So I have been extensively testing my newest gadget – a purple iPod Nano 16GB.
And I was so tempted to have something pretty to look at on it that I just had to get some videos to load onto it. That is when I noticed what seems to be a fairly common problem with these iPods; some of them hang when you try to play a video. Now I am not entirely sure yet what is causing this problem; because other people seem to be watching videos just fine on their iPods. But what it seems to be is: some people with my exact same problem have used the same freeware software to convert their videos into .mp4 files – Jodix. And although the software worked fine for 3rd Generation iPods, the latest generation has a problem with the video files nonetheless.
So here’s a quick fix for when your iPod refuses to respond to anything:
- Switch it on Hold
- Switch it off Hold
- Press the “Menu” and center button together at the same time for around 10 seconds until the Apple logo appears on your iPod’s screen.
This fix resets your settings to the factory default, and doesn’t delete any files or songs on your iPod. Then you can use it as normal.
Because I am inexperienced with the video capabilities of iPods, I was not aware of the fact that apparently iTunes can convert videos into .mp4 as well. So I will try that instead of the Jodix software and post updates as I go along. I am certainly hoping by tomorrow I will be happily viewing videos on my iPod…
odzer Said:
on October 2, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Well it seems you have been really busy playing with your new toy! Try how it goes with iTunes and I am sure that the third party people will have to release a new version of their software soon. I wonder if Apple Jinxed them on purpose? They are good at scuttling third party development for their products. Although I think I do not care about it so deeply as long as the things that they offer are functional even if they are a bit restrictive. A working Apple computer beats the buggy Win. PC anyday.
hedonist666 Said:
on October 2, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Oh yes! And I have managed to try converting the file with iTunes. Not only did it take around 10 times as long, also it came out video only, no audio. Apparently iTunes cannot handle certain types of .mpg files (I read something about mixed video/audio tracks causing the problem..).
But I must admit that the video played beautifully… just the sound missing!
jwny Said:
on October 9, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Guys….surprise, surprise…or no surprise. i have the EXACT problem.
i used to have a 1st Gen iPod video and used Jodix to convert ALL to mp4…worked brilliantly.
I just bought a 4th Gen iPod Nano….it syncs fine…but like you guys…it has frozen everytime i try to play a video, i googled and found this blog. i have NOT played a video successfully…i am unsyncing the videos as we speak. Dissappointed
Anyone found a solution?
Jon
hedonist666 Said:
on October 9, 2008 at 3:26 pm
actually to make matters even more weird, the first time I tried to play a video converted with Jodix and the very first time it did work! Only never again after that. Have you experienced this same phenomena?
And no, I have not found a solution. iTunes doesn’t know how to handle the files I would like to convert. I wish Apple would take some notice and come up with some sort of answer…
Chaosreaper Said:
on October 11, 2008 at 3:05 am
Solution:
Use Videora iPod nano Converter.
I use 4.01but you can use any version
I tested with a few freeware softwares, and all pretty much failed. Including SUPER.
Also, thanks for the quick fix tip. My iPod recently turned off by itself and didnt respond, but this fixed it
J Said:
on October 16, 2008 at 5:19 pm
thank you so much, my ipod nano 4th gen 8gb froze randomly, and i used the reset technique now everything is back to normal
hedonist666 Said:
on October 17, 2008 at 8:34 am
Yes resetting does tend to work quite well.. mine freezes whenever playing videos, and once while charging.
Prince of Darkness Said:
on November 11, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Thank you for the information. The way to reset my frozen iPod while playing a video is very useful. This is a extremely good blog.
I agree that Apple Inc. may have purposely design a program that does not compatible with other available video format made by other digital converter. This is fair enough as we all know Apple is a company that is doing big business promoting QuickTime player (containing the video format converter too if you pay).
Videora iPod nano Converter recommended by Chaosreaper is superb. My iPod nano (4th generation) works well with all the videos converted by it so far. So why not try it out? Chaosreaper has done a fantastic job experimenting with all sorts of converters and I say that his effort is enormous and generous. Thank you, thank you and thank you!
