Wireless music streaming

Marty999

cledor wrote: »

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?

Hi Cledor and thanks for your comments. No I haven't not really sure how to. I have a Dell PC running XP Home. In Control Panel/ Sounds and Audio Devices, under Sound Playback I can choose a default device. This is set to SigmaTel Audio which I assume is the on-board sound device, and the only other option is Modem #0 Line Playback - whatever that means?

cledor wrote: »

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.

Do you mean that I won't be able to hear the same music from my PC speakers at the same time as it playing in the kitchen via the SoundBridge device? That is what I really want.

buglawton

I use a Linex like the link above, had it a few years. Powerful enough to cover the house - just about, plugs into usb, no batteries, very simple.

Catches: It steals the sound from your pc speakers, can't have both. And it's a pain having to adjust the level just right to avoid distortion or hiss - an auto volume on this thing would be a godsend.

But it's cheap, cheerful and does the job.

cledor

Not sure if the Pinnacle software can be run in tandem to allow playback on both the PC and the media player, but there may be a forum on the Pinnacle website where this may be raised.

As for the USB FM transmitter, I would have expected to be able to choose the audio output device since the USB usually has it's own in-built soundcard.

Stubert

Marty999 wrote: »

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?

As indicated by Swinon Baggie these FM transmitters are only designed to transmit a few feet. Its unlikely that it will be able to transmit throughout your whole house or even a wall.

They don't have a very big output range hence they were made legal a couple of years ago.

Marty999

Stubert wrote: »

As indicated by Swinon Baggie these FM transmitters are only designed to transmit a few feet. Its unlikely that it will be able to transmit throughout your whole house or even a wall.

They don't have a very big output range hence they were made legal a couple of years ago.

Thanks for your reply Stubert, but if you read one of my previous posts you will see that I am doing exactly this with a LineX USB FM transmitter. And it does work really well throughout my house!

And for anyone interested in the Pinnacle device (which has still not arrived after ordering it 2.5 weeks ago via Amazon!), I have received an email from the Pinnacle customer service department who assure me that their device will not affect the sound output from my PC's speakers.

buglawton

The Linex ones are designed for American house use, I suspect they have a bit more power. Quite good for listening in the garden too!

TechyExpert

A manufacturere called SITECOM recently released a new product that you might be interested in Sitecom - Wireless Audio Transmitter.

You can save £10 if you get it from PowerDrive Computers at the moment for £39.99! Could be what you are looking for.

Here's a couple of links about it I found as well:

Sitecom launches WL-060 Wireless Audio Transmitter [Hexus.net]
Sitecom's simple streamer for computer music [WhatHiFi.com]
Sitecom Wireless Audio Transmitter [PC Pro]

Swindon_Baggie

Hi

If your FM transmitter, transmits more than 2 feet with good signal, then you are breaking broadcast regulations.

High power FM transmitters interfere with loads of things and TV licensing and the police are properly cracking down on 'pirate radio stations'.

If you don't go to jail, then you will need to register and pay broadcast fees after successfully winning a licence for the area and frequency you intend to transmit in, then you will need to pay £85 to the PRS (performing rights society) for each and every copyrighted song, each and every time you play it longer than 3.5 seconds. You might get a deal off the record company to promote there latest release saving some cash.

I had a friend who got banged up for a 3 mega watt pirate radio station (about 2 mile radius).

Confirming the small print of the regulations through Google is failing me at this moment of sleepiness, however if you can buy it from Argos (low power transmitter) its not illegal at the time of sale.
The fact that you can pay sterling for something on ebay and have it delivered to your UK address, does not mean it meets UK regulations.