what are my choices?
I have looked at many different ways to stream music from my
computer (or my mp3 server, which resides on the internet) throughout
the house. There are a couple different types of whole-house audio. One
is multi-room-multi-zone audio. These systems are pretty much
proprietary but have the most flexibility. The basic idea is that there
is one central “server” or more likely “closet” which houses all of
your storage and main equipment. This central server is connected
(could be wired or wireless) to several “zones” or rooms. Each zone has
a controller, amplifier, and speakers. The controllers tell the main
unit exactly what to send it to play. Expect one of these bad boys to
set you back around $1000 + $200(minimum) per room.
so what did you do?
The system I’ve come up with is much much much cheaper. It
sacrafices a little flexibility, but then again, with only two people
living in my house, why do I really need a 6-zone system? I have an FM
transmitter hooked up to my computer, which broadcasts to normal
$20-$100 FM receivers throughout the house. Why is this better? I could
never justify spending the $200 or more to put a receiver in my shower,
for instance. But a cheap water resistant shower radio? No problem!
ok, how do i do it?
This is super easy to do!
- Order an FM transmitter. I highly recommend this one from EDM designs. It’s high power, has digital tuning, and results in crystal clear sound.
- Buy a case, power supply, and 1/8″ to RCA cable.
- Put everything together
- viola! you’re done!
anything else?
My transmitter is the 10mW version, and I am able to go down the
street 3-5 houses before the signal cuts out. That is PLENTY of power.
Buying the 100mW version is risky, it’s definitely against FCC
Regulations. Make sure you select a frequency that doesn’t overlap with
another radio station that one of your neighbors might listen to.
That’s just mean.