Ask Engadget: a device to stream audio from one device to multiple sources?
By Darren Murph 
posted Oct 22nd 2009 9:52PM
posted Oct 22nd 2009 9:52PM
"I am looking for a device that will stream sound from one source to several recipients. For example, I want to stream sound from my TV or stereo to my phone or MP3 player that has radio and Bluetooth capabilities. I have been told that a Bluetooth device can only stream music to one device. I have looked into radio transmitters and they seem like a decent choice, but I can't find one that uses external power (USB or from the plug) and I would want one with a transmit range of around 50 meters. Thanks!"We can't say for certain, but we're guessing Chris isn't along here. Any hardcore streamers out there figured out an optimal solution to get one source to multiple devices? Do tell in comments below.
speaker wire patched together
a computer, winamp and SHOUTcast radio plugin or SHOUTcast DNAS?
"Along here?" Hate to be a grammar natzi, but I'm just trying to help.
Additionally, blue tooth may be a bit too weak for 50 meters, though don't quote me. Maybe you could use a wireless audio transmitter that uses WiFi, although I'm not knowledgeable on products currently on the market.
If you hate to be a grammar nazi then don't be a gramar nazi.
"Hate to be a grammar natzi, but I'm just trying to help." - Well since you took it upon yourself to be correcting grammar, the correct spelling is Nazi not natzi.
"Additionally, blue tooth..." - Bluetooth is also spelled as a single word, not two.
You get my point :). I'm saying that I'm trying to help Engadget out.
Plus, I spelled "Nazi" wrong, so I can't really be a complete grammar freak :).
"grammar natzi"? Hate to be grammar nazi, but I'm just trying to help.
Spelling and grammar are different things. Misspelling Nazi was not a grammar error, it was a spelling error.
Ok, now your turn.
"You are not along. I am here with you. Though you're far away... "
"Along again, naturally."
Install Linux in all your devices and make one Pulse Audio client and make the rest of them sound-playing servers.
For iTunes support, I would recommend buying an Airport Express for $100 that you can put in different rooms. Just plug it into the wall and then plug your speakers into the mini-stereo jack and set iTunes to play to the remote speakers. Supports 3-6 on a network depending on configuration. Works great for having my computer downstairs and my big stereo upstairs playing the same music all in sync.
If you want more than iTunes, check out AirFoil. http://www.rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/windows/ This will let you stream any audio (with a few exceptions) from your computer to an Airport, iPhone, or another PC with the client software installed. Only $25 for a single user.
agreed. works for windows and mac too, and so far, all of my macs/pcs in my house use it perfectly without any issues.
^ This.
YO CHRIS I'MMA LET YOU FINISH BUT MY BOY THOMAS HERE HAD ONE OF THE BEST TECH QUESTIONS OF ALL TIME!
How should I know
airport express.
A powerful FM transmitter. You can modify one for extended range.
Violates FCC rules, but who gives a crap?
Actually, the FCC rules are really vague. You aren't violating them until they decide that you are interfering. There are no specific specifications about wattage, etc.
E-mu PIPEline will broadcast digital/analog between its small transceivers.
easy. slingbox classic.
obvious troll is obvious
Get a decent FM transmitter, kit or preassembled, like a Ramsey FM30B, about $200. FM stereo will not satisfy the audiophiles, but it's pretty sweet for the rest of us. You're then wirelessly transmitting to any device with an FM radio in it. It becomes so easy to expand your system. The FM30B or something else like it is way more powerful than those transmitters you buy for using in your car, in fact, you'll need to dial the power way down to use it in your house if you don't wan to get in trouble with the FCC. At full power, you can broadcast a quarter mile or more.
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=FM30B
Also, there are some sleezy fly-by-night companies that claim similar range and are a lot cheaper that sell their products directly through eBay and other places like that, but the FM30B is the real deal.
You sir, are a man after my own heart!
Airport Express and iTunes...Done and done.
depending on your devices, try TVersity. its pretty simple for some things. I use it to stream to 5 different 360's in my house. And you can set it up use over the internet, to another pc or a device like an iPhone/iTouch. I think a PSP works too. I havent tinkered with it much but you can get all the details and how-to on their website.
