Wired For Wireless

In order to stream music from your iPhone you first need a Bluetooth transmitter (or Bluetooth adapter) since your iPhone is not A2DP and a Bluetooth speaker system.

Remember that 1) the Bluetooth transmitter can also bee used with a set of Bluetooth stereo headphones, for audio streaming and hands-free calling, and 2) the Bluetooth speaker will allow you to play music wirelessly from a computer (supporting A2DP).

Also check out the new Parrot Zikmu, expected this Spring.

There is several ways to do it whether you need a wired or a wireless solution

Wired solutions:

1) The cheapest way: buy an iPod stereo cable for a few bucks to connect your player to the RCA jacks of the receiver.

2) More elegant and not as cheap, get a docking station that will allow you to charge and remote control your iPod, like the Yamaha YDS-11SL Universal iPod Dock (for Select Yamaha Home Theater Receivers) or the Belkin TuneCommand .

Get more bang for your bucks by getting a docking station with Bluetooth capability, like the ArtDio BT-500 Bluetooth Docking Station. Not only you will be able to play any Bluetooth stereo source through your home theater (computer, cell phone, PDA, pocket PC), but also your iPod videos on your TV (thanks to the S-video out).

Wireless solutions:

1) Connect a Bluetooth transmitter into the iPod and a Bluetooth receiver into the home stereo system using the standard jacks. Check out the kit Zoom i-HiFi Receiver and i-HiFi Bluetooth Transmitter for iPod

2) If, in addition, you want to play your home theater through Bluetooth stereo headphones opt for a Bluetooth transmitter-receiver, like the GE 99004 or the Sony HWS-BTA2W

Remember that you can play any Bluetooth stereo source through a Bluetooth-enabled home audio system: computer or cell phone for instance.

Related articles:

6 Bluetooth Transmitters for iPod

iPod untangled

Ecamm is introducing the BT-1 wireless webcam , the first Bluetooth wireless webcam for Mac.

The BT-1 frees Mac users from the constraints of a built-in camera, allowing for maximum versatility in camera position, pan and tilt. The included flexible mini-tripod makes for easy desktop mounting.
the BT-1 streams H.264 video and AAC audio, taking advantage of Mac OS X’s rich multimedia capabilities to provide a truly seamless experience.
Bluetooth wireless technology makes setting up your BT-1 a breeze. Simply install the BT-1 software and turn on the camera. Pairing begins automatically.

Features:

• 640×480 H.264 video and 48 kHz AAC stereo audio
• Compact 2″ x 2½” x 5/8″ design
• Built-in Rechargeable Battery
• Charging via USB Connection
• 4 hour talk time
• Wireless range of 10-30 feet
• Compatible with iChat, Skype and more
• Standard tripod mounting screw

System requirements:

Mac OS X v10.5 (Leopard) or newer
Bluetooth v2.0+EDR or better

Available late march 2009

Related article:

What is Bluetooth?

I was reading a magazine while traveling and came across an article that was talking about the MyVu personal media viewers. When I arrived at my destination, I decided to go search the web and see what more I could learn about these personal media shades. After viewing the MyVU website presentation, I was more than excited about their potential.

My immediate thought was, ” I want one of these”. It took me a few weeks but I finally ordered the MyVu Shades 301. I have to be honest, when I received them I had mixed reviews.

The packaging, a simple box, yet it was pretty cool in that it shows these young people kicking back and seemingly enjoying their personal viewers. So, I carefully opened the box and slowly removed the contents, making sure that I was not missing anything and that I connected the proper connection cable with my Archos 605.

This is how I will break it down: When I initially opened the package the first thing I noticed was the weight of the sunglasses. They have a pretty cool look to them though.

Ok, now it is time to sit-back and get real. The ‘assembly’ was relatively simple but I do have to say that I was rather disappointed with the size of the image that projected on the screen. I was expecting something larger. Since the viewer is pretty heavy, it is very important that you place the magnetic clamps together behind your head. (This helps to relieve some of the weightiness).

To be fair, I continued to give the MyVu more chances and what I found was that my eyes came to adjust to the smaller than expected screen and the weighted feeling of the viewers seem to subside each time I used them. The key to enjoying these viewers is to make sure you are sitting in a slightly reclined position, as its viewer and image will provide a projection screen that is comfortable.

The sound on these viewers is really good. The cool thing is that if you have several different types of video players, iPod video, Archos, portable DVD player: it is best to invest in the universal MyVU system. So, am I sold on these…. it is probably best said that I have converted more towards satisfied.

Once you get passed the image projection size, the shades are pretty cool.

Isn’t that what everything is all about today, the cool factor?

The purpose of the wireless network cameras, also referred to as wireless IP cameras, is to wirelessly transmit real-time video over the Internet. From a computer anywhere in the world, you can log into a wireless Internet camera and remotely view and monitor via a Wi-Fi Network.

These cameras are totally different from the wireless cameras using the 900MHz or 2.4 GHz frequencies that send the video signal to a receiver connected to a TV or a storage unit for recording up to 300 ft away.

