Re: wireless audio -- stripped down

["wkearney99" <wkearney99@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I'd like to stream wireless audio through my apartment, and there seem to
be
> a ton of products by linksys, squeezebox, etc. for doing this.  While
these
> are nice, they all tend to have lots of frills that jack up the price --
ID3
> tag display, trendy scandinavian design standards.  I'm basically looking
> for something that will convert an audio signal streamed over my wireless
> network into a line-level audio signal (amplification optional) -- does
> something like this exist?

Apple's AirTunes or the Squeezebox are the two likely contenders.  There's
really not anything out that focuses on just being a wireless line-out.
Most probably because there aren't enough potential users for something
/that/ basic.  There's something to be said for having the ability to
control the stream from the device (a la Squeezebox).  Few likely customers
are savvy enough to be able to figure out the necessary hassles of using
something like a PocketPC, Pronto or other wireless remotes that would
obviate the need to have local control on it.  Then there's the complexities
of zoned output, few 'servers' support this effectively.  At least, not yet.

Don't ignore an alternative, use an FM transmitter to push it out on an FM
channel and tune to it with a plain old FM radio.  I've got one plugs into
the USB port and appears as a 'sound card' under Windows.  I drive it via J.
River's Media Center 11.  Works great for piping audio outside to shed
during outside yardwork.  Headphone's pick it up as does the ratty-ass old
clock radio that now lives in the shed.  That and it's no susceptible to
WiFi interference or congestion.

This is like the one I've got:
http://cgi.ebay.com/LineX-USB-FM-Transmitter_W0QQitemZ5817924316QQ

But that's just one example.  YMMV.

Some work better than others, distance-wise.  You're basically running a
low-power radio station so it's not like it's supposed to have much
distance.

-Bill Kearney