Best wireless multiroom digital music systems according to redditors

So I'm looking to purchase a wireless HDMI system (and a TV), so I've done a bit of research. Everything below is from what I've read, not from experience.

For connecting a PC to a TV, there are four main options:

• Wireless Home Digital Interface (WHDI) is the first of two technologies generally called "wireless HDMI." It transmits in the 5Ghz spectrum. Pros: 5Ghz can pass through walls; lots of hardware options to choose from; latency is on the order of low single digits miliseconds; transfer rate is enough for 1080p uncompressed. Cons: I've read a little suggesting that though the 1080p video quality is extremely good, it's not quite uncompressed; probably not the best choice for resolutions above 1080p, possible interference with other devices in similar spectrum. Basic kits usually run around $200.
  
  
• Wireless HD is the second technology frequently called wireless HDMI. It broadcasts in the 60Ghz spectrum. The pros and cons are similar to WHDI. However, this signal does not penetrate walls and requires the transmitter and receiver to be in the same room, ideally with line of sight. On the other hand, the transfer rate is even faster than WHDI and interference with other signals is less likely. Hardware cost around $200.
  
  
• Intel WiDi Many laptops come with an Intel WiDi (Wireless Display) transmitter these days. The technology is good for video, but latency tends to be high enough that it's not great for anything but turn-based games. Data transfer rates are also lower than the two WHDMI technologies, but probably adequate. A transmitter + receiver kit is on the order of $80.
  
  
• Steam wireless streaming Streams over your WiFi network. The good news is that it doesn't require any additional hardware to set up, but depending on your Internet speeds, reliability, number of concurrent users, etc., the resulting stream may be low quality and/or high latency. Oh, and it's not released yet, though there is a public beta.
  
  All that said, I'm planning to be a WHDI kit like this one so I can transmit through walls. But I'm certainly open to corrections of the above or recommendations for either a wireless HDMI solution or a TV (which I also need to purchase...looking for something budget-ish in the 50" ballpark)

This is the one I use. I've never had any issues with it.

http://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-GW3DHDKIT-Wireless-Digital-Channel/dp/B00630WKGI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1394042822&sr=8-4&keywords=wireless+hdmi

Apparently my comment was removed. Wrong link, my apologies.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00630WKGI/

Original comment: This is what I use for my home projector. Have vaulted ceilings and running wires was nearly impossible. I bought mine from Best Buy. Love it! Remote can take multiple tries to switch or turn off but, I'm also using the crappy batteries that were included. No loss of picture or resolution, never a problem with dropped picture in general. I did have one time where I thought the HDMI cable went out and it was the receiver, needed restarted. Besides those 2 things, I love mine! Worth the money for my situation PLUS there are 2 HDMI ports! Hope this helps!

> as the wireless isn't great here

You're probably going to run into lots of problems with WiFi-based solutions like ChromeCast and MiraCast. Chromecast is $30, you can try it and see.

The alternatives are a lot more expensive. I'd start with the DVDO Air3C and then move to the Iogear GW3DHDKIT if that doesn't work.

Not OP, but they do BT speakers. Like dis one.

I use this does the job. 1080p, can do video playback and gaming, no need to use the AC adaptor for the receiver if you just plug the mini USB to a free USB port on your TV.

SmartThings Version 3 Hub (I have the Version 2 Hub...you will have to look around for this one):
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SmartThings-Generation-GP-U999SJVLGDA-Automation/dp/B07FJGGWJL/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1540989501&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=smartthings+hub+2nd+generation&psc=1

GE Z-Wave Plus On/Off Light Switch:
https://www.amazon.com/GE-Repeater-Required-Works-SmartThings-14291/dp/B01M1AHC3R/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540989582&sr=8-3&keywords=z-wave+switch

GE Z-Wave Plus Dimmer Switch:
https://www.amazon.com/GE-Repeater-Required-Works-SmartThings-14291/dp/B07361Y54Z/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540989582&sr=8-3&keywords=z-wave%2Bswitch&th=1

GE Add On Switch (if you have a 3-way or 4-way switch):
https://www.amazon.com/GE-Bluetooth-Wireless-STANDALONE-12723/dp/B00RKJS8MQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1540989718&sr=8-3&keywords=z-wave+add+on+switch

ZigBee Motion Sensors:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F8ZHBLS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

