Apple TV + Airplay = wireless surround sound?

[klittle32]

Anyone know if it will be possible to stream the audio from whatever movie or tv show you are watching to some hypothetical wireless speakers designed to work with Airplay?

 

[guitargoddsjm]

Anyone know if it will be possible to stream the audio from whatever movie or tv show you are watching to some hypothetical wireless speakers designed to work with Airplay?

I believe so. If I remember correctly, Denon is releasing an Airplay-equipped stereo receiver in the near future. I'm sure other companies will follow suit.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if a "bridge" was released. Some sort of device that Airplay could talk to if your existing device doesn't natively support it.

 

[CanadianMac2008]

Airport Express would be that "bridge" if I'm not mistaken...?

 

[guitargoddsjm]

Airport Express would be that "bridge" if I'm not mistaken...?

Well if I understand the network layout correctly, Airport Express would currently serve the role of "bridge" for devices that connect via 3.5mm. I was actually suggesting that other 3rd-party companies would come up with alternative options.

 

[newagemac]

Well if I understand the network layout correctly, Airport Express would currently serve the role of "bridge" for devices that connect via 3.5mm. I was actually suggesting that other 3rd-party companies would come up with alternative options.

Yeah, that 3.5mm is both a digital and an optical audio output port. So I have a cable with 3.5 analog on one end and left/right RCA analog on the other to connect my cheap analog only receiver to it. I also have a cable with a 3.5mm optical on one end and regular toslink optical on the other end to connect to my home theater receiver's digital input.

Works great for sending audio to anywhere in the house and with Apple's remote app, you can control the volume at all locations independently. If you have an optical input on your receiver, it makes more sense to buy an Apple TV though if you don't need to use it as a router or to extend your network since they both cost the same and the Apple TV does a whole lot more with your content.