How to set up a wireless Internet camera?

We will use the example of the TRENDnet TV-IP100W, one of our best sellers.

1- For the sake of this example, we assume that you already have an Internet connection and a configured wireless network

2- Make sure your computer meets the system requirements

3- If you plan to install more than one camera, your wireless router must have the ability to open several ports (see below). It is critical to check this out.

4- Connect the camera to your wireless network:

First recommendation: configure your camera from a wired computer (connected to the wireless router).

Connect the camera to the router and power it. Run the installation CD-ROM. Change the IP address of the camera to a static address that is in the same subnet as your network. For instance, if your default gateway is 192.168.0.1, change the last digits according to your router’s specification (from 2- 100, or 100-150, depending on the router). I.e., 192.168.0. 50.

Once the IP address is confirmed, you will access the camera’s web page. Enter the login and password (default is Admin/Admin). After logging in, click Network, then click Wireless to configure the settings according to your wireless networks’. If your network is encrypted, use the same key. Unplug the Ethernet cable from the router, power the camera off and on.

Now the camera is on your local area network (LAN). Access the camera by entering its IP address in the browser. In our example type: http://192.168.0.50 and enter login and password. You are now viewing what the camera is pointing at!

5- Now you need to access the camera from the Internet:

In order to access the camera via the internet, you need to perform something called port forwarding. This basically tells your router to forward the data it is receiving from a computer over the Internet to a computer (or here a camera) on the local area network. This will create rules to take data from an external port and send that data to an internal port. The rules will only work with this particular port.

Port forwarding could be a little tricky depending on the router.

You usually get to the port forwarding section by clicking on “Virtual Server”. Then you enter: a name for your camera, choose the protocol TCP, the port 8080 (or something else), enter the local IP address of the camera, and save. You are done…

If you are not sure how to access your router parameters go to PortForward.com, particularly this page: http://portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/routerindex.htm

The port forward site will also give you your external IP address, which you will need in the next step.

6- Ok, now that you have set up the port forwarding, you can access your camera on any remote computer. Ask someone on the outside to enter in a browser: ” your external IP address: the forwarded port”. Example: 75.xx.xx13:8080 and simply log in using login and password.

Remember that your External IP address, allocated by your Internet provider, may change as time passes by. So you need a Domain Name System (DNS)

7- What is a DNS?

It is, as DynDNS.com puts it, a “Internet system that translates human-understandable hostnames (like www.dyndns.com) into computer-understandable IP addresses (like 63.208.196.66) and back again”.

Get an account with DynDNS.com for free and a hostname like ‘mycamera. dnssomething.com” that will always connect to your camera, even if your external IP address changes.

Once your account is set up, go back to your router web page, find something like Dynamic DNS, pick up the server address from the list (here DynDNS.com), enter your hostname and password, and save. It’s over!!

Now ask someone to access your camera by typing in the browser : http://mycamera.dnssomething.com:8080, enter login and password, and they will be watching the video feed…

Go Bluetooth!

If you are looking for wireless speakers for your laptop, the portable Bluetooth speakers are the ideal solution. They are compact, lightweight, both AC and battery powered, and will work up to 30 ft from your laptop. All you need is a Bluetooth enabled computer supporting the Audio Advanced Distribution Profile (A2DP), to stream high quality audio. If your computer does not have built-in Bluetooth or A2DP capability, simply add a Bluetooth USB Adapter A2DP.

Note that some of these Bluetooth wireless speakers will wirelessly connect to your Bluetooth cell phone to allow a hands-free and ear-free conversation (speakerphone mode).

Our favorites:

• Artdio 311 (3 watts): (T) (S)
• Artdio 132(T) (4 watts): (T) (S)
• Artdio 328 (6 watts): (S)
• Nokia MD-5W (5 watts): (T) (S)
• Parrot Party (6 watts), original and Black Edition: (RB)
• Sony SRS BTM30 (6 watts)

Speakerphone capability (S). Rechargeable battery (RB). Ideal for travel (T)

Related Articles:

• Parrot Party Review
• Sony SRS BTM30 Review
• Bluetooth Wireless Speakers

Shop for Portable Bluetooth Speakers at WirelessConnexion

And the Bluetooth SIG’s Best of CES 2009 Contest Winner is…the Parrot Zikmu Wireless Speaker System.

Designed by Philippe Starck, these wireless speakers combine minimal design with maximum listening quality.

The Zikmu speakers were created to offer a wireless solution compatible with all the available iPod models, even the newest versions of the Nano and Touch, and the iPhone and iPhone 3G. The device can recharge your Apple devices while playing tracks and even lets you control your iPod or iPhone with its remote control. Music can be streamed via WiFi or Bluetooth from a computer.

The 2.5 feet tall speakers bring a 360° surround sound thanks to the extra-flat membrane of NXT™ technology.

The Parrot Zikmu speakers will be available on Spring 2009 for US$1,500.

