Home Theater with Wireless Speakers
The tangled wire mesh is a big problem when you buy a home theater system. You have to drill holes and conceal the wires, which is highly inconvenient. A wireless home theater system helps you get rid of this mess of wires that connect the speakers to the base system. Both the audio and video systems are available with wireless speakers. The surround sound speaker wires have to trail through the whole room. However, the wireless technology eliminates this chaotic wire mess. The factors involved in choosing the best wireless speakers are quality, sound range and total investment involved. The cost of the wireless speakers is an important factor in setting up a wireless home theater system. Always remember that low-cost speakers are not always the best deal.
Transmission Modes
The transmission of the data required for the speakers is not wired and uses the following two transmission modes:
Radio Frequency Transmission
The wireless speakers use two technologies: the radio frequency (RF) and the infrared technology. The radio frequency technology uses radio signals to transmit audio signals from the base system to the speakers. The transmission speed of 40 kbps and 900 MHz is a popular frequency used for radio frequency transmission. Radio frequency transmission is beneficial as line of sight transmission is not necessary. The radio signals can travel through the walls, electronic devices and other interruptions. The position of the speakers must be adjusted in such a way that best reception and audio quality is available. These kinds of speakers are generally used in the outdoor speakers and can be kept in different rooms. However, these speakers have limited range and this range must be checked in the room in which you are installing the speakers. This technology is improving to minimize the interference of the electronic devices like cordless phones and radio. This is an expensive option as compared to the infrared speakers.
Infrared Transmission
The infrared speakers use the infrared light to transmit data signal to the speakers. The transmission rate of this technology is 50 to 2000 bps. The wavelength of the transmitted light is in the range of 870 nm to 950 nm. This technology is best for home theater system set up in a small area. The maximum range of the transmitter and the speaker receiver is 20 feet. All the opaque physical materials obstruct the infrared signals. Glass does not obstruct the infrared signals, but tinted and colored glass does obstruct the infrared signals. Line of sight is to be maintained when installing the transmitter and the speaker receiver.
Types of Wireless Speakers
Integrated Wireless Home Theater System: This is a complete wireless home theater system that consists of the amplifier, transmitter, front and rear speakers, front center speaker, two frontal speakers and a sub woofer.
Add-On Wireless Speakers: This system consists of transmitters, receivers and surround sound speakers. This system is for those who already have a wired home theater. The new transmitter is connected to the already existing amplifier.
The disadvantage of wireless speakers for your home theater system is that the wireless speakers have a limited range. These speakers do not have an external power supply. They need a rechargeable battery unit which act as backup units and are quite expensive.
