Lazaris Material Video Ipod FAQs

"To listen to specific titles by Lazaris I no longer have to find the cassette, cd or video, or search for the contents of empty cases in the car or on various types of players. It is all at my fingertips! It is just so very cool."

Kathleen Gulf
Larkspur, CA

Technical Frequently Asked Questions

How to Purchase

Titles Included - Updating with New Titles

Repair & Replacement

Working with My iPod and Computer: iTunes

iPod Accessories and Support

Media Format and Other Players

Adding Music, etc., to My iPod

Tips & Tricks for Using Your iPod

Searching the iPod Lazaris Material

The Easy to Use "Albums" List

Saving Your Place in a Title

Easy Playlists: Nightly Meditations, Etc.

Playing on Your TV & Stereo System

Warning about "Autofill"

Here are some common questions and their answers about this new Video iPod project, which we think you might find helpful ...

A: Allow approximately 2 to 3 weeks for delivery. This will fluctuate some with workshop schedules and activities, but that is what you can expect at this time.

A: Yes, you can. Just contact the office to inquire about setting up a layaway. Just to note: As with all layaways, we will ship you your new iPod after the completion of your layaway payments.

Q: I understand you have to sign a copyright agreement before you can purchase this iPod. How can I find out more about that?

A: That's true. We have put together a basic copyright agreement, which folks need to look over and agree to (reply email is fine) from our web site before we can deliver this delightful, new digital library to you. Here's the link to it:

Q: Where can I see a complete list of titles that are on this Lazaris Library iPod?

A: We have compiled a complete listing of titles for the current version of this iPod. You can click this link and see a current listing.

Q: I hear there are some titles available in the fully loaded Lazaris Library iPod that are no longer available from Concept:Synergy? What titles are these?

A: That's true. There are a number of titles that we are making available on this iPod that are out of print on the Concept: Synergy site. At this time the only way you can get these titles is via this iPod.

Q: How would I get the latest titles and releases onto this iPod? For instance, in the months and years ahead there will be new titles. How do I get those titles on my iPod?

A: You can add new Lazaris titles from the CDs, DVDs (or cassettes) you purchase, or from titles downloaded from our upgraded digital download library. Just as with anything you would normally add to your iPods, you'll need to convert the CDs or DVDs to a digital format first that is iPod friendly and then copy them onto your iPod. With the cassettes you would have to record them onto your computer first and then convert them into an iPod friendly format. If none of this makes sense, then certainly check with your tech consultant or more technically inclined friends about how to do this.

Note: You can now download the latest titles (audio & video) in an iPod friendly format. See our upgraded Shopping Cart.

Q: Why can't I just send you my personal iPod and you fill it up? I have an iPod, why should I have to buy another one?

1. We know the video iPod we're working with is brand new and in good working order.

3. This iPod will play both the audio and video titles we've specially prepared for this project. For instance, only the most recent (5th generation) video iPods will play back the DVDs and videos we've encoded.

4. We don't want to be responsible for your personal iPod with its content. We don't want to be in a position where we could damage or delete the content you have on there.

Q: What happens if I lose this new iPod or accidentally erase the contents? What then?

A: Well, like any other valuable item you purchase, it really is up to you to be responsible for your iPod's safekeeping. But we realize that this is quite a small device, and even with your most responsible handling you may end up accidentally losing or damaging your iPod. (It doesn't float well in a pool, for instance.<g>) If this does happen to you, you will need to pay for a new video iPod (approximately $350.00 plus applicable tax and shipping/handling costs), but we will replace the entire contents of the damaged iPod. Yes, we will replace the entire library of the Lazaris Material that you originally purchased for your iPod at no additional charge. However, we will only be able to do this one (1) time. If it happens again, it will be your total responsibility.

Q: Will you do repairs on my iPod? I have it here and it doesn't seem to be working properly.

A: We don't do any repairs of iPods here. There are terrific resources at Apple's site dealing with that. First, check with your local Apple store, or iPod dealer. You might also do a search on Google for "iPod Repair." There you'll find many companies that do iPod repairs.

