Posts from — September 2009

Think multi-room audio is only available in high-end custom home audio installations? Think again. Using Apple’s Airport Express, it has never been easier to stream your music wirelessly or setup two rooms to playback the same audio source. This $99.00 device is actually quite the multitasker, in addition to streaming your music, it can be used as a wireless access point and a wireless print server. 

Setup
Setup could not be easier, just plug it in and launch the Airport configuration software. The straightforward setup process allows you to name your Airport and set up a WEP/WPA wireless passcode. Within minutes you now have a mobile access point with the ability to stream music. If you already have a wireless router you can use the Airport to extend the wireless signal. 

Why it is so great
You already keep your music collection on your PC, and it is likely you are already using iTunes to manage it. Chances are also pretty good that you have either a home theater system in your living room, a mini system, or a large iPod dock/powered speaker. The Airport Express can stream the music from iTunes to any of these sound systems, all that is required is a 3.5 inch stereo mini jack connector – either mini-to-mini or mini-to-RCA, your local electronics store will stock them. You can even stream music digitally to nearly every home theater receiver using optical audio, which the Airport also supports through the same mini jack output. Now, when you are having a social gathering, game night, or romantic dinner, listening to your favorite playlist no longer requires hooking up your iPod or moving your PC to the living room floor. Simply select the Airport Express as your wireless access point and select “Multiple Speakers” from your iTunes drop down menu. 

Plays well with others
What makes this little device even cooler is it’s ability to play audio from multiple computers. If you have roommates, everyone can take their turn at being DJ for the night. All they need to do is select the Airport Express as their wireless access point and open up iTunes, it will automatically show up – there is no need to run any additional setup programs. Have an iPhone or iPod Touch? Download Apple’s free “Remote App” and take control of the music using your iPhone/iPod. You can change tracks, switch playlists, even adjust the volume of the audio you are streaming wirelessly from your computer. It doesn’t get much cooler than that. 

Conclusion
If you have speakers connected to your computer and a home audio system, this is certainly the most affordable way to set up multi-room audio, aside from running wires, of course. If you are an iPhone or iPod touch owner, the deal gets even sweeter with wi-fi remote capabilities. For less than one hundred dollars there is no easier way to set up wireless music streaming or multi-room audio.