Eliminating the big clutter of cables has lead to a variety of wireless audio transmitter products over the years which promise to untie your home audio equipment. We will take a look at recent products to see whether they can deliver on their promise to eliminate the cable clutter and we’ll examine how changing technology has impacted performance of these products.
Wireless transmission of music has started with the launch of commercial radio broadcasts several decades ago. FM radio is still popular until today although some newer technologies such as satellite radio and digital radio formats such as HD radio and DAB radio have begun to replace traditional FM radio. Today a multitude of consumer devices exist such as wireless microphones, wireless surround sound kits, Bluetooth audio transmitters, baby monitors etc which eliminate the cord by transmitting audio wireless.
One of the main applications for wireless audio is to distribute music throughout the home and setting up speakers without running speaker cables which is a big problem in homes that are not wired for audio. Not every technology is perfect when it comes to wireless audio as we will find out.
Let’s look at the most traditional technology first: FM broadcasts. FM audio transmitters send the audio by using a high-frequency signal which is constantly changing in frequency according to the audio signal. This method is called frequency modulation or FM for short. The biggest advantage of FM transmitters is their simplicity and thus cost and range. As a result, most of today’s 900 MHz wireless headphones use FM transmission. However, FM has some major drawbacks.
The first is the fact that the transmission will pick up noise and thus there will be some hiss or static. The amount of noise will actually vary depending on the location of the radio or receiver. This is due to the fact that the radio signal is bouncing off walls and will cancel itself out at different locations. This phenomenon is called multi-path fading. Some wireless FM transmitters use two antennae in an attempt to cope with this phenomenon (diversity receivers). In addition, FM transmissions will easily pick up interference from other wireless devices and products.
Bluetooth based audio transmitters have gained popularity recently. Bluetooth is a popular wireless protocol which was designed primarily as an interface between computer peripheral products. Bluetooth audio transmitters will convert the audio signal to digital information and then transmit via the Bluetooth protocol. Bluetooth is fairly robust in terms of interference in is well standardized. Bluetooth, however, has some problems in regard to wireless audio since it was not designed for wireless audio originally. The first drawback is the limited range which typically would be 30 ft or less. The second problem is the fact that Bluetooth does not have enough space to transmit CD-quality audio and therefore the audio is compressed first. This compression will result in a loss of audio quality depending on the degree of compression. The final problem is the fact that Bluetooth will introduce a delay in the signal (also called latency) which is a problem when used together with video since the audio will be out of sync or if used in a surround sound setup where some of the speakers would be out of sync with the hard-wired speakers.
Satellite radio and digital terrestrial radio technologies offer high range but use extensive audio compression leading to degradation of the audio signal and have an audio delay of several seconds.
Newer technologies transmit the audio signal without compression digitally. By avoiding audio compression, the signal will retain the original quality. The audio latency of some of these products is less than 1 ms and therefore these technologies are also being used in wireless speaker kits for home theater setups.
By using error correction, these technologies can cope with interference from competing wireless devices which is crucial in today’s noisy environment. Some transmitters operate at 5.8 GHz. This frequency space is less crowded than the 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz bands thus leading to a further improvement of reliability. In contrast to Bluetooth, any number of wireless receivers can operate from a single wireless audio transmitter which is a concern when distributing audio to several rooms within a home.
Gunter Fellbaum has been involved with designing wireless and electronic devices for over 10 years. You can get additional information about wireless transmission technologies that are being used in wireless surround sound kits and wireless headphones from Amphony’s website.
