Wireless Speakers. An explanation of how wireless speakers work and the technology behind them. Also their advantages and disadvantages compared to a wired speaker.

Speakers are a recent addition to the wireless revolution which is filling the airwaves with a multitude of different radio frequencies. The decision as to whether or not to buy a wireless speaker system is a tricky one, since their convenience factor is severely limited by numerous flaws inherent to the transmission of sound signals through the ether. First, range for many of the available wireless speakers is severely limited, to as little as 35ft for a clear signal on one model.

The configuration of the environment in which the speakers are placed drastically alters their effectiveness, with local electromagnetics caused by wiring and other electric appliances liable to cause distortion and interference. Also, the prevalence of other wireless signals, although not usually on the same wavelength can interfere with signal efficiency.

Problems aside, if you can find an acceptable frequency and position the speakers in such a way that they can receive the base station's signal clearly, the convenience of a wire free audio system is immediately apparent. The speakers can be placed anywhere, although some have no batteries and therefore require a nearby AC outlet, they can be used indoors, outdoors, in a different room of the house, there are many advantages to an unfettered sound system.

The one final point about the new wave of wireless speakers is that, like all new technology the decent systems can be very expensive. While the low grade short range wireless speakers, with their low wattage and narrow frequency range, are quite affordable, to get a set of speakers which will even begin to produce decent sound you have to pay.