01.Introduction
Test results for 11 wireless music streaming devices, priced from $284 to $675
Having spent time converting your music collection to MP3, it seems a little old fashioned to have to play the CDs in a CD player. Instead you can use a media streamer that will send your entire collection from your PC to your sound system, and without the need for messy cables too!
We also included both the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 because, even though they are primarily games consoles, they can do the job quite well with just the addition of a remote control ($49.95) for the PlayStation 3 and wireless attachment ($155) for the Xbox 360. If you're thinking of buying either, this function could be a bit of a bonus, but it'll come at a total price of $1049 and $804 respectively.
It's a good idea, but it's not necessarily a cheap one. We bought 11 wireless music streamers and tested them for:
- Wireless performance
- Sound and video quality
- Ease of use
- Energy consumption on standby
As well as identifying the best products in the test, we also explain how media streamers work, how you can connect them to your sound system and computer and what to look for when choosing one, including video connections, timeshift feature and remote control.
Read our free Wireless 101 guide for more information on how to set up a wireless network at home.
Please note: this information was current as of February 2008 but is still a useful guide to today's market.
Brands tested
- Apple TV
- D-Link Media Lounge Entertainment Network DSM 320
- Logitech Squeezebox Wireless Digital Music Player
- Mediagate MG-350 HD Wireless High Definition Multimedia Player
- Microsoft Xbox 360
- Netgear Digital Entertainment HD EVA8000
- Pinnacle Soundbridge Network Music Player
- Pinnacle Soundbridge Radio Wi-Fi Music System
- Sony Playstation 3
- Terratec Noxon2Audio
- Ziova Clearstream CS 510
17 Mar 2010
|
We test 10 digital radios, priced from $170 to $1000.
4 Feb 2013
|
We've tested portable digital radios from Bush, Pure, Roberts and Sangean among others for sound quality, ease of operation and their ability to hold a signal.
18 Apr 2008
|
These speaker docks let you listen to your music aloud, but don’t expect too much in terms of sound quality.
24 Mar 2009
|
A sound bar is a box with a number of speakers in it. It's designed to sit just below your TV screen, and uses clever technology to approximate some of the effects of having speakers placed around the room.