ZigBee Door Sensors:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F956F3B/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

ZigBee Leak Sensors:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F951JDP/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

ZigBee Outlet Plug (you will need to replicate your ZigBee mesh, I use to motion activate lamps, turn lamps on/off at sunset/sunrise, etc.):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F96JB63/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Z-Wave Thermostat:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EJ7YO2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

ZigBee RGB Landscape RGB LED Strips:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R1PB2ZY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

ZigBee RGB Lightbulbs:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073ZBYXKQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Z-Wave Deadbolt:
https://www.amazon.com/Kwikset-SmartCode-Electronic-SmartThings-featuring/dp/B004F1B24I/ref=sr_1_12?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1540990126&sr=1-12&keywords=z-wave+lock

Z-Wave Garage Door Opener:
https://www.amazon.com/GoControl-Linear-GD00Z-4-Z-Wave-Controller/dp/B00M75TEIU/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1540990160&sr=1-4&keywords=z-wave+garage+door+opener

Sonos One Speakers (Great music, and talking through SmartThings):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074XN1LH3/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Amazon Echo Show (for Voice Control...an Echo Dot will work just fine too):
https://www.amazon.com/All-new-Echo-Show-2nd-Gen/dp/B077SXWSRP/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1540990254&sr=1-1&keywords=echo+show

That's about all I can think of at the moment.

If you are going to do this, do it in stages. Z-Wave and ZigBee are mesh networks...meaning that the reliability of the network gets much better the more devices you have. Also, with these mesh networks:

• Battery operated devices DO NOT reinforce the mesh
  
• The only devices that reinforce the mesh are devices that are always powered from the mains
  
  I see so many people complaining about how the Z-Wave or ZigBee devices don't work, when they are relying on too many battery operated devices.
  
  For Z-Wave devices, choose Z-Wave Plus over Z-Wave...it's the newest standard, and has much better range.
  
  In the US, Z-Wave operates in the 900 MHz spectrum and ZigBee in the 2.4 GHz spectrum. Personally, I "prefer" Z-Wave devices as there is a lot of "junk" in the 2.4 GHz spectrum right now. However, the ZigBee devices are operating reliably as I have a strong mesh setup (with non-battery operated devices).
  
  Two great application for the Leak Sensors:
  
  
• Near your hot water heater (when they go, they always leak)
  
• Under your A/C drip pan (if you have central air)
  
  Great applications for door open/close sensors:
  
  
• Turn closet lights on/off when the door opens or closes
  
• Turn on entry and hallway lights when an entry door opens, but only when it's dark (30 minutes before sunset or after sunrise)...turn off 1 minute later
  
• Notify me when my gun safe is opened
  
  Great Application for Motion Sensors
  
  
• Turn on outside ceiling fans (but only if the temp is above 72 degrees)
  
• Turn on lamps while motion is active when it's dark
  
  The motion sensors I linked above are the new ones...the magnetically mount. What's cool is that the magnet is in the sensor, and it's strong enough to attach the sensor to a dry wall screw (no need to mount the adapter bracket).

I use the this. Works great.

And if you want the very best with a $300 - 500 budget (No Dolby Atmos) with the same main features as the Vizio soundbar, then I'd go with either Sony or Sonos (Playbase).

1.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDN53YC/ref=psdc_3237803011_t1_B06ZYXH1ML

(Tough sell and a little more that your budget, but an good overall good sounding speaker. Review from The Verge below)

2. https://www.amazon.com/Sonos-PLAYBASE-Wireless-Soundbar-Streaming/dp/B01MSEPNIO/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1498618085&sr=1-10&keywords=sonos

https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/4/15167574/sonos-playbase-review-tv-speaker-vs-playbar

i use one of these for my sky box
http://www.amazon.co.uk/IOGear-Wireless-HD-1080p-Streaming/dp/B00630WKGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453628024&sr=8-1&keywords=wireless+hdmi
you would set the screen to duplicate the desktop oin each display then set the audio to go through the wireless HDMI box so it gets presented to the denon amp

Nice but pricy 1600$. Is it 5ghz ?

Did something similar with a raspberry pi running as AP with a Ngix server pushing a H264 stream, that had slightly more latency than this 50-150 mS but cost 1/50 of this.

