Turn your wired music into wireless streaming
By Kim Komando
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Tired of dealing with your portable music player's headphone or earbud cords? Bluetooth will set you free. You just need to add the right gear.
Cell phones have featured Bluetooth for some time. The short-range wireless system is used on the ubiquitous Bluetooth headsets.
But some gadgets can now stream music wirelessly — in stereo.
For example, you can stream music from an MP3 player to headphones if both are Bluetooth-enabled.
Bluetooth has a range of 33 feet, and up to 330 feet with a power boost, depending on the device.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
When looking at Bluetooth, you're bound to run into some alphabet soup. Look for A2DP and AVRCP.
A2DP stands for Advanced Audio Distribution Profile. It's required for stereo audio. Increasingly, new cell phones and other gadgets support A2DP. Older gadgets might not.
The Windows Vista and Mac OS X Leopard computer operating systems support A2DP. It can be added to older systems with a USB dongle.
AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) adds remote control functions to Bluetooth gadgets. For example, you can control music via headphones.
To find out if your gadgets can stream audio in stereo, check the manufacturer's Web site.
HEADPHONES
Many manufacturers make Bluetooth headphones. They're ideal for working out at the gym or listening to music on your home computer from across the room.
Logitech includes a wireless receiver that plugs into an iPod's dock connector. You can connect it to other players via the headphone jack.
The S9 works with Bluetooth cell phones and doubles as a cell phone headset. You'll need to buy a Bluetooth adapter for music players.
ADAPTERS
You don't need to buy a new music player or cell phone to get Bluetooth. You'll find Bluetooth adapters that work with many gadgets. Adapters for the iPod are most common.
ISkin sells the Cerulean TX + RX ($150). The TX attaches to an iPod or computer. The RX snaps to your iPod dock. You control the music remotely.
Belkin's TuneStage 2 ($150) includes a Bluetooth adapter for your iPod. A wireless receiver connects to any stereo via RCA or minijack cables. You control the music from your iPod.
Some iPod docks also include Bluetooth adapters. They allow you to dock your iPod and listen to it with Bluetooth headphones or stream music from your cell phone. ILuv and iSymphony make Bluetoothenabled docks starting at $130.
Jabra, Anycom and Sony make Bluetooth adapters for iPods. You can also buy adapters for adding Bluetooth to phones and other music players. Jabra and IOGEAR make adapters that connect via the earphone jack. Expect to pay about $50.
Numerous companies make USB Bluetooth dongles for your computer. Prices start around $20. Before buying, be sure the dongle supports A2DP.
Expect to see more products that stream music with Bluetooth. For example, Pioneer and Sony make car stereos that support A2DP. At about $400, these stereos are pricey.
Contact Kim Komando at gnstech@gns.gannett.com.
