6 Ways to Bring Any Source into a Distributed Audio System

The number of content sources and services available to consumers seems to be growing daily. With that growth comes inevitable technical challenges, especially when it comes to distributed audio. Getting sound from Point A — whether from a streaming service or some kind of physical media — to Point B — a zone of speakers and, ultimately, your client’s ears — can be quite a puzzle.

These six solutions are the key to listening to any audio, from any device, anywhere in the home.

#1: eARC (For Connecting Smart TV Audio)

In recent years, streaming TVs have become an increasingly popular audio source, hosting apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime streaming services, and so on. Until now, there’s been no easy way to bridge this with an audio distribution system for premium in-room or multi-room audio.

With the Crestron HD-EARC KIT, a transmitter and receiver enable the extension of HDMI connectivity and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) or optical digital audio signals. Simply run the eARC into the transmitter which can be located near (or behind) the streaming TV. Then, using Cat-5 cable (or greater), you can send the eARC signal over longer distances to the receiver, which then brings the TV audio into the whole-home audio system.

The audio benefits of eARC are a significant boost in bandwidth and speed. This allows you to send higher-quality audio from your TV into your whole-home audio system. Additionally, there’s scope with this technology for eARC to deliver up to 32 channels of audio, including eight-channel, 24bit/192kHz uncompressed data streams at speeds of up to 38Mbps.

When it comes to audio — specifically, audio-over-IP — edge devices offer a world of possibilities, namely, new ways to bring you “entertainment everywhere.”

They include:

#2: Bluetooth Connectivity

DM-NAX-BTIO-1G is the closest one can get to a truly universal solution: It allows any wired or wireless audio source to bridge to a DM NAX network via Bluetooth® wireless connection or AUX cable input. This device works bidirectionally, allowing users to pair a Bluetooth device (headphones) to the home audio system for private listening or a guest could pair their personal device wirelessly via Bluetooth® connectivity to share their own music playlist over the system.

#3: XLR Input

Need to connect pro audio? High-end components? Karaoke or DJ gear? The connection’s here (DM-NAX-2XLRI-1G). 

#4: Analog Audio Devices

DM-NAX-AUD-IO) is perfect for connecting what are sometimes called legacy devices (CD players, cassette decks, turntables…) into a modern, flexible ecosystem.

#5: USB & AUX Input

The DM-NAX-AUD-USB is a great home office solution to bring PC or mobile device audio onto your DM NAX technology network via USB and AUX connectivity. 

#6: Streaming Amplifiers (For Built-in Streaming Services)

DM NAX streaming amplifiers are built with native streaming and casting services such as Apple Airplay and Spotify music. No need to plug in any external music player, just start streaming.

With a Crestron audio system, there are no limits to what sources or content can be brought into a distributed audio system. From point-to-point connectivity using our eARC Kit to network solutions with our Crestron DM NAX Audio Edge Devices, we do it all — and make it easier than ever to install and control.

Check Out: Embracing the Vinyl-over-IP Opportunity