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Wireless music streaming

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I am looking to stream music wirelessly from my PC to my kitchen. My PC runs XP Home (not Media Center edition) and I use iTunes for playing CDs, ripped music and internet radio. I have a wireless router.

I do not have another hifi but I am told I can use a device such as a Philips Streamium to connect to a set of powered speakers in my kitchen. Can anyone advise me on how easy this is please? Or if there is a better way? Someone else mentioned Apple Airport to me, but I have been told it is not reliable. Thanks.
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  • cledor
    cledor Posts: 809 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    You could try playing the music directly through the laptop using powered speakers.

    Edit: sorry, misunderstood your post assuming you had a laptop as well as a PC, however, if you do have a spare laptop then you could use it. Otherwise it's as you said, a streamer would be the way to go, there are several available. I've only seen the one from Netgear in operation.
  • Marty999
    Marty999 Posts: 728 Forumite
    500 Posts
    No Cledor, I don't have a laptop, only a desktop PC which is permanently in the dining room.
  • Soulistic
    Soulistic Posts: 199 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Could opt for a wireless music bridge like the following one:

    http://reviews.cnet.com/networking-and-wi-fi/linksys-wmb54g-wireless-g/4505-3243_7-31660626.html

    The video on the site explains quite a bit. You could also try the following

    http://www.morecomputers.co.uk/extra.asp?pn=01004&referer=dealtime

    Hope that helps!
  • cledor
    cledor Posts: 809 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    How about a wireless FM transmitter connected to the PC audio o/p, you'll need an FM radio to pick it up (short range only).
  • I use a Netgear MP101 which works well in Linux but surprisingly is v poor with windows xp unless you invest in 3rd party software such as Twonkymedia (about £20 a year).
    Perhaps a better choice would be a Pinnacle SoundBridge HomeMusic unit, £63 on amazon. Looks pretty good and streams all sorts (like other media players it can't play DRM protected music purchases from iTunes) and has internet radio.
  • Marty999
    Marty999 Posts: 728 Forumite
    500 Posts
    cledor wrote: »
    How about a wireless FM transmitter connected to the PC audio o/p, you'll need an FM radio to pick it up (short range only).
    Brilliant idea! I never thought of that. I guess that means I could feasibly tune in on all the FM radios in my houose! Now.. can anyone recommend a model that will do this, or are they all suitable?
  • cledor
    cledor Posts: 809 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    http://crave.cnet.co.uk/digitalmusic/0,39029432,49291963,00.htm but check the range of these devices, some might not cover the whole house.
  • The wireless transmitters are designed for about 2 - 3 feet, as in ipod in cupholder, to car aerial.

    It might be cheaper to get a second laptop instead of a stremium or similar, sometimes you need a server for them to send the music, so buying 2 boxes. With the laptop at least you could read MSE in the Kitchen aswell as getting some OS recipies.

    You want one with decent speakers, otherwise a set of Logitechs (or similar would be about £20, and cause more room to be taken up.

    I happen to have a spare Compaq E300 with built in Harmon Kardons if your intrested, bout £250, but anything will do.
    Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Arthur C. Clarke
  • An update and further questions for anyone interested:

    I gave up with the idea of an FM transmitter and found a Pinnacle Soundbridge HomeMusic WiFi Media Player instead. This seemed to do what I want so ordered one on 20th August from Overclock (it still hasn't arrived yet but they promise it by 6th Sept - why does it take so long if it is in stock?).

    And then a pal told me about a USB FM transmitter which works throughout the house with a range of up to 45 metres! It was only £21 with postage via the Addonsworld eBay shop so I thought I would take a chance on it. I decided I would try it out and if it was any good I would keep it and return the other gadget unused for a refund.

    The USB FM transmitter arrived in a few days so I plugged it in and spent 15 minutes setting it up by choosing the best frequency for me and setting the PC output volume level just below the maximum, and I am delighted to say it works superbly! I can receive music from my PC all over the house on various FM radios and even on my car radio when it is parked outside!

    BUT... (you knew there was going to be a but, didn't you?)...when I am using the FM transmitter, the sound from my normal PC speakers does not work. I have a set of 2.1 Creative speakers which normally sound great but simply will not work when this USB device is plugged in and running. They are powered speakers with a sub woofer which plug into the usual green PC sound output port.

    So please can I now ask two questions:

    1) does anyone know how I can get around this problem?
    2) does anyone have the Pinnacle gadget and do you know if I will get the same problem happening with this too? If so, I may as well send it back for a refund (when it eventually arrives!)

    Cheers guys...
  • cledor
    cledor Posts: 809 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    The problem you are having with the USB FM transmitter is probably due to the sound output of your PC becoming diverted to this device instead of the usual 2.1 Creative sound system. Have you tried re-configuring the PC audio output device by selecting your 2.1 Creative sound as your main playback device?

    The Pinnacle Soundbridge is a wireless media player which works by streaming music files from your PC, it should not affect the sound output of your PC. The PC can be used for playing other tracks or to perform other functions at the same time.
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