Here, you’ll learn about iPod video tips and tricks on how I maximise my iPod video’s battery performance, how I take care of my iPod video and how I keep my iPod video up-to-date with the latest software. You’ll find secret combinations I’ve always used to check the integrity of my iPod video and you can use too.

By pressing the correct combination of buttons on my iPod video, I force it to reset, enter disk mode or scan its hard disk. With these secret combinations you can also perform diagnostic tests using the following iPod video tips and tricks..

There are two ways that you can locate what you're looking for quickly and easily here at iPod video tips and tricks...

iPod Video Tips and Tricks #1

How to extend your iPod’s battery life

Battery life means the length of time your iPod video will run before it must be recharged. It also means the total amount of time your battery will last before it must be replaced.

If you want to extend the battery life of your iPod video for any given charge cycle, you can conserve power by following these tips…

1. Use 'Hold' to save battery life

When you're not using your iPod, set the 'Hold' switch on. This will prevent the controls from accidentally turning on. Turn your iPod off if you're not listening by pressing the 'Play' button for about two seconds.

2. Turn off Backlight

If you set the backlight to always on, your iPod’s battery life will reduce drastically. Turn it off when necessary or set it to turn off automatically after 10 or 15 seconds. To turn backlight off go to Settings > Backlight Timer > Off.

3. Turn off Equaliser

An equalizer allows you to adjust various audio frequencies within the sound spectrum (much like the bass and treble controls on a stereo system).

The iPod comes standard with over 20 equalization presets, such as Jazz, Rock, or Bass Booster and thus uses more battery power. Turn off EQ if you're not using it. Remember also to set EQ in iTunes to flat. From the iPod main menu go to Settings > EQ > Off.

4. Fast forward

If you fast forward through your playlists frequently your iPod will be using more power thus decreasing overall battery life. By creating playlists in iTunes, you can decrease your need to fast forward.

Also using the shuffle feature may also help minimise your need to use the fast forward feature. I’ve always used an iPod battery backup when my iPod video couldn’t hold its charge and it has been very useful.

Extra iPod Video Tips and Tricks:

Software updates – Make sure you update your iPod with the latest iPod software www.apple.com/ipod/download. This will keep you up-to-date with new ways of optimising your iPod’s battery performance.

Regular use – For proper maintenance of your iPod’s battery, it’s important to go through at least one charge cycle per month.

iPod Video Tips and Tricks #2

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How to care for Your iPod Video

• Your iPod video is a delicate music player so be careful not to drop it. If dropped it will be scratched or worst the screen could be broken.

  To avoid scratching, use the included cover whenever possible. You can choose from different iPod covers to protect your priced asset.

• Clean your iPod by using a damp cloth and always avoid getting moisture in openings.
• Operate your iPod in a place where the temperature is always between 0º and 35º C (32º to 95º F). Your iPod play time might temporarily shorten in low-temperature conditions.
• Store your iPod in a place where the temperature is always between –20º and 45º C (–4º to 113º F). Don’t leave your iPod in your car, because temperatures in parked cars can exceed this range.
• Keep your iPod at room temperature and do not charge while it is in the carry case.
• Do not leave your iPod exposed in direct sunlight.
• Charge your iPod every 14 to 18 days when not in use. Even when it’s off it is in a sleeping state that requires power.
• If your iPod displays a Low Battery icon, connect it to the Apple iPod Power Adapter and plug the power adaptor into an electrical outlet.

  You may also be able to charge your it by connecting it to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on, and is not set to go to sleep.

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iPod Video Tips and Tricks #3

How to revive your frozen iPod

Your video iPod may freeze from time to time. To resolve this, attach it to a power source using Apple power adapter or connect it to your computer using the high-powered USB 2.0 port. Press and hold 'Select' and 'Menu' for six seconds until the Apple logo appears.

iPod Video Tips and Tricks #4

iPod Video Secret Button Combinations

By pressing the proper combination of buttons on your video iPod, you can force it to 'Reset', enter 'Disk Mode', scan its 'Hard Disk' for damage and also perform a series of diagnostic tests. Here are the combinations...

Reset

Plug your iPod video into a powered device or a high powered USB 2.0 port. Press and hold ‘Select’ and ‘Menu’ buttons for six seconds.

Disk Mode

Reset your iPod video as above. At the Apple logo, press and hold the ‘Select and ‘Play’ buttons.

How to perform Diagnostic

Reset your iPod video by holding down ‘Select’ and ‘Menu’ for six seconds. At the Apple logo, press ‘Select’ and ‘Previous’ until you see the Apple logo reverse and the iPod blink.

Press ‘Select’, and click ‘Next’ until HardDrive is selected. Press ‘Select’ again, and press ‘Next’ to select ‘HDScan’. Then connect your iPod to a power source just before you run the scan as you don’t want to lose battery power.

If your iPod’s hard drive is OK, you will be taken back to the HardDrive screen.

Hard Disk Scan

Disk scanning is when you want to check the integrity of your iPod video’s hard drive. It can take up to 20 minutes when performing this test., so patience is a virtue.

Plug in your iPod video into a power adaptor when you carry out this test so that your iPod video doesn’t run out of juice before the scan is complete.

Disk scanning is accessed through your iPod video’s diagnostic screen (see how to perform Diagnostic above)

Diagnostic Mode

Reset your iPod. At the Apple logo, press and hold 'Select' and 'Previous'.

iPod Video Tips and Tricks #5

How to keep your iPod video up-to-date

Apple provides regular updates for your iPod, making new features available or improving current features. In order to keep your iPod up-to-date, download the iPod Updater from the Apple website at: www.apple.com/ipod/download

This software gives you the option to restore your iPod video to its original condition. Be aware, however, that this function deletes everything from your iPod, so make sure you have backed up all music, podcasts, audiobooks and photos you wish to save.

Once you have downloaded the iPod Updater software, you can then run it to update your iPod to the most recent version. When the software has updated your iPod, you are all set and should be good to go.

To check what version of software your iPod currently has, go to the Settings menu from the main menu and then click on ‘About’. This gives you the version you currently have.

Top iPod Video Tips and Tricks Recommended Book

How To Become IPod + ITunes Guru, Cool Tricks and Tips - A how-to-guide that I’ve used ever since I bought my iPod has proven to be handful. It showed me step-by-step instructions on how to create my own video for the iPod, how to troubleshoot and maximize my iPod battery’s life and much more. This is my top book for iPod video tips and tricks.

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