USB problems: can't get the ipod to play songs when plugging in the usb. also does anyone know if the ipod is supposed to charge if the usb works at all?
1311092
Ummm The usb port is to accept songs from a jumpdrive (USB Stick) not from an ipod. It is not like a usb port on your computer. it is just a simple interface for reading memory sticks. It does not have the power capabilities for charging. If you search jump drive on amazon you will see the device the usb hole is for. again its not like a usb port on your computer... this one is limited... if you want to use it with your ipod you are limited to using the phono cable (headphone jack) and plugging it in that way. Then it only sends the music and all playlist and song controls are done by your ipod. (if you want to skip a song. use the ipod controls to do it... not the FM transmitter).
553657
For iTunes music to play, you need an application to drive it. Since the USB drive doesn't have an OS, I don't see how you can do that. Personally I use an iPod instead just for this.
1317483
I called Apple and they talked me through it..plainly the charger is useless. You can charge it with the little cable that came with your iPod directly through the computer. Hope this helps since we are doing this my husband hasn't had a problem. Apple has the correct charger for around $30..Will be looking into when we start traveling.
306650
Check to see if there is a problem with the cable... if you have the dock try a different usb cable... if both a new cable and the dock fail and it will not charge with the usb cord separately then the unit is most likely broken and needs service by Sony
2253649
I believe that you must use the IPOD 'brick' to charge the unit. A computer USB port does not have the power required to charge up an IPOD.
1539205
I don't have much help to provide...mine works fine with my iPod Nano (4th) and iPod (classic). No issue charging either. I'd try a different aux cable and perhaps another mp3 player and make sure the issue isn't external. Otherwise, I'd return the item for replacement. Frustrating, I'm sure.
1295103
you must purchase an optical audio cable, that is sold seperatly. It took me a while to figure that out. Plus , I have an older Ipod, the one just before the touch and it will not play mine. It does play the newer ones.
735725
Actually, I had not tried it. I use the 3.5mm input. So I tried a generic MP3 player, an iPod Classic, and a USB stick that I dumped some songs onto. Not only does it not auto-play when turned on, I can't get it to play at all! The LED next to the USB port blinks as if it's playing, and stops blinking when you hit pause, but no sound ever happens. Not good. I don't need that feature at all, but I suggest this is probably not going to do what you need. It's a decent enough amp in all other ways - I use it to play my iPod (analog out) in my work shop and it's fine for that. But I'd avoid this amp for anything fancy like you're asking. Actually, I had not tried it. I use the 3.5mm input. So I tried a generic MP3 player, an iPod Classic, and a USB stick that I dumped some songs onto. Not only does it not auto-play when turned on, I can't get it to play at all! The LED next to the USB port blinks as if it's playing, and stops blinking when you hit pause, but no sound ever happens. Not good. I don't need that feature at all, but I suggest this is probably not going to do what you need. It's a decent enough amp in all other ways - I use it to play my iPod (analog out) in my work shop and it's fine for that. But I'd avoid this... » Read More Actually, I had not tried it. I use the 3.5mm input. So I tried a generic MP3 player, an iPod Classic, and a USB stick that I dumped some songs onto. Not only does it not auto-play when turned on, I can't get it to play at all! The LED next to the USB port blinks as if it's playing, and stops blinking when you hit pause, but no sound ever happens. Not good. I don't need that feature at all, but I suggest this is probably not going to do what you need. It's a decent enough amp in all other ways - I use it to play my iPod (analog out) in my work shop and it's fine for that. But I'd avoid this amp for anything fancy like you're asking. « Show Less
1475646
There isn't a dock or usb for the ipod, but I assume if you bluetooth or connect it with a stereo cable it should be fine. I personally don't use an ipod for this. Hope I was of some help.
682435
Sounds like a connection problem if it works some times and not others. I only have a iPod CLASSIC and have never had any problems. Maybe a visit to the Apple Store. Sorry not much help. Regards,Barry
3231
thanks for the reply. I read somewhere that some chargers may break the ipod's batteries, so I wanted to be sure.
219313
from harmon/kardon: The Drive + Play will not charge either iPod Touch. Vu Le Internet Support Specialist Harman Consumer Group Northridge, CA
331809
Actually it is NOT a charging port. I have played songs on the USB but have never divided them into playlists so can't help you there. Sorry
682434
So the music does play rarely? I found my IPOD will not transmit a signal if the inside of the car, the IPod, or the FM Transmitter is COLD. It seems after the items warm up, they play fine. I have no idea if that is the issue with yours being a different Ipod, but since it does work some of the time... maybe it could be your issue... Before I tried keeping the items warm, I would have to go 15 minutes down the road trying to find a setting that would give me the signal. I listen to books from the IPod and I was frustrated to say the least.
1157152
It is SUPPOSED to work with an iPod, but if you can;t get it to work on anything else, it probably won't work on an iPod either.
1209651
It does charge the iPod...but it eventually stopped playing my iPod from the dock after a couple months. Various sites suggest fixes for the error message (device not recognized) that began to pop up, and they worked at first. Finally nothing worked. I believe it is an issue with Apple's not "playing nice" with others--not sure. Regardless, it was nice while it lasted but ultimately a pricey mistake. I would not buy this unit again to work with an Apple product until there is a way to know that all compatibility issues have been resolved. Altec's own web site acknowledges the problem. Check there before buying! It does charge the iPod...but it eventually stopped playing my iPod from the dock after a couple months. Various sites suggest fixes for the error message (device not recognized) that began to pop up, and they worked at first. Finally nothing worked. I believe it is an issue with Apple's not "playing nice" with others--not sure. Regardless, it was nice while it lasted but ultimately a pricey mistake. I would not buy this unit again to work with an Apple product until there is a way to know that all compatibility issues have been resolved. Altec's own web site acknowledges the... » Read More It does charge the iPod...but it eventually stopped playing my iPod from the dock after a couple months. Various sites suggest fixes for the error message (device not recognized) that began to pop up, and they worked at first. Finally nothing worked. I believe it is an issue with Apple's not "playing nice" with others--not sure. Regardless, it was nice while it lasted but ultimately a pricey mistake. I would not buy this unit again to work with an Apple product until there is a way to know that all compatibility issues have been resolved. Altec's own web site acknowledges the problem. Check there before buying! « Show Less
696548
Dunno. I was unable to get this thing to work. Never came through on my iPod. Sits on a shelf. Will send to highest bidder.