What do you look for in a distributed audio system?
The advantage of having a distributed audio system is that it gives you the ability to have music, and more recently video, streamed into multiple rooms of your house.
Some factors to look for include:
Number of sources – How many inputs (CD players, iPods, microphones, etc), can you connect to the system?
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Number of zones (subzones) – How many rooms (zones) can you stream music into?
Rack mounting – Will the system fit nicely into your equipment rack, or is it a standalone system?
Remote control – Can the system be controlled via remote control?
Smart phone interface – Can the system be controlled via iPhone/iTouch, Blackberry or any other 3G-enabled ‘smart’ phone?
Ethernet connectivity – Can the system connect to you local/home area network (LAN/HAN) to play music stored on your PC?
iPod/MP3 player dock – Can your system interface with your iPod (the most pervasive electronic media device in the world)?
Wireless protocol – Can your system operate on your wireless network, or do you need to run extra cabling in your house?
Software platform – Is your system (and therefore system’s interface) based on Windows, Linux, or a proprietary software?
Supported audio formats – Does your system support only the common audio files (direct input from CDs and MP3s), or can it play WMA, AAC, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, etc?
Cabling connectivity – Does the system require a specific cabling configuration (Cat 5, 6, 7) to operate?
Internet radio – Can your system pick up radio stations from around the world?
Control system integration – Can your system connect into your whole-house control system, or is it standalone?
Universal remote compatibility – Does your system require a separate remote control to operate, or can it be consolidated into a universal remote?
Media centre integration – Can your system interface with your home theatre PC?
Distributed video – Can your distributed audio system also distribute video?
Distributed video zones – How many zones can your system distribute video into?
Distributed HD video – Can it distribute high definition video?
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