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JVC rolls out second-gen iPod-friendly TVs

TeleDock TVs get improved iPod integration for 2009.

John Falcone Senior Editorial Director, Shopping
John P. Falcone is the senior director of commerce content at CNET, where he coordinates coverage of the site's buying recommendations alongside the CNET Advice team (where he previously headed the consumer electronics reviews section). He's been a CNET editor since 2003.
Expertise Over 20 years experience in electronics and gadget reviews and analysis, and consumer shopping advice Credentials
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John Falcone
JVC LT-46P300
The JVC LT-46P300 JVC

In 2008, JVC became the first company to offer TVs with built-in iPod docks. For 2009, Panasonic is joining the fray with its own line of iPod-friendly TVs, but JVC is looking to defend its turf with a second generation of models. Among the array of purported feature improvements in the so-called TeleDock line for 2009. These TVs offer better iPod integration (multiple aspect ratios for iPod video playback; iPod charges whether TV is on or off; song and artist info displayed on TV during song playback; photo slide shows from iPod or USB drive can be displayed during music playback) as well as better integration with connected PCs (sync iTunes with a docked iPod via USB; powering up the PC will automatically activate the TV).

As for the TVs themselves, all are LCD models that support 1080p native resolution and control of the iPod from the TV remote. The line includes five models ranging in screen sizes from 32 to 46 inches: the LT-32P300 (32-inch screen); LT-42P300 (42 inches); LT-46P300 (46 inches).

If the idea of having your iTunes content on your TV is appealing, just remember that you can achieve the same result on any TV for under $250 by connecting something like a DLO HomeDock HD or an Apple TV.