Use a PS3 to stream media to a psp anywhere via wifi. IMO that is the most full featured/expansive media streaming experience on the market today.
personally, I say no. get a PC...
I got a macbook pro for just about the same reasons you listed above, and now Im starting to regret my decision a little bit. I could have gotten a computer with double the hardware for just a little more money then I paid for my mac... I like OSX, but only because I use some mac-only apps a lot... I now find myself booting into windows quite a bit now... :(
Spelling Nazi wrong has nothing to do with grammar smart one, it's spelling. Way to fail.
and yeah, you really sound like a troll... if you are really some guy looking for help, loose the apple bias sound... :P
Macs are interesting because they are a closed system, with both the hardware and the software created and sold by Apple. This has its advantages and disadvantages; on one hand, there is usually better integration than with Windows PCs, and within the system software works nicely with other components. They generally have fewer viruses as the system is not as commonly used as Windows; however, your son is incorrect in saying that they don't have any viruses. However, Macs are much more costly than PCs, and there is a real lack of third party software and compatibility with the Mac system. Also, there is much less variety in you choices of Mac computers, as Apple only has a few models. Windows has widespread use and compatibility, while Macs have a very well integrated system.
This is not a Mac vs. PC thread. Go be fat somewhere else.
good choice.
don't fret.
just keep strumming.
and going fast.
blazingly fast.
A $5 fm transmitter picked up at Target on clearance after Christmas. It is powered by USB and works throughout our whole house,
If it's music (and now even photos) you'd like to stream to other devices, such as a smart phone, another computer, PS3 or an iPod Touch then I would highly recommend checking out Simplify Media. I stream my media from my home iMac with iTunes to my work PC (running Vista), my iPhone and my friends' computers which run Windows and OS X. Needless to say, but it's not just Apple-oriented-- It works with Windows Media Player, Windows-based PCs and Ubuntu-based PCs.
Check it out: http://www.simplifymedia.com
3.5mm splitters and audio cables under carpets.
http://www.mindtree.com/newsandevents/mindtree-unveils-multi-user-audio-streaming-via-bluetooth-technology-on-texas-instruments-platforms/
Chris why are you answering your own question? ;)
It certainly sounds like it!
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-audio-receivers-dars/linksys-wmb54g-wireless-g/4505-6470_7-31660626.html
or I spliced 150ft phone cable with to 1/4 inch male headphone jack... its not wireless but it works great
I also hacked a blue tooth headset I got off woot a few years back so I can play music from my mac book to my living room speakers wirelessly
I've been using AirTunes for years now, and loved it, but you have to be cool with buying into the Apple ecosystem. You'll have to install iTunes (which some people hate due to bloat) and then buy the ~$100 airport express devices which will let you stream to any equipment with a line in. If you've got an iPhone I'd definitely do this since the (free) Remote app is awesome.
Having said all that, Windows 7 has 'play to' functionality built into the media player. Most people would cringe at the mention of Windows Media Player, but this is pretty cool, and more importantly, it's built around a standard (DLNA 1.5) which means more devices from many other companies can play along (like the PS3 or Wii, many different mobile phones, other computers in your house, maybe even linux and mac clients one day . . . ). DLNA lets you stream movies and music and also lets you play to remote speakers like AirTunes does. And, there's an iPhone app to control that too, although not as snazzy.
I've been using, and loving, the Apple ecosystem, and I own an iPhone, but I'm moving forward into the wonderful world of standards-compliant gear: I've gotten a Philips Streamium unit on deep discount on Newegg, and I play to it just fine using Windows media player. . . eventually I'll move from WMP to Banshee or something like that once DLNA is supported. The upside of all this is that it works as well as AirTunes and I have many more products to choose from. As far as I can tell, there is no downside -- I recommend any gear that supports DLNA (1.5).
Thanks for actually leaving a helpful comment... how rare. +1 for you, good sir (or ma'am).