Googled around: 160$ for home use, 5ghz
http://wholesaler.alibaba.com/product-detail/Newest-Wireless-HDMI-to-AV-kit_2001212284.html

Closer to home and less bulky 186$ http://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-GW3DHDKIT-Wireless-Digital-Channel/dp/B00630WKGI?SubscriptionId=AKIAJM4NKIQGABP2PIRA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00630WKGI&tag=thewire06-20&ascsubtag=WC15048

There is a standard for home hdmi local links called WHDI on 5ghz THIS! can be hacked with better antennas and a booster from China to make a nice cheap link. Latency is also a concern in home entertainment as people play games on their tvs the last link iO-Gear should have low latency.

Use a wireless HDMI (example here) to hook up the 2nd screen, then just set the mirroring in the OS. Easiest way to do this I can think of. Assumes you have an open HDMI port and $200 to throw down.

OSD audio wireless streaming NERO XD amplifier

TIC wifi streaming amp

TV, surround sound system, gaming from my couch rather than at a desk:

• $2,000: 65 inch 4K tv with low input lag and good HDR: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N7LHUZL
  
  
• $1,700: 5.1 Surround Sound. Includes: Sonos Playbar, Sub, and 2 x Play: 1s. I personally love the Sonos ecosystem and have Sonos speakers all around my apartment. Great for music, and the playbar is great for my TV, but it doesn’t play nice with any non-Sonos speakers or Bluetooth. But I’ve been gaming with this setup and games that use surround sound well, like Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, have been immersive and just generally phenomenal. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B071NFRX6X
  
  
• $2,000: a laptop you can game with from the comfort of your couch, since I’ve eschewed a desk and therefore a desktop PC. I’ve had good experiences with my 2014 MSI Stealth Pro gaming PC and would probably just upgrade to the newest one with the best specs. Stealth Pro is nice because it’s one of the best gaming laptops under 5 pounds, and since I rest my laptop on my legs, I don’t want some 10 pound Alienware behemoth cutting off my circulation. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B074VKSPN6
  
  
• $40: an HDMI switcher to force the laptop to output in 5.1 surround sound rather than stereo when it sends audio to the tv: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00QJGAKCW
  
  Plus some way to use a mouse. But yeah, I have this current setup (with a slightly cheaper 55” tv I’m considering upgrading to the 65” I linked) and gaming in a home theater setup is glorious. With absolutely no budget, I might pick a bigger, more expensive TV (like something truly absurd like 88 inches and just keep moving my couch back until I could handle how big the tv was) but I’m happy with my current tv size.
  
  This should also work well for console gaming, I just don’t own any consoles so I can’t comment.

I have this (not exact same model) and it works great for super short distances, although not nearly as great as they advertise, and it's only 60fps. But something specially designed along those lines for the Vive would be great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00V9Z2WBK/ref=olp_twister_child?ie=UTF8&mv_color_name=1

Maybe you can try to use this one. I hope that it will help you~
https://www.amazon.com/GGMM-Bluetooth-Featuring-Multi-Room-Streaming/dp/B01E3MXHKA/ref=sr_1_12?m=A3JL9SOBLRVXYC&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=148740797

IOGear GW3DHDKIT

A lot would depend on the setup and intended outcome, but there are a few options.

One option could be to use some sort of wireless transceiver like AT&T offers - the commercials about moving the TV anywhere, even outside. Example @ Amazon. I think I have seen setups that allow a few TVs, but for the most part it is just for a second, maybe third, screen. Those other TVs would see whatever is going to the main screen and only what was on the main screen unless you setup the channel changing part (but that would just allow others to change the channel on the main screen from their remote location) or had other inputs, like the more "traditional" cable distribution methods.

If you must: IOGEAR Wireless 3D Digital Kit with Full HD 1080P and 5.1 Channel Digital Audio, GW3DHDKIT https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00630WKGI/

really there isn't an all in one solution for this.

You can get Wireless HDMI kits like this

and then you'd still need to split the HDMI audio into something else. The wireless video is easy, just the audio is the hard part.

Or get a wireless HDMI like this

look into hdmi transmitters. apparently they work, would be easier than modding a monitor

*http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00630WKGI/thewire06-20

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00630WKGI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1412395337&sr=1-1&pi=SX200_QL40

Slightly bigger than chromecast, but it sounds like what you're looking for

For under $200US you can get one of these which will give you fine 1080p video and 5.1 sound.