A: The iPod is designed by Apple (for copyright reasons) so music/audio titles that are on your iPod stay on your iPod. You can delete titles that are on there, and replace those titles with others from your computer. You probably won't be wanting to delete the Lazaris titles that are on there.<g> But, for copy protection reasons, audio/video material that is on your iPod for the most part stays on your iPod. That said, you can do a quick Google search and find a number of pieces of inexpensive software you can buy that will help you get those digital titles from your iPod onto your computer (Mac or PC).

A: Yes, you can. When you have iTunes open you can double click on the title you want to watch on your computer and a viewer window will open. You can resize that window for your most comfortable viewing. Depending on the graphics card in your computer and the resolution of your screen you should be able to make the DVDs full screen. The original 20 older videos on the iPod will work great at their smaller default sizes on your computer, however, they are not high enough resolution to work full screen.

Q: Do I have to use iTunes to play the content of my new iPod on my computer? I mostly use Windows Media Player (or another player) for my audio and music.

A: Yes. All iPods, for the most part, only work with iTunes. iTunes is a free piece of software you can download from Apple.com, and it is the best software to use when accessing content on your iPod. The latest version can be found at this link.

Q: I have a Mac. Will I be able to connect this iPod to my Mac and see the contents in iTunes?

A: Yes. Your Mac will be able to see and play the contents of this iPod just fine. We've tested them with a number of Macs in our offices and they work seamlessly.

More technically: These iPods are formatted for Windows computers. By default, Macs can read and write Windows formatted iPods via iTunes. Since iTunes is the software you'll be using for managing the content of your iPod - anything you can put into iTunes will transfer to your iPod whether you're on a Mac or PC.

A: Since iTunes is the software you'll be using to view the titles on this iPod - the answer is, most probably, yes. We have some older Macs here in the office (a G4 PowerBook running Tiger, etc.) and they have all been able to work well with the video iPod with iTunes. On the Apple website it states: Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later. Also, keep in mind that these new video iPods connect to your computer via the usb2 port - so just make sure your Mac has a usb2 port. (most newer Macs of the last few years have them.)

Q: Where can I purchase accessories for my new iPod? I want to get a sleeve for it, and I want see what accessories are available.

A: You can find a great selection of accessories at the Apple Store. Here's the link for that section of the Apple site: click here

A: There are lots of resources at Apple.com to learn more about how to use your iPod and how to use the iTunes software. A good place to start is at this page.

You can also click the "Help" link in the iTunes software. Most everything you would need to know will come up for you there, too.

There are now many books out there that will give you lots of information about how to use the various functions of the iPod and the iTunes software. One of the most complete we've seen is called: The iPod Book, Doing Cool Stuff with the iPod and the iTunes Store (4th Edition) by Scott Kelby. You can order it from Amazon at: click here

A: The audio has been encoded to mp3s at 128kps. The 20 videos and 13 DVDs have been encoded in mp4 (video) format.

Q: Can you load the Lazaris digital library onto one of my other digital mp3 players? I have a great mp3 player (not an iPod) and why can't you just load that up?

The longer answer: We're aware that there are hundreds of digital media players out there. Many of the functions are similar to one another, but each has its own characteristics regarding how it handles digital media. So, no, we will only load the Lazaris titles onto an iPod that we provide. The iPod is the best digital device for working with the iTunes software. All of our testing has been with the latest iPods and with the iTunes software, so we know the audio and video titles will play back properly on them. We couldn't make that guarantee for any other digital media device.

A: Yes, you can. Just be careful not to set up iTunes so it erases content on your iPod. One of the common settings to be aware of is to allow your iPod to be "auto-filled" from your iTunes Library. This is a "no-no," as it will overwrite the content you have on there.

When we are loading up your iPod, we turn off this "auto-fill" feature. We enable the feature "to manually manage" your music library.

So, if you know what you're doing, then certainly you can add music and other audio and video titles to your new iPod. Before you do add anything on your own, just make sure you've backed up the contents of your iPod - so if you accidentally delete the Lazaris titles you've purchased, you can restore them from your backup. You can contact the Concept:Synergy office by phone or email and we can send you some links for backup software you can use. You can also do a quick search on Google "for iPod backup software" and you'll be given lots of choices of inexpensive software you can use.