Acoustic Research WHT6024 Wireless Home Theater Speaker System
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Polk Audio SurroundBar SDA Instant Home Theater w/ Wireless Subwoofer: No Res!! $144.50 |
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Frisby 5.1 Wireless Surround Sound Subwoofer Home Theater Tower Speakers System $239.95 |
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Frisby FS-6400WU Wireless 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater Tower Speakers System $222.95 |
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NEW PANASONIC SC-HTB520 Soundbar Speaker Bar Home Theater Audio Wireless Sub $130.00 |
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Wireless USB Mouse Remoter fo Sony PS3 PC Home Theater $48.00 |
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Frisby 5.1 Wireless Subwoofer Home Theater Surround Sound System w/ USB,SD,2-Aux $219.95 |
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Frisby FS-6400WU Wireless 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater Tower Speakers System $222.95 |
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Panasonic SE-FX65 DVD Home Theater Wireless Speakers System $75.00 |
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NEW Sony 3D Blu-ray DVD Home Theater System w/WiFi, Wireless Rear Speakers $549.99 |
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Panasonic SA-PT750 Home Theater Wireless Rear Surrond System $65.00 |
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Frisby 5.1 Wireless Surround Sound Subwoofer Home Theater Tower Speakers System $239.95 |
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Frisby Wireless 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater System $299.95 |
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Frisby FS-6400WU Wireless 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater Tower Speakers System $222.95 |
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Samsung HT-TZ512 5.1 Wireless Home Theater System $52.00 |
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Panasonic SC-HT441W Home Theater Wireless Sound with 5 DVD Changer $150.00 |
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iOgear GKM561R Wireless Keyboard w/Laser Trackball for Home Theater PC & PS3 $34.95 |
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LG LHB326 Network Blu-Ray Home theater Systems w/ Wireless Connectivity $219.00 |
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Frisby FS-6200WU 5.1 Wireless Surround Sound Home Theater Tower Speakers System $219.95 |
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NEW UNIVERSAL Remote.Home Theater AV & Lighting Control.IR & RF.Wireless Zones $144.99 |
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NEW Sony Home Theater HomeShare Network Speaker, Wireless Streaming Speaker (1) $149.99 |
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NEW VIZIO HOME THEATER HEADPHONES WIRELESS IPOD DOCK XVTHP200 NOISE CANCELING $176.99 |
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Frisby FS-6400WU Wireless 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater Tower Speakers System $222.95 |
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LG LSB316 2.1-CH WIRELESS HOME THEATER SPEAKER SYSTEM ***FREE SHIPPING*** $169.99 |
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Wireless i5 3.33GHz Full HD Multi-Media Streaming Home Theater PC w/Blu-ray $989.99 |
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Frisby 5.1 Wireless Surround Sound Subwoofer Home Theater Tower Speakers System $239.95 |
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Frisby FS-6400WU Wireless 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater Tower Speakers System $222.95 |
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Rocketfish – Rocketboost Wireless Stereo Headphones (RF-RBWHP01) Home Theater $32.95 |
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NEW Aerobeam WHD6215 4-Port WiHD Home Theater Wireless $218.99 |
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Vizio Home Theater Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer (VHT215) $315.95 |
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ALTEC LANSING PT8051 WIRELESS HOME THEATER SYSTEM $274.95 |
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ALTEC LANSING PT8051 WIRELESS HOME THEATER SYSTEM NEW $349.95 |
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ALTEC LANSING PT8051 WIRELESS HOME THEATER SYSTEM $284.95 |
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ALTEC LANSING PT8051 WIRELESS HOME THEATER SYSTEM NEW $349.95 |
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Frisby 5.1 Wireless Surround Sound Subwoofer Home Theater Tower Speakers System $239.95 |
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Frisby FS-6200WU 5.1 Wireless Surround Sound Home Theater Tower Speakers System $219.95 |
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Frisby 5.1 Wireless Subwoofer Home Theater Surround Sound System w/ USB,SD,2-Aux $219.95 |
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Rocketfish RF-RBWHP01 Rocketboost Wireless Headphones Stereo Home Theater Gaming $20.00 |
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Frisby FS-6400WU Wireless 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater Tower Speakers System $222.95 |
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Rocketfish RF-RBWHP01 Rocketboost Wireless Headphones Stereo Home Theater Gaming $19.50 |
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Rocketfish RF-RBWHP01 Rocketboost Wireless Headphones Stereo Home Theater Gaming $20.00 |
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Frisby FS-6400WU Wireless 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater Tower Speakers System $222.95 |