I always run into scope creep when I do things like this though. If this is $200, for $400 I could just put a dedicated htpc on the tv.

Googling "hdmi output splitter" brought up several that would do what you want.

You'll want to make sure to check into each to see what the (if any) delay is as many of these will introduce some delay.

My setup has IOGear wireless HDMI boxes which allows for a passthrough as well as the remote output so in effect, it does the same.
The remote (to the TV) does have a slight delay compared to the pass-through (to the monitor), but it isn't too bad.

I use these, they work really well.
https://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-GW3DHDKIT-Wireless-Digital-Channel/dp/B00630WKGI

You just came with the wrong question. I will go through this slowly now that I have a moment to explain your folly. Battery powered speakers don't really exist. A Jawbone Jambox is a portable speaker with a battery but certainly not considered an actual speaker by any means. The fact you mention you want battery powered HOME THEATER speakers means in our mind you want five speakers with batteries to create a surround sound and that makes no sense.. Then you replied above with

>I'm trying to wire single speakers in the walks of my parents new house with 3.5 mm jack faceplates. So guests can just plug a phone in and listen to music in various bathrooms, etc. Do I need to buy powered and hardwire 110 to them?

Assuming you mean WALLS and not walks you are now trying to install in-wall single mono speakers in various room that can be played via a phone when you walk up and plug them in. This is just silly without investing in a whole house system. You are going to be far better off buying several cheap ipod docks and just leaving them around Vs a full in-wall installation. There are alternative in-wall amplifiers but they get terrible reviews and need 110V wired to them directly in the walls and then need a wire run to a pair of in-wall or in-ceiling speakers and you would need a whole set of that per room.

Yes, but they are expensive and the reviews are very mixed:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00630WKGI

Video is a lot of bandwidth. Transmitting it wirelessly isn't very easy.

So, I did some research and found out I would need an hdmi transmitter and receiver. Such as this one off Amazon http://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-GW3DHDKIT-Wireless-Digital-Channel/dp/B00630WKGI. Also, this youtube video helps a ton https://youtu.be/ROX-r_kHPks

I use this.

I second this, I have one that streams across the house with no loss issues. They are a little pricey, but well worth it. http://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-GW3DHDKIT-Wireless-Digital-Channel/dp/B00630WKGI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415114821&sr=8-1&keywords=iogear+wireless+hdmi

You can wait for something like this:
https://www.amazon.ca/Sonos-ONE-Smart-Speaker-Black/dp/B074XLMYY5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1518300319&sr=8-3&keywords=sono

I bought one of these - it works really well

https://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-Wireless-Digital-Channel-GW3DHDKIT/dp/B00630WKGI

Wireless HDMI?

https://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-GW3DHDKIT-Wireless-Digital-Channel/dp/B00630WKGI/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1466469706&sr=1-5&keywords=Wireless+HDMI

They make wireless HDMI kits. http://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-GW3DHDKIT-Wireless-Digital-Channel/dp/B00630WKGI Also it is pretty easy to pull up the edges of carpet and run wires under your molding.

ioGear Wireless HDMI Adapter
https://www.iogear.com/wireless-av.htm
$189-$300.
https://www.amazon.com/IOGEAR-GW3DHDKIT-Wireless-Digital-Channel/dp/B00630WKGI
I have three of these. Work perfectly. Plug it directly in the HDMI port of the laptop, good to go. Occasional user issues, usually just users forget how to change between "Extend" and "Duplicate" by doing Windows Key + P. Price isn't bad. If need be, we can also sync them to the same channel to do multi-room presentation. (Only two are in range of each other). The problem is we can't use software/network solutions as 50% of our users using the adapter/connecting to TV's are customers or vendors, and are either a) Not connected to our internal network VLAN (private SSID) and are usually on our Public network VLAN (public SSID), and also sometimes cannot install software. So we have to stick to a simple hardware connector. I have a VGA to Female HDMI adapter that gets power off a USB port as well we use occasionally when customers do not have HDMI, which is rare these days. Also a MiniDisplayPort to HDMI adapter.