I'm sorry, did you say 50 meters? Where do you intend to use this that you need over 150 feet of range? I could see 50 feet... but seriously, 50 meters seems a tad unrealistic.
Not sure if this is exactly what you're looking for, but the Audioengine W1 is a wireless audio adapter. Basically, there is a sender unit and a receiver unit.
1) 3.5" or RCA stereo compatible;
2) powered by USB (any powered USB port, hub, or wallwart);
3) well-reviewed by audio mags for sound quality and ease of use;
4) up to 8 receivers can be paired with every sender, but the sender can only send audio to one of the receivers at a time;
5) 100 ft. (30m) range -- less than requested
6) $150 for one pair (sender/receiver); could get expensive if you really want more than one set.
http://www.audioengineusa.com/w1_home.php
Anyway, the audio receiver could be powered by a portable battery with a USB port. Then you could plug in your headphones or whatever without worrying about power on the receiving end. Again, if you want to really send audio simultaneously to multiple sources wirelessly, this is not the way to do it. If you want to send audio around to one, potentially mobile source, or different sources one at a time, this will work.
They make some good speakers for the money, too, incidentally.
This is a link to some Linux internet DJ application. It's supposed to basically allow you to set up an internet radio station. It allows you to activate the audio-in port (instead of playing pre-recorded tracks or engaging VOIP). Never used it, but the programmer collaborated with Indamixx, so I presume that the software works, in which case presumably you can set a number of internet radio capable devices onto the receiving end.
http://www.onlymeok.nildram.co.uk/
Personally, I think this is a little complicated.
I use a airport express to stream my itunes library to my tv. You can even get couple of expresses to stream to multiple sources. I also like the orb app on my iphone. It lets me stream my itunes and live tv tuner to my iPhone.
sonos makes all kinds of multi room audio streaming equipment. there the ones who have been decking out smart homes for years.
http://www.sonos.com
Greetings,
Have to give +1 to Sonos. It is probably more expensive than just about anything else on here, but it is very much worth is as it provides a true multi-zone audio experience more along the lines of a $10,000+ hard-wired system. It is completely extensible, doesn't have the synching problems that so many other wireless systems have, and is pretty much plug and play. While the last one may not be a concern on a tech blog, if you are having anyone who is not tech-oriented use the system, I can't tell you how much this is a selling point. Setup is a snap, extending is a snap, using it is a snap, adding more tunes is a snap, using even confusing features like internet radio is a snap. You see where I am going here? If you want a long-term and quality solution, go with sonos.
Also, take it from me, avoid their bundle packages, because the controllers are not worth the expense. They are neat, but honestly, you can get an iPod Touch and use their free remote software (which is basically the same thing) for cheaper, PLUS you have an iPod touch.
Regards,
-aedile-
Worth considering is Apple's Airport Express. If you're invested in the Apple ecosystem, it works very well.
iTunes plays on your computer, but is streamed to one or more Airport Expresses by designating them as active speakers on either your computer or, if you have one, your iPhone/iPod Touch, which acts as a wireless touch-screen remote.
The limitation is that your computer (or Apple TV) needs to act as the music server, and it's only for iTunes songs, but if that fits your requirements, it's one of the cheaper solutions to wireless streaming media! The Airport Express will only set you back $100 vs. $500+ with a Sonos or other competing system.
Another proponent of Airtunes here... I've tried a few systems, including a proprietary Logitech remote (using Bluetooth) from a Win XP Media Centre. That was rubbish. In fact, Logitech quietly withdrew the wireless Music DJ (as I think it was called) when they bought Squeeze. I tried a couple of cheapish Wifi streamers after that (one was a Philips, can't remember what the others was). One could pull straight from my NAS, the other only from the Win MCE -- can't for the life of me remember why. Both gave serious problems, with audio cutting out, or flat out not working.
These less than stellar experiences lead me into the arms of Apple (well, getting the original iPod Touch did, but I've drunk of the Kool Aid now!).