If your iPod gets stuck or freezes up you can always "reset it" by pressing the Menu and the Center button simultaneously for about 5 to 10 seconds. After you do this your iPod will "reboot" itself - you'll see the little Apple logo on the screen and it will come back onto the first menu. So, before you go running to your nearest Apple store with a stuck iPod, try rebooting it first. Most issues you will encounter with the iPod can be fixed in this way.

The Search command is located on the Top menu on your iPod (just click the menu button until you reach the top menu). Select this command and use the wheel and center button to spell out the word you are searching for. The list of titles with your keywords will appear. When you see what you want, scroll to "Done" and then select the title you want. If your iPod is connected to your computer you can do this type of lightning fast searching from within iTunes.

The Albums command is located on the Top menu on your iPod. When you select that, you will see a list of all of the titles, in alphabetical order. When you scroll through this rapidly, the letter of your place in the list will appear so you can find the title you're looking for more quickly.

Q: When I am listening to a title, when I pause or turn my iPod off, will I be able to continue listening where I last left off? Or do I have to start at the beginning of the title?

A: When you are listening to a title, click the "pause" button, and when you resume listening the recording will begin where you last left off. When you are watching the videos and DVDs the same "book marking" feature is in effect. You can begin watching a DVD on your iPod or in iTunes and when you press "pause" you'll be able to resume playback where you left off.

Q. What if I only want to hear one or two tracks without automatically continuing to play the rest of the tracks in the playlist?

A. Though you can easily make custom playlists through iTunes when your iPod is connected to your computer, there is an easy way to make a special playlist on-the-fly, using the On the Go feature on your iPod.

For example: I want to make a playlist of several meditations, say, for working with my Future Self, to play tonight as I fall asleep.

First, I use the Albums list or Search command to find a title, select it, and find out which track is the meditation, usually Side 3 (but you can check by playing a little).

Then, I return to the list of tracks, select Side 3 in this case, and hold down the center button until the track title blinks. I have just added it to my On-The-Go playlist. I continue to add several more meditations in this same way.

Finally, at night I go to the bottom of the list of Playlists, select "On The Go" and I will see my list of meditations. I select the first one and click "play" and drift off to sleep.

Playing on Your TV, Stereo System or Home Theater

Q: I've heard that you can stream titles that are on the iPod to other computers in your house. What does that mean?

A: Yes, you can. You can turn on "sharing" for your Lazaris Material iPod - and other computers in your house (Mac or PC) should then be able to see the contents of that iPod and be able to play those contents locally on those computers. How to set up "sharing" is well documented on Apple's website and in the help file for iTunes.

A: Yes you can. Just keep in mind that these DVDs and videos were created to look best on the video iPod or iPod screen size on your computer. The DVDs can be blown up on your TV, although they might look a bit grainy depending on the size of your TV and how far back you sit for viewing. The original 20 videos will probably look a bit more grainy, but if your TV isn't too large, and you're not sitting too close to the screen, they should come up fairly well for TV viewing.

Various companies sell devices that allow you to play the contents of your iPod on your TV screen. One of the simplest solutions is the AV dock and AV cables that Apple sells, both in its stores and on its website. Most of these packages come with a small remote, so when your video iPod is plugged into their dock, with the AV cables connected, you'll see on your TV what would appear on the iPod's screen.

Here's the link to find out more about these accessories and how to order them: click here

A more sophisticated solution available is what's called the "DLO HomeDock Deluxe." It allows you to navigate the contents of your iPod on your TV screen, and watch or listen to those titles via your TV and/or home theater system. Here's one retailer that currently handles there: click here

Warning about "Autofill"
The iPod has an "Autofill" feature which synchronizes your iPod with your iTunes Library whenever you connect it to your computer. We have it turned off so that it will not erase the Lazaris Material in your new iPod. You should leave this turned off.

In fact, you might want to keep this iPod with its valuable content separate from your day-to-day iPods. For your day-to-day personal iPods that you use for your music and books, you might want to turn "auto-fill" on in order to "sync" content from your iTunes library on your computer. However, you would not want to set up this new Lazaris Material Video iPod for "auto-fill" or "sync," as it will erase all the titles you've purchased and replace them with the latest content in your iTunes library.

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