As technology continues to expand, so must one's ability to adapt to it. With
home theater systems and the integration of Internet and
television,, the ability to enjoy almost any media form in almost any part of the house has become a reality.
Audio/video transmitters, also referred to as A/V transmitters, allow broadcasts to be viewed on multiple televisions or monitors in different rooms at the same time. They allow music from a home theater system or
stereo to be heard from speakers in different parts of the building from one source. This buying guide examines the different types of audio/video transmitters and briefly explains how they
work. It compares the technology of location area network, radio frequency, and
infrared wireless. It lists a few popular systems and their primary characteristics. These units can be found at
electronic stores, department stores, home furnishing stores, and at online marketplaces.
Introducing Audio/Video Transmitters
In the past, in order to utilize Internet or cable or
satellite television one would need to run cables from the source point to the other parts of the home in which he or she planned to use the service. If the person owned the home, the user would most likely drill a hole in the floor or wall and feed the
cable under the floor or behind the wall to the desired location for the
TV or
computer.. If he or she rented the home, this usually was not an option. An alternative was to run the cable across the floor to its destination (which was not only unsightly but presented a potential hazard as well) or tack it around the room against the floorboard or at the edge of the ceiling. This, too, was unsightly, and it took a lot of cable.
Knowing Audio/Video Transmitters and Receivers
To understand
audio/video receivers and transmitters, one must understand the basic elements of communication. As in communication, there is a source point and a receiving terminal. The source point, or communicator, sends the information or communication across space to a second location, which would be the "listener." The message is then received at the second location by the listener. If they speak the same language, the message will be understood. The more they have in common, the more clearly the message will be understood.
It is the same with
audio / video transmissions.. The information, or transmission, begins at the transmitter and is sent across space to a second location to the
receiver.. If they speak the same language, frequency, the message is understood and displayed. Sometimes the frequency must be adjusted to make it clearer.
Audio/Video Receivers
Many pieces of equipment to which transmitters are sending signals have the
receivers built in and do not require a separate, visible antenna. All
home theater systems,, HDTVs, and
Blu - ray players have a built-in
A/V receiver. This allows the television to display the image and emit the sound.
Audio/Video Transmitters
Audio / video transmitters make the use of cables unnecessary, or optional, in some cases. They work as mini antennas to transmit the following signals from one source in a home to another.
- Radio Frequency (RF)
- Infrared (IR)
- Local Area Network (LAN)
Some transmitters utilize wires to send the information. Most are wireless, and although not all units have a vertical, traditional looking antenna,, they perform in the same manner.
Wireless Audio/Video Transmitters
With advances in technology and the desire to transmit signals, most users prefer to use
wireless devices whenever possible. Wireless
A / V transmitters work with A/V receivers to
transmit television signals from one location to another; for example, a DVD, CCD camera,
Internet set - top box,, etc. to a
high - definition television.. Some transmitters require the receiver to remain in the "line of sight" to avoid interruption. Others allow them to pick up signals from sources that have solid objects, such as walls or doors, between them. There are several types of
wireless audio video transmitters. Depending on the strength of the transmitter, sometimes a form of amplification is helpful.
LAN
Location area network, often referred to as
LAN,, uses infrared, radio, and
microwave frequencies to transmit data, wirelessly, to another location within the same building. Any appropriate receiver can pick up the signal if it tuned to the same frequency. This transmitter is capable of transmitting through walls. This is helpful for
sending signals from concealed units, such as in a cabinet. It can also transmit to televisions and speakers in other rooms or across the building. This allows occupants on other sides of the home to watch the same movie or program. It also makes it possible to listen to music transmitted from one source on
speakers located throughout the home.
Infrared Wireless
One type of wireless transmitter is an
infrared transmitter,, also known as IR, and it uses very high frequencies. Like light, it cannot transmit through solid objects. It requires being in the "line of sight" of the receiver to transmit. By using an IR booster, the range to which it transmits can be increased.
Radio Frequency Wireless
Radio frequency transmitter,, also known as an RF transmitter, creates frequency waves into an antenna. The antenna alters the magnetic and electric fields at the same frequency, thereby sending the waves into the space. Although radio frequency waves are not halted by transmitting through solid surfaces, they can lose strength. They can also easily become distorted when interference from other waves, such as microwave oven, are present. RF waves are picked up by an RF receiver and emitted through speakers.
Notable Audio/Video Transmitters
There are many
different types of A/V transmitters that fall under the aforementioned categories. Several of the characteristics to make note of when deciding whether or not to buy one include the following:
- whether the system is wireless
- how much bandwidth it is capable of
- how far the signal can travel
It is also a good idea to identify whether or not the unit is capable of transmitting through walls or requires "line of sight." The ability of a unit to transmit through solid surfaces improves the clarity of the sound or image. It also enables the user more leniency in determining where additional receivers should be placed.
Transmitter
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Qualities
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Wireless transmitter; 150 foot range; 2.4GHz frequency band; multiple channel selector for clear signal; IR extender;; built in modulator |
Everconn 5G HDMI 1080P Wireless Transmission Kit
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Wireless transmitter and receiver; 100 foot range; 2.4GHz frequency band;; streams HD and 3D; 1080p and 5.1-channel audio support
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Fusionsea 4CH 5.8GHz STB Wireless A / V Transmitter & Receiver System INS-PAT530
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Wireless transmitter and receiver; 5.8 GHz frequency band; four channel selector for clear signal; IR remote control |
IOGEAR GW3DHDKIT A/V transmitter and receiver
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Wireless transmitter; 100 foot range; streams HD and 3D; built in IR; 1080p and 5.1-channel audio support
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SIIG CE-VG0811-S14 port VGA and Audio Transmitter
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Wireless transmitter ; 1080 foot range; 350MHz bandwidth; extended VGA transmission; two channel selector for clear signal;
|
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Wireless transmitter; 400 foot range; 5.8GHz; four channel selector for clear signal; includes IR mouse
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This list is comprised of just a few examples of the many types of audio/video transmitters that are available. With technology continually advancing, the variety is constantly expanding.
