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Sony Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter for iPod (Black) | 
| Brand: Sony
List Price: $69.99
Buy New: $49.59
You Save: $20.40 (29%)
New (6) Used (1) from $48.99
Rating:  50 reviews
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3
Dimensions (in): 1.2 x 1.2 x 0.4
MPN: TMR-BT8iP
Model: TMR-BT8iP
UPC: 027242724327
EAN: 0027242724327
ASIN: B000XRW09Y
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Power supply from iPod no batteries necessary | | • | No cable design using iPod connector | | • | Compact Design |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
This convenient transmitter lets you enjoy your iPod music wirelessly on a compatible Bluetooth sound system. It doesn't use a battery, and draws minimal power from the iPod. Basic functions can be controlled from a compatible Bluetooth headset with AVRCP compatibility. The compact size and simple operation make the TMR-BT8IP transmitter a must-have accessory for true music lovers. It is designed for any iPod with dock connector (30-pin).
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| Customer Reviews: Read 45 more reviews...
 Perfect for connecting your iPod to your home music system + product details November 24, 2007
tearsinraine
62 out of 63 found this review helpful
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.
Great with Bluetooth headphones! December 19, 2007
E. Keighron
14 out of 15 found this review helpful
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.
Tiny Dynamo April 17, 2008
Donald E. Strong (Detroit, MI USA)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
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.
Bluetooth Works Now January 30, 2008
M. Davis (Miami, FL)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
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.
Great Choice January 16, 2008
K. Ozbayrak
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
Not much to add to the excellent reviews before mine: Straightforward pairing with my Sony DR-BT50. No drop in sound even when I step out to the porch, almost 20 feet away from my iPod! Yes, a bit pricey, but well worthed.
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