When Apple introduced the new generation iPod’s, they crippled the video output system that had been in use since the first video capable player. In the past you simply plugged a $5 cable into the headphone jack, and could plug your iPod into a video source.

Then Apple removed that option, and made things worse by adding a special "authentication chip" in their  video cable that would prevent any old cables from working with the new devices.

When Apple introduced the iPod Classic, the iPhone, the iPod Touch and the new generation iPod Nano, every existing video accessory stopped working.

And of course, until recently this "authentication chip" was only available in the original ($50) Apple cable.

The new Dealextreme Premium Plated AV Cable for iPhone and New iPods shaves more than $30 off the price of the Apple cable, and ships from Hong Kong for just $18.31.

Thanks to these creative Chinese manufacturers, it’s now even cheaper to plug your iPod/iPhone into the hotel TV and watch some decent stuff!

Update: Delextreme have updated the page and have removed the iPhone compatability from the list.