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Frisby 5.1 Wireless Surround Sound Subwoofer Home Theater Tower Speakers System $239.95 |
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Frisby FS-6200WU 5.1 Wireless Surround Sound Home Theater Tower Speakers System $219.95 |
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Logitech diNovo Mini Wireless Keyboard for Home Theater PC’s Bluetooth 920000594 $134.64 |
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Frisby FS-6400WU Wireless 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater Tower Speakers System $222.95 |
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Frisby FS-6400WU Wireless 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater Tower Speakers System $222.95 |
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Wireless 3-D HD Home Theater Server i7 3.4GHz PC w/3D Blu-ray Burner&4TB storage $1,619.99 |
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Frisby 5.1 Wireless Surround Sound Subwoofer Home Theater Tower Speakers System $239.95 |
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ButtKicker Wireless Home Theater Subwoofer System $313.99 1.0 4 W Wireless Home Theater Subwoofer System RF Transmitter and Receiver Mounting Plate with Rubber Isolators Remote Control Amplifier BKA300-4 Cable and Wire Set Standard 5.1 home theater was revolutionary in its day. But as movie makers, game designers and special effects artists have pushed the envelope standard home theater has struggled to keep up. Not any more. By adding a ButtKicker to your existing home theater, you’ll feel the action just as the director intended. Your new ButtKicker wireless kit sends bass accurately, powerfully, musically directly into your couch, chair or seat. The result is a connection to the action that standard 5.1 home theater can’t touch. BK-Kit-4 ButtKicker Subwoofer System The Guitammer Company, Inc Wireless Home Theater Subwoofer System www.thebuttkicker.com |
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3DHD Wireless Home Theater Networking Kit WNHDB3004 – bridge – 802.11a/n – desktop $191.99 The 3DHD Wireless Home Theater Networking Kit features ultra-high Wi-Fi range and reliability capable of streaming HD and 3DHD 1080p videos. It connects home theater devices w |
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JBL 21-Channel Soundbar Home Theater Speaker System with Wireless Subwoofer $499.99 Create a vibrant home theater experience with this JBL SB 300 2.1-channel soundbar speaker system that features dual 2″ midrange transducers and 3D surround processing for lifelike audio. The 8″ wireless subwoofer delivers powerful bass. |
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NetGear 3DHD Wireless Home Theater Networking Kit w/ 4-Ports Switch 802.11a/n 300Mbps WNHDB3004100NAS $199.05 NetGear 3DHD Wireless Home Theater Networking Kit w/ 4-Ports Switch 802.11a/n 300Mbps WNHDB3004100NAS |
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Samsung HT-WS1G Home Theater System $198.99 1 1 Year Limited 1.80″ 2.1 260 W 39.40″ 4.60″ 5.30 lb HT-WS1G Home Theater System Remote Control Amplify your listening pleasure with the slim, compact SAMSUNG HT-WS1G home theater. Difficult room configurations are not a problem the WS1 can be mounted on the wall, with the wireless subwoofer placed anywhere in the room to achieve maximum audio impact. Connect your HDTV our SAMSUNG LED TVs are the perfect aesthetic match then sit back and enjoy the show, enhanced by 260 watts of 2.1 channel virtual surround sound. Amplifier DTS Dolby Digital Energy Star HT-WS1G HT-WS1G Home Theater System HT-WS1G/XAA Home Theater System Not Applicable Samsung Yes www.samsungusa.com |
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Samsung 21-Ch Home Theater SoundBar System with Wireless Subwoofer $299.99 Enjoy 280 watts of impressive audio with this powerful SoundBar and wireless subwoofer. Virtual surround sound eliminates the need for rear speakers for convenient placement in your home. |
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TS5506 – home theater system – 5.1 channel $332.99 Enjoy Blu-ray Home Theater technology. From 3D playback to Wireless access to Video on Demand favorites and social networking. Surf the web view any content from your PC and |
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Yamaha 525W 51-Ch A/V Home Theater Receiver $329.99 Enjoy powerful audio with this 5.1-channel A/V home theater receiver that is Bluetooth-ready for wireless connectivity and Apple iPod -ready for expanded functionality. Four HDMI inputs allow 1080p compatibility for high-quality images. |
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Yamaha 735W 71-Ch A/V Home Theater Receiver $449.99 This 7.1-channel A/V home theater receiver is Bluetooth-ready for wireless connectivity and Apple iPod -ready for expanded functionality. Six HDMI inputs allow 1080p compatibility for stunning image quality. |
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Soundbar 4.1 Home Theater System $399.95 The TH BA1 is a soundbar home theater system that features a low profile 4.1 channel front surround sound bar and wireless subwoofer. This system combines sleek design and simple setup with performance that delivers clear dialog and convincing surround sound. The sound bar is configured to fit neatly under a TV or can be wall mounted. Its front surround technology eliminates the need for rear speakers and the placement problems, clutter and extra wiring that comes with them. A single cable connects the sound bar to a source (DVD or Blu ray player) or TV via each systems’ two digital optical inputs and one analog input. And to further simplify setup, the included subwoofer is wireless. 4 Channel Soundbar 2.4 GHz Wireless Subwoofer 220 Watts Total Power Dolby Digital/DTS/Dolby Pro Logic II Decoders Digital Optical Inputs (2) Analog Audio Input (1) Remote Control |