Most wireless speakers use AC adapters and plug into a regular power outlet. People often ask our experts that how does wireless surround sound work and whether its better than wired one or not. Some systems use rechargeable batteries to be fully wireless, but to use this kind of surround sound system; this feature requires recharge and repositioning as regular tasks.
Home theatres, for example, require a large number of equipment, including not only the gear itself, but also the type of paint you use. Each new component often involves several new wires, which have to be attached to all the other products that lead to travel hazards and laborious cable management solutions. However, as technology continues to progress, more homeowners want to invest in home theatre wireless systems, even if few know exactly how it works. But what hardware does a wireless system have to operate? Read more to learn how the required components work together.
What is a surround Sound?
The sound around a listener or viewers is used to indicate the sound. You can ensure that you are in the heart of a large audio field by placing various speakers around the listening position. So you are surrounded by sound as a viewer or a listener, giving you the impression that you are in the middle of the action.
Types of Surround Sound?
Variant surround sounds are available and the most common ones are 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1. The difference is in the type of speakers and the source material in your room. It may consist of a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, or a console, for example. The source should be equipped with multiple channels audio track for multiple speakers to reproduce the surround sound.
There are several manufacturers working on their own systems, such as Dolby or DTS, under the concept of surround sound. Although all these systems have their own characteristics, the differences in the number of speakers used in the setup are mainly different.
To get Surround Sound, What do you need to do?
It is entirely dependent on what you have at the moment, your wishes and your budget. The good thing about the various settings is that this can be slowly expanded. You can therefore start with a 3.1 setup and expand it slowly until it is 7.1.4. It is however true that speakers from various brands, all have a different sound and thus do not perfectly coincide. You’re not aware of any audio? Many different sets that fit perfectly are available.
How the Wireless Surround Sound Speakers are Powered?
There are no cables hanging over the floor or in the walls leading from the backpacks and the left/right speakers to the main hub in a wireless surround sound system. Instead each speaker is tucked into the corner of the room individually and tucked away. The wireless surround sound systems of Audioengine, for example, have a standard power source: AC-100-240 Volt 50-60Hz.
Are Batteries Required for Wireless Speakers?
Yes, batteries or rechargeable batteries are used by some wireless speakers. Additional systems are connected to AC power cables. The battery-operated speakers are more mobile, but cannot always correspond to high-quality amplification.
How does Wireless Home Theater or Wireless Surround Sound Work?
An audio signal is sent to the receiver or sound bar to start the wireless home theatre. Once the recipient or soundbar is converted, the sound information can be used to play sound wirelessly over the speakers. These speakers get their strength either from the receiver or through a power outlet (we can’t let it go), but they can receive the sound information wirelessly from the receiver. Some subwoofer and also receive their sound from a paired sound bar wirelessly.
But what each of the components of the home theatre sound system do if they are connected to a wireless system? Let us quickly recapture the core elements of a home theatre setup in order to frame the debate:
THE RECEIVER
The “brain” of the home theatre system is the recipient. It is used to route multiple media sources to the screen and/or audio systems, for both wireless and wired settings.
Sometimes receivers are called amplifiers, which is partially true. For stereo-center use, amplifiers are brought into the game. On the other hand, recipients are amplifiers with more functionality, making them more suitable for home theatre requirements.
Typically, these additional functions include HDMI and video signal relays, integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth services, and more.
THE SPEAKERS
You are really interested in the number of speakers in your home theatre sound system and various types of surround speakers fulfill different role. There is a quick overview of the speakers here, but please check our complete guide on how a wireless surround sound works
Center Speaker
You’ll probably need to install a center speaker if you use a receiver in place of a sound bar. Usually this speaker is the most powerfully installed; just make sure that you don’t power it, as we explain in our guide. This is because you hear most of the sound from these speakers. One of the most important components of your wireless home theatre sound system is a wireless center speaker if a sound bar is not used.
Front speakers
left and right speakers in front systems that are not soundbar in quality are typically also found. Front speakers: Soundbars contain many of the speaker on both sides of the room, either on the left or right or on the end. In domestic theatre systems and, in some cases, automobile systems, we have explored the left and right front speakers in other articles. This would be speakers 2 and 3 if you keep the count.
The speakers are located on the front of the room, facing the main viewing area. These speakers help to make the sound more realistic. Make sure you find wireless models if you want to set up a sound system for wireless home theatre.
Rear speakers
Usually a little smaller, the left side and right back of the room are rear speakers. Rear speakers: Rear speakers are used to surround 5 or more channel sound systems. Background sounds, off-screen voices and other distant sound effects are mainly broadcast by rear speakers.
As the name implies, rear speakers are located in the back of the room and slightly angled to the main audience zone. While rear speakers project subtle sounds in particular, they are essential for a complete surround system design.
