Add-on or Integrated wireless speakers

Wireless home theater speaker systems are getting better, cheaper, faster and easier to use. With wireless speakers, you aren’t limited to the length of connecting wires when placing your speakers. While wires aren’t completely eliminated - most systems have a transmitter that has to be connected with a power source - wireless technology does greatly reduce the unsightly clutter of cables generally associated with home theater systems.

The biggest problem with wired systems has been hiding the wires, which often requires a professional to drill into the ceiling, floor and walls. Wireless systems are generally easier to install while allowing much greater flexibility in the placement of speakers. It’s also possible to use wireless rear speakers along with a traditional wired system.

Wireless speaker systems can use infrared technology (IR), similar to TV remotes, or a radio frequency (RF) transmitter. Infrared systems generally don’t have much problem with interference, but require a “line-of-sight” set up to the receiver, which makes it more difficult to hide the speakers. You can lose the sound momentarily if something comes between the transmitter and receiver, such as someone walking between them. Radio frequency systems are more susceptible to interference from cordless phones, microwaves and other home appliances, though higher-end systems with more powerful transmitters get the best reception. Wireless systems usually range from 150 to 300 feet from the transmitter, which is generally greater than most home theater systems require.

Add-on versus integrated
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There are two different systems to choose from: add-on or integrated. Most home theater systems allow you to add-on components that can be purchased separately off-the-shelf, such as transmitters, receivers and surround sound speakers. A transmitter connected to the system’s amplifier emits audio signals to the receiver that sends signals to the speakers when the add-ons are installed.

An amplifier with built-in transmitter, front center speaker, front side speakers along with a sub-woofer as well as two rear surround-sound speakers make up the integrated wireless home theater speaker system, which can be purchased as an all-in-one package. Prices range from about $200 to more than $2,000.

Comparison shop
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When deciding which system to use, it helps to comparison shop. Once you set your budget, visit stores so you can test controls and listen to different models until you find the system that is best for you. Along with their convenience, wireless systems save money because they don’t require so many costly cables. While there are still some technological problems to be solved, wireless systems are the wave of the future and will one day probably entirely replace systems dependent on wires and cables.