I have a MacBook Pro, but use my Apple TV as the 'hub' for streaming music to other Airport Expresses dotted around the house. Coupled with the Remote app on the iPod touch, and you have a very Sonos like system, for much less. Note that I already had the hifi or speakers in each of the rooms, so the extra cost for these was not a consideration. Add in the fact that my Victorian house has massive wifi repellant walls, then the wifi bridge mode of the Airport Express is an added bonus to give wifi coverage all over the house.
Everything just does work seamlessly. The DJ feature that Apple recently added is great for parties -- allowing everyone to join in choosing the music (fortunately my friend who enjoys gay 80s pop has yet to get an iPhone!). In fact, the only real downside (which may be a deal breaker for some) is that you can't play different tracks on different Airports from the one Apple TV. With a bit of faff, you can get around this with iTunes on your laptop controlling some Aiports, and the ATV others. It's not something that's really bothered me, though YMMV.
The recent Logitech Squeeze boxen look interesting, but I was already committed to the Apple route by the time they came out (and I still haven't quite forgiven Logitech for the abomination that was the Wireless DJ).
I've been considering the same thing for some time and have been looking at all the options. What I've pretty much settled on doing is the solution from Creative Labs. Their Gigaworks T20W speakers have a built in wireless receiver (Make sure you don't get the T20, as they are the same only without the wireless). I liked this as I didn't want to go for a separate receiver and speakers, though they do have a setup for that as well.
After that you pick up their soundblaster wireless audio transmitter. This streams the audio from your computer. Overall, it seems easy. The speakers have great reviews. It's a small form factor (I'm looking to put the speakers in my kitchen and possibly a pair in the bedroom, so I'd like to keep them out of the way). All that being said, I do not yet have this installation so I can't vouch for it, but I have done a decent amount of research regarding this, and for me this looks like the best solution.
Other ideas are Sonos and Logitech. I recently set up a whole Logitech Squeezebox system in my parents house, and have to say, while the technology is impressive, it really doesn't work as well as I would have liked. I got it up and running, but I think my dad doesn't use it mucha s it is too much of a hassle to get anything playing.
Radio Shack Carries a lot of Wireless Products. You should go there and talk to a KNOWLEDGEABLE sales associate. like one whos been there more than a year. theyll hep you out. other wise email me. I have lots of Ideas, but AirPort is the only easy way to do this. other wise a wireless speaker system would have to do in this situation with a booster on the antenna sinal to amplify the signal to repeat it out to the speakers in the surrounding area.
Try Sonos: http://wireyourhouse.com/index.php/the-news/22-sonosaudio
Cant windows 7 do that out of the box to DLNA devices? XBOX, PS3, my sweet Onkyo TX-NR906.
Isn't this answers in a more recent post?
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/rocketfish-wireless-whole-home-audio-system-cuts-the-cord-on-all/
I thought exactly the same thing when I saw that Rocketfish post this morning LOL
I've researched this topic extensively for a decent solution, and I agree for a cheap audio streamer, that works, apples airport express is one of the best. But there's no remote control to select your music, you have to use your pc/laptop, which is fine most of the time. Then there's squeezebox with a decent remote control, and next up is sonos, which is the best of them all with their new excellent remote control and multiroom independent streaming system system. But its expensive.....Sonos/squeeze box do exactly what we're looking for....(wireless audio streaming and being able to select music on a remote control)
However, none of these stream video yet, and all the video streamers force you to turn on your TV to select content, which for video is fine, but they also allow you to stream audio, but who wants to have to select music by viewing on a TV screen.
Lets have sonos or squeezebox with video streaming and audio/video content selectable via its remote control
airport express + airfoil + airfoil speaker iphone app makes streaming easy-peasy. The airfoil speaker app (free if you have the airfoil program already) is great if you want to stream music to a portable player that accepts an iphone/itouch (or aux input). The airfoil express is small, cheap and works great. The apple store has them in stock all the time for $85.
Add in Pandora One and PandoraJam and you will never listen to the radio the same way again.
I've been using
http://www.amphony.com/products/l1550.htm
for a couple of years now. They're great; I can't vouch for the 200ft range though -- please check with sales support first.
I recommend buying one surge protector (APC or similar) for the transmitter and one for each receiver.