Home theater equipped with bluetooth: device, features of operation

Bluetooth is a form of wireless communication that enables various devices to interact using a specific radio frequency. This innovation has been widely adopted in contemporary home cinemas, ushering in a new era of wireless theaters. A home theater system equipped with bluetooth showcases both benefits and drawbacks.

A home theater without wires

• by means of Bluetooth;
• by utilizing a Wi-Fi transmitter;
• by means of electromagnetic waves.

Home theater with Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology enables wireless communication between digital devices within a certain range (typically up to 10 meters). There are two ways in which a home theater can incorporate Bluetooth functionality:

1. Wirelessly receive audio files from a smartphone, laptop, or tablet and transmit them to the home theater’s signal source (e.g. receiver, media player) for playback through wired speakers.
2. Wirelessly transmit audio signals to speakers within the home theater system.

Some home theaters even combine both functions, allowing for wireless reception and transmission. These systems are known as wireless home theater systems, as they can receive data from an external Bluetooth source and wirelessly transmit it to the speakers.

Disadvantages of a wireless system

The introduction of Bluetooth-enabled cinema theaters was a direct response by manufacturers to address the dissatisfaction and inconvenience experienced by owners due to the tangle of wires and cables running across the room to connect the speakers. However, finding a solution to eliminate the need for wires and cables proved to be a challenging task. The difficulties arise from the following factors:

1. A modern home theater speaker system typically comprises 6 or more channels. If wireless connectivity is pursued, each wireless speaker would require the installation of a receiver, a DAC converter, and a high-quality analog amplifier. According to manufacturers, this combination of electronics would not only be expensive but exorbitantly so. On the other hand, laying cables and carrying out repairs on the floors, walls, and ceiling is also a costly endeavor.

Today, many Bluetooth home theater systems only have wireless rear speakers, although they still require the use of wires.

1. The speaker, with its substantial filling, becomes operational and introduces a certain level of distortion into the signal.

Speakers utilize power outlets to connect to the main power supply. However, the power outlets designed for these speakers are more inconspicuous and visually appealing compared to having wires scattered all around the room. Nevertheless, there are also fully wireless speakers available. One example is the Philips CSS5235Y home theater audio system, which uses Bluetooth to transmit the audio signal to the speaker. The rear speakers serve as an extension of the front speakers, transforming a 2.1 stereo system into a 4.1-channel system with Surround Demand surround sound once the cables are removed. Interestingly, these rear speakers are completely wireless. However, after 5 hours of use, they need to be connected back to the front speakers for recharging.

Receiving audio files via Bluetooth

To output audio files from a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, the process is the same:

1. The mobile device, which is equipped with a Bluetooth chip, transmits audio files to the receiver.
2. The receiver decodes the signal, separates it into channels, and then splits it.
3. Some of the channels are sent via wired technology to the amplifier, and then to the front and center speakers.
4. The remaining channels are re-encoded and distributed to the rear active speakers. These speakers receive the channels, decode them again, amplify them, and then broadcast them. The speakers also receive commands for adjusting the sound volume and delay time for spatial sound effects.

The Sony BDV-N9100W home theater model features Blu-ray and a 5.1 system, offering exceptional sound quality. The speakers have a combined power of 1000 watts, providing a truly immersive audio experience. With the built-in Bluetooth module, you can easily connect your mobile device and stream your favorite music directly to the speakers. Additionally, the rear speakers are wireless, eliminating the need for extensive wire installation throughout the room.

Sound quality of bluetooth movie theaters

The sound quality in wireless speakers still lags behind that of wired ones. In the latter, the signal is transmitted in analog form, without any alterations. On the other hand, the digital signal in wireless speakers undergoes coding and decoding processes before being reproduced in the rear speakers, which inevitably affects its quality. However, it is worth noting that today there are models available on the market that feature sound recovery systems.

A Bluetooth-enabled home theater system may encounter difficulties in functioning properly:

1. Accidental contact with the transmitting or receiving part of a mobile device or a movie theater can disrupt the Bluetooth connection.
2. When the phone or tablet is positioned too far away from the home theater receiving system, exceeding a distance of 10 meters, it can lead to connection interruptions.
3. In some cases, even within the specified range, obstacles like doors or walls can interfere with the Bluetooth communication.
4. If there is a strong electric field in close proximity to the home theater system, it can also affect the Bluetooth connection.
5. Simultaneous pairing of multiple Bluetooth devices can cause interference and disrupt the functioning of the home theater system.
6. Interference can arise from various sources such as microwave ovens, wireless internet adapters, fluorescent lights, and even gas stoves. These devices operate on the same frequency as Bluetooth.

Additionally, the Bluetooth device itself can be a potential source of interference.

Important considerations

When connecting a mobile device to a home theater system, it is essential to consider a few key points. In order to maintain optimal audio quality, it is necessary for the receiver or source to have the SBC audio codec installed. Different home theater systems will support varying levels of SBC data quality:

• For mid-level systems, the supported quality is up to 237 kbps at 48 kHz.
• For high-level systems, the supported quality is 328 kbps at 44.1 kHz.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the supported profile is compatible. Most modern home theater systems with Bluetooth functionality utilize the A2DP profile.

NFS is an additional technology that enables data transfer from a mobile device, making it easier to connect via Bluetooth. The user doesn’t have to go through the settings, they simply have to bring their smartphone, for instance, close to the home theater device, touch it, and confirm the connection. Moreover, wireless technology allows for controlling the home theater from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.