Music and video rules
and we love our iPod.
Beth Said:
on November 30, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Videora worked! thanks a lot guys!
iPod Nano 4th Gen Video Freeze Solution! « Just life… Said:
on December 9, 2008 at 9:37 pm
[...] { December 9, 2008 @ 9:36 pm } · { Misc } { Tags: Apple, iPod, iPod Nano, iPod Troubleshooting } It’s been a while since I first wrote a post about my new iPod Nano 4th Generation freezing whenever I would play any video converted with the Jodix conversion software which is supposed to make video files iPod compatible. Well in the case of the 4th Generation Nano, it didn’t. See the original post here. [...]
Klaus Said:
on December 15, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I’ve actually got another problem: I can convert the videos
I want, and put them on my iPod (4th gen, 16G), but when I
want to watch them, I notice everytime that I can’t see the
extreme borders of the film (thus the elements of the film
that are a bit too much on the left do not appear on my screen)
Can anybody help me?
Josh Said:
on December 21, 2008 at 7:37 am
oh my god i fucking love whoever posted this blog!
the same problem occured with my 4th gen nano and I thought I would have to go through the annoying process of returning or repairing it.
Once again, thank you so much
hedonist666 Said:
on December 21, 2008 at 11:40 am
Thanks Josh,
Did you also see my post explaining how to convert videos properly so they don’t freeze your iPod?
http://hedonist666.wordpress.com/2008/12/09/ipod-nano-4th-gen-video-freeze-solution/
keith brown Said:
on December 26, 2008 at 3:06 am
i jus got a new ipod nano and im havin the same problems every time i get a video off lime wire it seems to wanna freeze up on certain songs not every1 but some any 1 have a solution?
hedonist666 Said:
on December 26, 2008 at 11:41 am
See my comment above. Probably the videos that make your ipod freeze are not compatible with it so they need to be converted to an ipod friendly format.
Jon Said:
on January 2, 2009 at 7:28 am
Happy New Year guys,
Hedonist66 – did you manage to use videora for your ipod?
i kind of got used to Jodix…but will try videora tonight
take care
Jon
Jenna Cricket Said:
on February 9, 2009 at 5:24 am
Wow – thanks for posting this blog.
I was looking for something on problems with my ipod playing videos . Guess what ? I also have a brand new 4th generation nano like some of you guys. I used Jodix to convert my mpeg files and my ipod only played videos 1 / 10 times, freezing the other 9. I am going to try the dvd converter cucusoft.
Versatile Blogger - Me?! « Just life… Said:
on February 16, 2009 at 10:08 am
[...] iPod Nano 4th Gen Video Freeze Problem – (1,575 views) Explains what to do when your 4th Generation iPod Nano freezes upon playing a video. Apparently this is an extremely common problem with the latest little iPods… [...]
Chris Said:
on March 26, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Thanks for the fix, that really helped for my recording project tonight!
Chris
happy ipod user Said:
on April 26, 2009 at 2:46 am
thanks man my ipod is saved
KDub Said:
on June 19, 2009 at 2:25 am
You Rock! My iPod locked up – Apple’s iPod troubleshooting Web site did absolutely nothing… Your steps saved my iPod. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!
hedonist666 Said:
on June 20, 2009 at 5:18 pm
You’re welcome you’re welcome *bows*
Keep bringing on the love!
Autti Said:
on June 21, 2009 at 9:54 am
I Paniced when my brand new Nano froze, but luckily for me i came across this site and im forever grateful
Im a new Ipod user and the itunes application is kind of hard for me to manupilate the full use of this Nano.
Please Tell me more about this device and uses. i use it mostly for my music and audio books.
What else can i do……
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
Aleks and Katie Said:
on July 16, 2009 at 2:01 pm
OMD THIS WEBSITE IS FU**ING AMAZING
THANKS DUDES =]