Apple wireless audio streaming stuff

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Jaxson

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#94549 13-Dec-2011 13:45

Hi,

New to this apple stuff.

Hoping to create a very simple system to send audio files stored on an iPod touch to a stereo. Intent is to use the iPod touch as the source, so actually load the music onto it at this stage, so ideally don't want to have a computer in the mix/signal path.

(I've read some of the good posts already but I'm looking for a 1 to 1 relationship, not pulling music from a laptop/NAS/some other storage and routing it through the iPod etc)

Basic options would be:
A straight analogue headphone lead but would prefer to be able to walk around with iPod.
A bluetooth to RCA adaptor unit but once again I'd probably prefer to buy all Apple to ensure 'it just works' However, is this worth a look?:Belkin-Wireless-Bluetooth-Music-Receiver

Looking at AirPort-Express unit and that looks cool, or you seem to be able to do the same thing with the apple tv which seems the way to go given they are the same price.

Bluetooth streaming would possibly be preferred over wifi so that this could be installed somewhere that doesn't have internet connectivity/local network etc. If it can stream direct via bluetooth then this might be a bonus.

Have:
A receiver that can take analogue input/RCA cable OR digital input via optical/digital coax.
iPod Touch 8GB
Wifi in the room

Ideas?
How are others addressing this?

Thanks.

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#557443 13-Dec-2011 13:49

How about this, as linked below

http://www.resilinx.com.au/detail.php?prodid=198&maincat=29

Cyril

Jaxson

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#557444 13-Dec-2011 13:50

Actually reading the reviews on that Belkin unit it appears the bluetooth option is only reliable over quite close ranges (2-3m) sort of thing. That's not good enough so maybe it should be via the wifi which is very solid in the room I'm looking at.

Still not keen on having the music stored on a laptop etc, want it on the iPod but could happily use wifi to send music out rather than bluetooth if that's doable.

Jaxson

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#557446 13-Dec-2011 13:54

cyril7: How about this, as linked below

http://www.resilinx.com.au/detail.php?prodid=198&maincat=29

Cyril

What a cool idea, pretty nifty.

I'm after something basic though, in that I have the stereo/receiver etc already. It's just I'm not up with the play on apple products and it seems they have a system in place that will work fine. I just don't know much about it is all.

If you can send music from iPod touch to say an AirPort or Apple TV, without an intermediate computer then I'm probably set. Via wifi probably increases the range in my case significantly if bluetooth is limited to very close range. (if bluetooth IS just 2-3m then I'd just use a cable).

cyril7

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#557450 13-Dec-2011 14:05

Hi, Bluetooth is good for 10-15m, according to resi 25m but I think thats a little optimistic

Resi also have just what you are after in the BT110 and BT120, difference is range, 15m or 25m

http://www.resilinx.com.au/range.php?maincat=29

Cyril

Jaxson

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#557452 13-Dec-2011 14:11

cyril7:
Resi also have just what you are after in the BT110 and BT120, difference is range, 15m or 25m

Thanks Cyril7,

What sort of prices are we talking for these devices?

Is this indicative?

davidcole

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#557455 13-Dec-2011 14:14

I'd just use an Apple TV. Works well. And had the advantage that you could hook it to a TV as well for airplay/itunes video.

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cyril7

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#557457 13-Dec-2011 14:16

That pricing is a bit steep, try Selby

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Resi-Linx-Pro-Bluetooth-Receiver-Stream-Stereo-Audio-/330579546416?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item4cf8139130

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Resi-Linx-Pro-Bluetooth-Receiver-Stream-Stereo-Audio-/330579546416?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item4cf8139130

Cyril

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Jaxson

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#557483 13-Dec-2011 15:00

davidcole: I'd just use an Apple TV. Works well. And had the advantage that you could hook it to a TV as well for airplay/itunes video.

Can you use this direct from the iPod to Apple TV?

- I'm looking to only use itunes to pre load the iPod with music, and after that I don't want to use it again in this system.

davidcole

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#557492 13-Dec-2011 15:15

You might want to check air play from iPod touch. I know it can (and this is one of my uses) from iPhone.

Then if there's a machine around with iTunes on it, use home sharing and the REmote app and you can ply music from the computer.

This seems to suggest it's possible: http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/features/airplay.html

cyril7

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#557495 13-Dec-2011 15:19

Yep, it appears if you have iOS4.2 or latter then you can stream music from an itouch/ipad/iphone to a Airport express or appleTV and do what you intend.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirPlay

Cheers
Cyril

neilinnz

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#557504 13-Dec-2011 15:52

Bear in mind that the Apple TV 2 only outputs audio digitally either thru HDMI or the optical out (toslink I think). If your stereo only has analogue inputs, RCA, mic etc. then it won't work.
The Airport Express option will work fine though. You can send music and most other sound from apps too (eg. online radio stations) to any AirPlay device like the Airport Express.

Dunnersfella

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#557579 13-Dec-2011 19:55

I reckon this one is a no brainer.
I've used both an Airport Express and Apple TV 2 to do what you're describing. Heck, I've used both in the same house at the same time...
I found the Airport Express a bit of a pain to set up, but I did buy it second hand, meaning I simply had to reset it and I was away.
The Apple TV 2 is pretty mint through and through. Does your receiver have HDMI? Or does it have a TV attached that does? If so, then video will be the icing on the cake!
You will want to connect your ATV2 to a monitor when you set it up, but it can work as a headlessly when you plug it in via an optical cable. However, you'll want a monitor plugged in at some point, as you will be prompted to update firmware from time to time.
$170 - $180 well spent IMHO.

Jaxson

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#557605 13-Dec-2011 21:10

Thanks Dunnersfella.

Figuring I'll go for apple TV into receiver and program the harmony for 2 activities.
- 1 being apple TV plus receiver only for audio
- 2 being apple TV plus receiver plus TV for video/any time I need a monitor.

Given it's all the same price essentially for the airport or the TV unit that's got to the way to go.

Aim of this is for a parents install where I want it all to work and I don't want to be going back often. To fix it that is, nothing against the parents involved.....

Can the apple TV do audio out via optical at the same time as audio out via hdmi?
- In some cases I've used optical to receiver and hdmi to tv...

Dunnersfella

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#557622 13-Dec-2011 21:44

Yes, the ATV2 will send audio and video out via HMDI, while at the same time sending the same audio stream out via optical. It was one of the first things I tried.
As per usual, I'd double check in a shop to ensure it still does... as, well, who knows, sometimes firmware updates can make certain features stop working. But in this case, you should be fine.

jonherries

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#557781 14-Dec-2011 10:28

I have both an airport express and apple tv. Pro's and cons include:

One is a router, the other isn't (useful for running a separate g and n wireless network)
One works with your tv (quite handy), the other doesn't, you may be able to analogue out to the receiver from the tv
appletv has been JailBroken, means you can customise it

The usb port on the airport express is only for printing, you can't connect a drive or use a MFP scanner on it.

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