There are many different types of Bluetooth transmitters available for your iPod. Most people think to purchase the bluetooth transmitters that are made specifically for iPod but did you know that if you have other devices, such as MP3, CD or laptop, that you would get the bigger bang for your buck by investing in a universal Bluetooth transmitter.

The nice thing about using either the universal or made for iPod Bluetooth transmitter, is you can enjoy your music wirelessly without much hassle or added bulk.

Bluetooth Transmitters Made for iPod

Let me start off by saying the 4 made for iPod Bluetooth transmitters are not the only ones available, they are just the ones that I happen to have tested and felt there was enough differences between them to write a comparative.

Motorola D650 Bluetooth iPod Adapter (89147J)
- Extremely light weight (10g), which is important, as it does not add unnecessary pounds to your iPod. A simple unit in appearance, once you go through the pairing sequence, there is strong connectivity. The D650 does not have its’ owns power source therefore it relies on your iPods battery in order to work. The pairing is simple as long as you follow the instructions to a tee. And there are no short cuts. I have paired many different bluetooth devices and this is one that forced me to review the package insert.

Jabra A125s - This Bluetooth transmitter has a little weight to it (14 g). Not heavy at all, but you can tell that it’s has something on the inside making things work. This is one of the few bluetooth transmitters that is compatible with the iPhone. We have tested it with the iPhone and it works. The pairing on the Jabra A125s can be a bit tricky just because you have to depress a small section on the outer side of the transmitter and hold for a few seconds. Because it is awkward to do this at times, seconds does seem like minutes. Once you get the Bluetooth Transmitter into pairing mode, it works seamlessly. Another thing that I do like about this Bluetooth transmitter is that it has it own charging. I just connect the mini USB into the Bluetooth transmitter and the other side into the USB port on my laptop, and voila. Never drains your iPods battery life. Of course, it does mean there is something else to remember to charge though.

iLuv i151 - Ok, at this point, you would think all Bluetooth transmitters for iPods are the same, well, not this one. It is has a sleek silver design and it lightweight (8g) but my favorite feature on this one is that there is a small metal plate that you can remove which allows connectivity to your iPod while it is in a carrying case. A small as this may seem, people are taking the time to try and protect their music devices but it does not seem that any of the other manufacturers are really considering that some iPods are actually in a case. I wish they point a bit more thought into the small pairing button. I have tiny fingers but when I press the bluetooth button on this transmitter my finger covers it, making it difficult to tell whether the blue or red/blue is flashing. Of course, you quickly learn that you have to pinch the device between your thumb and pointer, really close to the edge, so that you can see whether the lights are illuminated.

Anycom Bluna - You can choose between white or black colors. Lightweight (10g) and extremely simple to pair. Specifically designed for the iPod nano first generation, it can be used on all iPods with dock connector by taking away the slider. No pairing button. Squeeze side buttons on transmitter to remove from iPod.

Universal Bluetooth Transmitters

Unlike the previously mentioned transmitters, the universal transmitter will work on any audio source that has a 3.5mm jack. (Sometimes they come with an adapter that allows them to fit a 2.5mm audio source). If you have an iPod, MP3 player, CD player, etc., then the universal bluetooth adapter would give you more for your money. I say this because, after you connect the transmitter to your audio jack on your device (3.5mm) then that device is Bluetooth. So dig out that old portable CD player and enjoy your old tunes.

iLuv i202- This particular transmitter is already kitted with headphones. The really nice thing is that I have several pairs of bluetooth stereo headphones and I just use this transmitter to connect with them. It is pretty light (14g) but durable feeling. Since the Bluetooth button is a little further in and larger than the previously mentioned iLuv i151, it makes pairing pretty easy. The longer transmitter allows me to support the bottom with multiple fingers and still comfortable press the Bluetooth button for pairing.

IOGear GBMA211 - This particular transmitter is sold separately. The IOGear transmitter is lightweight and small enough to not be a disturbing factor as it is plugged into your laptop, DVD, MP3 player or iPod. There is no pairing button that has to be pushed for this one. Just plug it into your audio source, put your bluetooth headphones or bluetooth speakers in pairing mode. Short and simple!

Bluetooth low energy specification to take over traditional wireless technologies in universal remote controls.

On July 22, 2008, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) announced that the upcoming Bluetooth low energy specification will meet the requirements of the consumer products industry for interoperable, universal remote controls.

Today, at the 2009 International CES in Las Vegas, Sharp announced collaboration with Broadcom to integrate Broadcom’s wireless Bluetooth technology in Sharp Aquos LCD TVs.

That’s a real breakthrough for two reasons:

- One remote will control multiple target receivers securely (TV, DVD player, etc…) and work both ways by getting feedback from the device to display electronic program guides and set up recording patterns, instead of that information being displayed on the TV.

- Since Bluetooth is RF-based, the remote control devices do not require line of sight to operate the equipment you want to control. That means that the remote can be used from any room in the house, and the stereo equipment can be kept behind cabinet.

Here is a funny story of Bluetooth wireless technology helping a Seattle man find a lost iPhone.

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