4. What makes up a multi-room audio system?
It's nearly impossible to say. There are lots of ways to go about achieving multi-room audio. You'll find no shortage of products to choose from. You probably aren't aware of most of them at the moment and as you will soon see, not all of them will be suitable for what you want to do.
But whether your multi-room audio system spans 3, 4 or 30 rooms, chances are it can be broken down into these four main categories:
Source components: the electronics that play your CDs, radio stations, store your music and 'generate' the sound e.g. CD player, DVD player, iPod etc
Cabling (hard wired or wireless): is what's used to connect your speakers and displays to the main electronics. With multi-room entertainment it is generally hidden out of sight in the walls. Another option is to do away with the wires snaking through your walls and go wireless.
Speakers: are the things that actually make the sound. To maintain the 'invisible' appeal of modern multi-room design, some speakers can be flush mounted into ceilings and walls. Some are even motorised and retract when not in use.
Many multi-room audio systems even span outside, where specially designed outdoor speakers are required. You have plenty of options for your outdoor speakers too.
Keypads and remote controls: this is how you can control your multi-room system from any room in your house.
Select music and radio from light-switch sized keypads in each room, or by remote control.
Wireless stereo units can be used to select and play music from any room of the house.
Taking the first step
Source components are the foundation of your multi-room system. Their capabilities and limitations will determine what's possible down the track. If you want to play music in the lounge, kitchen, bathroom, 3 bedrooms, in the garage, poolside and more you'll need source components that support that. It's all available. You just need to know what's best for you.