By: Russ
Ofcom 1, Citzen-Consumer 0
Macworld is reporting that Ofcom believe that iTrip and similar FM-adaptors for the highly popular Apple iPods are illegal under U.K. laws pertaining to pirate radio stations.
I’m posting this, not for the obvious reason (Why isn’t Ofcom permitting iTrips?), but because of what we often see in these types of stories: An Ofcom spokesperson is quoted (or an Ofcom decision is mentioned) and the Ofcom website has nothing. If Ofcom intends to crack down harshly on what is otherwise perceived to be a harmless consumer device, it owes the citizen-consumer at least a news release. This is particularly true because it appears that Ofcom issued some form of advisory opinion on the matter.
In the absence of an official Ofcom pronouncement on these types of matters, the public is left with third-party reports, which are not always completely accurate, particularly with respect to legal issues.
Dec 9th 2004
As a vendor of ipod accessories http://www.ipodworld.co.uk , we have been approached by Ofcom to cease trading in the iTrip - which we will. This is a typical case of Ofcom wasting public money to clamp down on a completely harmless yet wonderful device. UK vendors will now be replaced by US-vendors, and the consumer will pay ridiculous shipping costs, get stung for VAT they weren’t expecting, and have little or expensive redress for support and faulty product replacement. Well done Ofcom.
Dec 12th 2004
As a user of an iTrip I would be very surprised if they do infact cause interference. My own tests have shown the range of these type of devices is very limited indeed. To use it successfully in my car I have to place the iPod fitted with the iTrip next to the window aerial. Otherwise normal radio stations just come right over the top of the iTrip signal.
I beleive there will be some form of European standard for such devices before very long, this will ensure that these low power transmitters listen on the channel before they transmit, in doing so they will pick a ‘clear’ channel. The use of RDS would also allow the car radio to automaically find the new type of iTrip.
Yes such a low power transmitter would be more expensive than the current models, but they would be easier to use, and I’m sure it would keep the likes of Ofcom happy with this ‘fear’ of interference which just isn’t there in reality.
How many cars these days are fitted with a cassette player, not many, even less have audio in sockets. Yes there are wired solutions available for the iPod, but at quite inflated prices compared to the iTrip (and other similar devices) which are of course much more portable between cars.
Why would someone use an iTrip in a house? No point… so the risk to your next door neighbours Radio 4 listening is hardly at risk.
But I agree with your report why haven’t Ofcom prenounced on these officially…
Dec 9th 2005
At 12:06 AM, Anonymous said…
> Why would someone use an iTrip in a house? No point…
There is plenty of reasons to use an iTrip round the house, e.g. listening to your iPod in the bath or shower using a cheap battery operated FM radio. Listening in the kitchen using the existing kitchen radio. It’s a matter of convenience.
> so the risk to your next door
> neighbours Radio 4 listening is
> hardly at risk.
You just find a frequency which isn’t in use in your area, because Radio 4 etc. is going to cause interference to your iTrip/iPod listening.
Feb 24th 2007
I cannot belive that this was illegal for so long it just did not make sense, I sell these on my site as well. Its nice we can now sell these without Ofcom sending letters all the time http://www.easyishop.co.uk
Feb 24th 2007
That was a crazy rule we also are now selling these although we are a new site luckily ofcom wont chase us I bet that was not fun at all. We now sell the itrip at http://www.pulsetechnology.co.uk