Side Speakers
Left and right-hand speakers are silent, but they are louder than rear speakers. This is because they work to put you in the center of the action you see. These models are usually necessary to set up a 7.1 channel. Like the other speakers, ensure wireless compatibility with the model in which you invest.
THE SUBWOOFER
One of the main components in an environmentally based sound set up is a subwoofer. The subwoofer is actually the .1 in a 5.1 or 7.1 channel setup. Subwoofer is used to make rich, deep notes. The bass notes that roar and boom are specially designed to support it. You must be wireless to the surrounding sound of your subwoofer
Wireless System over Wired System! Which is preferred?
There are many reasons for investing in a sound system of home theatre, and that is why wireless systems have been included. But for you, what better: Wireless or wired configuration? Here are some advantages and disadvantages to assist you in evaluating the right option.
Advantages
- Fewer Wires: Less wire in my book is always a pro. Yes, you still need wires leading to your sources of electricity. You however remove the wires necessary for each speaker to be connected to your subwoofer, sound bar and/or receiver.
This not only saves you a number of hazards but also reduces additional cabling costs. This is one of the main reasons why cable systems are opted for by owners. - Latest Technologies/Innovation: The newest products typically contain wireless technology. This means that many of the wireless components are fresh and featured. For example, the most advanced wireless surround sound systems available today are the cutting-edge infrastructure technology now being used.
- More Range: your surround sound system works as long as your wireless speakers are in the required transmission range. This means that when you design your home theatre, you are not restricted to cable lengths
Disadvantages
- Cost: You get what you’re paying for, like most electronics. While several wireless models are available on the market at affordable prices, quality is not affordable.
- Dependency: Wireless is not always as big as we expect. If you have a failure or other problem with your wireless provider, your Wi-Fi speakers may also be reduced.
If you live in an area that is prone to Wi-Fi issues, this could be huge con. On the other hand, wired speakers won’t have this issue because they rely on hard cabling to retransmit signals.
Here is a comparison for you too.
WIRELESS SURROUND SOUND | WIRED SURROUND SOUND |
Speaker wires that lead to the central hub from 4 to 6 speakers. | Each speaker has AC power cables. |
The Initial Price Point Less Expensive. | More costly price point. |
Dedicated location requirements (Holes in Walls). | Easier for rooms to replace or move (No Holes in Walls). |
Home Theaters’ True Surround Sound. | Home Theaters’ True Surround Sound. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, wireless surround sound systems offer significant advantages in terms of flexibility, fewer cables, and modern technology, making them appealing to homeowners seeking to reduce clutter. However, they come with higher costs and potential reliability issues related to wireless connectivity. On the other hand, wired systems provide consistent performance and avoid dependence on Wi-Fi, making them a more stable option for users in areas with connectivity concerns. Ultimately, the choice between wireless and wired surround sound depends on individual preferences, budget, and the specific needs of the home theater setup.
Here’s the list to some of the best wireless surround sound systems in the market for you:
- Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4
- JBL Bar 1300X
- Bluesound Pulse SOUNDBAR+
- SAMSUNG Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar
- Sony HT-AX7 Portable Theatre System
- Sonos Arc Surround Sound Package
- LG Sound Bar S95QR with Surround Speakers
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FAQs – How Does Wireless Surround Sound Work
What is needed for wireless surround sound?
You need a wireless transmitter and receiver kit to set up wireless surround sound speakers. This kit sends audio signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for speaker wires.
How do wireless surround sound speakers get power?
Wireless speakers still need power. Most connect to a standard power outlet using an AC adapter, while some systems use rechargeable batteries, requiring regular charging.
How does wireless surround sound connect to a TV?
Wireless surround sound connects to your TV by linking a wireless transmitter to the AVR (Audio/Video Receiver), creating a second audio zone that powers your surround speakers wirelessly.
Do you need a receiver for a wireless surround sound system?
Yes, a receiver is necessary. A wireless transmitter sends the audio signals, and a wireless receiver captures them to play sound through your speakers.
Is there a completely wireless surround sound system?
No system is entirely wireless. You will still need power cords and HDMI cables for certain components, even in wireless surround sound setups.
Do wireless surround speakers have delay?
Wireless speakers may experience latency, which can cause delays between the audio signal and sound output. This can affect synchronization between audio and video in home theater systems.
Can I add wireless surround speakers to my soundbar?
Yes, you can add wireless surround speakers to a soundbar. For the best performance, it’s recommended to use an Ethernet cable between your router and soundbar, though wireless connections can work as well.
Which is better, a soundbar or surround sound?
Surround sound systems provide superior audio quality and an immersive experience compared to soundbars. However, soundbars are compact, easy to install, and ideal for smaller spaces.
How to connect wireless surround speakers to a receiver?
To connect wireless surround speakers to a receiver, activate Bluetooth pairing on your speakers, then scan for available devices on your receiver. Once paired, the wireless speakers will connect and play audio.