I'm guessing devices like the Sonos One and the Eufy

Are you looking for something like this or This

I looked into these over the past couple weeks and some have better reviews and more/less lag then others. Personally I don't want to shell out $150-$200 so I'm going to run a 40' HDMI cable from my pc down through the basement then up to my living room tv

Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i Compact Wireless Multi-Room Smart Speaker with Bluetooth - Black - Works with Alexa and Siri https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H22KQVY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.vGqDb0YBDJB6

Amazon.ca is selling it:

https://www.amazon.ca/Sonos-Move-Durable-Battery-Powered-Listening/dp/B07W95RBZM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2YSTCOYV95NMS&keywords=sonos+move&qid=1569458649&s=gateway&sprefix=sonos+m%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-3

We bought one of these for a projector on the ceiling at our church and it was pretty damned reliable.

IOGEAR Wireless 3D Digital Kit with Full HD 1080P and 5.1 Channel Digital Audio, GW3DHDKIT https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00630WKGI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WB.NybCZ7NAGG

Heos 5

$300/ea, use AUX in for CD.

I’m so sorry, I have the PlayBase >.<

Does this make things entirely different now?

Sorry, i dont think you can do it. The speaker is 60 bucks, what do you expect :)

Speakers like this are more expensive:

https://www.amazon.com/RIVA-Concert-Alexa-Built-Connectivity/dp/B07GNVM1YD?creativeASIN=B07GNVM1YD&linkCode=w61&imprToken=CE3TNHMOBq7mVG4FqAI.Iw&slotNum=2&tag=w050b-20

Have a good one!

Have you considered going with Wireless HDMI? They are quite expensive but it’s worth looking into, the solution may also too laggy so consider buying it from somewhere where returns are easy and guaranteed.

I think sonos would work fine for what you're trying to do. However, another option would be the Yamaha Music Cast WX-010 $110 (white). They are wifi and bluetooth and work with the Yamaha Music Cast ecosystem. The app that you need for a phone/tablet is not bad and the tone control feature really makes me happy. They sound pretty darn good for their size and will get plenty loud. I will say that keeping them in the mono mode will be recommended as the stereo mode seems to require a very strong wifi signal that's not needed for mono. These are the older versions but for what you're doing they should do great.

I am using a wireless HDMI transmitter, instead of running a very long HDMI cable to my projector. Am I able to hook that up to the receiver and still use all of those inputs? I want that receiver, but I don't want the cable running along the wall.

Here's a link to the transmitter that I am using.

i think i may need to bite the bullet and just same up for this

do you know the quality of this? or Pioneer in general? im new to audio equiptment so i dont know much

https://www.amazon.ca/Pioneer-XEM26-Receiver-System-Bluetooth/dp/B01MTQ5YSC/ref=s9_simh_gw_g504_i1_r?pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=R43950YKWACBD4G4Y7PK&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=b06971ce-9992-44c1-9ee0-eb9792e71b5e&pf_rd_i=desktop

I haven't researched any wall-mounted systems but this is generally how it's done

If you're looking for something like that I would try over in /r/audio/

However, there are other ways of doing it, one of which as I mentioned requires sending power through the wiring to drive little amplifiers like this that can be mounted in the wall with the speaker. You could probably find mono ones instead of stereo but these would work. They'll accept a bluetooth connection so you can use something like AmpMe to sync them all together. A chromecast audio would be nice but ****!

edit: Don't buy that specific bluetooth amp - there is a heavily-Chinese-accented voice that plays every time it's powered on, and every time bluetooth connects, and it's volume is whatever the amp volume is set to last time it was connected.

"Ze brootoof device is-a connected-a successfurry".

I wouldn't even take that bet for .50

TO OP:

The media/music server/streamer idea failed because of Spotify, just like SACD and DVDA failed because of MP3s. Convenience for the masses over quality for the few.

Now that Pioneer's home audio has been taken over by Onkyo, don't expect to see much in the future. They're still touting their 2015 Elite receivers as "top of the line" because they are software upgradable. The 2015/2016 SC-LX701, 801 and 901 are still in production, yet D&M and Yamaha have already released two full model number improvements in their top tier AVR series.

But if you really want something like this - they do exist

• https://www.amazon.com/Sony-HAPS1-Hi-Res-Player-System/dp/B00FFZCZE4
  
  
• • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNwB50bN0Do
    
    
• https://www.amazon.com/CXN-v2-Network-Streamer-Silver/dp/B079F5MST1/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/IOGear-Wireless-HD-1080p-Streaming/dp/B00630WKGI

This is the one I want to try but search 5ghz HDMI sender