A few companies have tried to improve the iPod experience with wireless remote controls and Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) recently joined the fray with the iDirect infrared remote. The iDirect consists of two separate parts: an infrared receiver unit that plugs into the top of the iPod and a small, five-button remote. Like many other iPod accessory manufacturers, DLO successfully employs the basic look of the iPod with a white and gray design and rounded edges. The receiving unit fits well on the top of the iPod with a short height and a width slightly smaller than the iPod itself. Since the iDirect receiver covers the top of the iPod almost completely, the hold button is unusable (although you shouldn’t need a hold button if you are planning on using a remote control) while the receiver is attached. DLO has included a headphone jack in the top of the iDirect to replace the one that is covered.

The functionality of the iDirect remote is basic, duplicating the buttons of the Apple wired remote. Included functions are power on/off, play, pause, volume up, volume down, next song, and previous song. This limited functionality is perhaps the biggest drawback of the iDirect (and other iPod remotes as well) since there is no function to switch between albums or playlists. The usefulness of the iDirect remote is further reduced when integrating your iPod into a home audio system through the dock line out since the volume controls on the remote don’t work with line out.

Read more at MediaBlab.com.