Wireless audio is a boon to music lovers. By definition, a
wireless speaker eschews the need for not just a connection to an audio source
(like an A/V Receiver) but also in many cases a
plug having to be inserted into an outlet for supplying electrical power. This
makes the speaker truly portable: take it wherever you want when outside, but
in the home it's huge. The reason for that is most don't want to have to
install speakers into their walls or ceilings or search for places they can be
put where the wiring won't cause complications (anyone who has ever had to try
to run wires underneath carpeting so as to get from one side of the room to the
other knows this). Wireless speakers avoid any of these
complications because of their being self-contained. But that's just the start
of it.
The main reason for the advent of wireless speakers is due to the
means in which audio is transmitted from the audio source to the speaker.
Phones and tablets have taken over, even as laptops
and computers have added themselves into the mix. But for this to work, there
had to be specific technologies created and implemented that could facilitate
the transfer of audio. Or as it is more commonly called today,
"streaming." They are:
BLUETOOTH
The Bluetooth technology allows for music to be streamed from any
device that has Bluetooth installed. Phones are the most common but there are
others too (as noted above). The Bluetooth wireless signal has a short range of
about 33 feet; this is partially designed so as to avoid the possibly of
"bleeding" the signal out too far. The addition of a secure
transmission was baked inside from day one also. Since it first appeared,
Bluetooth has improved in both its energy usage (being a "sipper" of
electricity rather than a guzzler) and in the quality of the audio signal. The
advent of aptX provides for a CD quality audio signal that goes over well when
combined with a Bluetooth speaker that can accept and use
this technology (this being the case now with
the majority of the BT speakers now available). The simplicity of
pairing an audio source (I.e, phone, etc.) with the BT speaker is well understood by users
today as well.
WiFi Networks
Most homes now sport a home network which is driven by a wireless
transmitter allowing mobile devices easy access online. But WiFi can also
be used as an audio transmitter. To do so requires a bit more attention to
detail -- primarily in the scheme of setting up parameters between the audio
source and the speaker through a specific program -- but the advantages are
obvious. For one thing, the audio can be transmitted to a speaker wherever the WiFi wireless signal
reaches throughout the home. The higher bandwidth of the WiFi
signal also has the ability of transmitting audio to a speaker with a high resolution as well.
For the home, the advantages of going wireless (even if AC power
is needed) can not be understated. Wireless audio systems are available from
companies that provide not just the means (i.e., the speakers and technology to
drive same) but also the impetus to do it. Powered speakers can be placed
outside by the pool, the backyard, the front porch. Or the kitchen or even the
garage -- the choices are many and only limited by where you want to hear.
These speakers placed in rooms can create an enveloping sound field to relax or
excite. And best of all, they can be controlled easily and professionally by
the user from a phone or tablet
Wireless speakers have changed the way we
listen to music and nowhere has it been more evident than in the home.
Regardless of whether you are a DIY (do-it-yourself) or decide to have a
professional installer, for example Just One Touch, set up a wireless speaker
system for you, the results will enhance and add enjoyment to your life
through music.
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