame it has to be this painful - Shame on you Apple...

I bought this because I had already purchased the Sony DRBT-50 headphones ( which are also Bluetooth ).
I was pleasantly surprised at how easily it paired with the headphones, and how good the sound quality was.
The range seems to be about 20 ft ( unobstructed view ) from the iPod with this transmitter and the DRBT-50s..
( which was also a pleasant surprise, I am used to bluetooth's range usually being about 12 ft or so with the equipment I currently own ) After that range the signal started to drop out.

The device is powered by the iPod, so it cuts down on the playing time of the iPod ( I haven't determined how long it will last yet )

There is no way to control the volume with the iPod or this device, I needed to use the volume controls on the headphones ( which did a good job )

All in all, I am very pleased with this purchase.

Initially bought the transmitter together with some bluetooth headphones for my iPod Video. It can be paired with multiple devices (headsets, a pc, bluetooth stereo input adapter, etc) to let you play your iPod through just about anything. The configuration can even be completely reset if you pair too many items (I did this trying it out). I paired/used it with my Motorola S805 headphones, Sony DR-BT21G's, Jabra BT620s and also with a Dell Precision 6300 (sound through laptop speakers).

The sound is really good for bluetooth with little interference. I always had issues with bluetooth stereo before, so having great results with this even got me to write a review.

I tested it with an 80gb Video, an 8gb Nano and also an iPhone. With this and an iPhone you can get A2DP working (something the iPhone doesn't currently do).

I am able to keep my iPod inside my bag/pocket and control it with a headset remotely (and keep it out of the rain/out of harm's way while moving around). I can also lock my iPod and still fully control it with a headset (tracks, volume, etc). You can also use the button on the device to power an iPod on and off while it's locked. I have taken to placing my sleeved iPod upside down in my bag/pocket to make the transmitter button accessible for this.

My iPod's battery usage doesn't seem to be noticeably less when using the transmitter (I use it all the time now). Also, the iPod will still go to sleep after the normal period of inactivity, but hitting that button kicks it right back on.

The ONLY thing you have to be careful of is that this device sticks out of the bottom of the iPod and is potentially susceptible to damage (it's very small).

Overall a great buy.

I've have had hearing aid for almost 20 years. Phonak has a digital, wireless hearing aid that can play music and phone conversations to the hearing aids through a small device that you wear around your neck called an iCom (not from Apple). The Sony wirless device slips into the bottom of the Apple iPhone 3G and easily pairs with the iCom. You just use: Settings -> General -> Bluetooth, and turn on Bluetooth, and then the device pairs. Like other previously written reviews, you have have to get by the message from Apple that says that the attached device (Sony wireless transmitter) wasn't designed to be used with the iPhone 3G. The good news is that it works.

Phonak isn't much help with questions. They are aware that the iPhone doesn't support music without the Sony wireless device, but they don't seem aware that the thing does work.

When listening to music and you get a phone call, the call rings in your hearing aids. You just press a large button on the front of the iCom device, and you receive the call. The music stops during the call. When you are finished with the phone call, you end the call by pressing the same button again and the music starts up once more.

The Phonak hearing aids and iCom also work well with my iPod nano and the Sony wireless device. Using just my iPhone 3G, I use about 20% of it's battery capacity each day. Use of the iCom and the iPhone 3G with several hours of music seems to double the battery usage. There is still a lot of life left in the iPhone 3G at the end of the day!

Overall I am delighted with the Phonak hearing aids. Using the iCom, Sony wireless device, and the Apple iPhone 3G, I can listen to music, talk readily on the phone, and drive with my hands on the wheel. It's just wonderful for someone who has a very hard time hearing anything!

I've been using this adapter for less than a week now, but I have to say that this is by far the best stereo bluetooth solution I've used with my iPhone (come on, Apple - what's the holdup with native A2DP?). I've tried out numerous other adapters, and have been underwhelmed with most of them. Previous offerings have been so poor that I've returned a large number of them after less than a day of use.

Before I bought the Sony, I had been using TEN technology's naviPlay adapter (no longer manufactured). Although good compared to many of the others I've used, its sheer bulk and the need to constantly charge it (with it sometimes "forgetting" that it had been charged) made it a far-from-perfect solution.

Sony's offering, on the other hand, is about as close to perfect as you can get. It's small, fits in the iPhone's docking port securely (my naviPlay didn't always keep a good connection), and uses the iPhone's battery for power. Of course, using the iPhone's battery raises concerns about having to charge the phone more. So far, I've been able to use my 1st generation iPhone and the adapter all day, without having to recharge. It was ridiculously easy to pair with my Motorola S9, and the range is actually better than the self-powered naviPlay. As is the case with other solutions, there is some occasional dropout when outdoors. This is more a limitation of A2DP, and not the device itself. Its black color makes it very unobtrusive, and its small profile makes it easy to use with a number of different case solutions (something I could not achieve with the naviPlay).

All in all, until Apple finally decides to enable A2DP natively, this is the best stereo bluetooth solution out there for the iPhone.

This is an incredible device! I use it with an Oticon Epoq Streamer and my iPod Nano - it provides so much freedom! I can walk about 20 feet away from my iPod and still hear very clearly. I ordered this device because it draws power directly from the iPod and I don't need another device to charge. The iPod does hold a charge for less time with the device attached but it is well worth it. This device works exactly as advertised - highly recommended if you want Bluetooth connectivity on an iPod.

The transmitter works excellently with the 6th generation iPod Nano. You have only to switch on your headset and press the button of the transmitter to start music. You don't have to touch the iPod at all.

The only potential problem to you is that the transmitter drains the iPod's battery really quickly, in something like three hours. For that reason, I wish the transmitter were actually bigger and contained its own battery. It's surprisingly small and very nice and I like its smallness, but it doesn't have to be THIS small if it has to have this battery problem.

This is something to consider before you purchase this product for the 6th-generation iPod Nano, althouth it's otherwise excellent.