Transmission types: infrared, Bluetooth and Radio-frequency (RF)
To find the type of transmission you need, largely relies upon the mode of use and your location with respect to the position of your transmitter.
The transmitter can be a radio, TV, MP3 or even a Smartphone. Some folks find it convenient to use their wireless noise cancelling headphones directly in front of their transmitter devices eg. TV; while others do prefer to walk around the house with their headphones on and some like to listen to their audio in a different room from the room with a transmitter.
INFRARED TECHNOLOGY
The core of infrared technology is based on light emitting diodes (LEDs). This technology involves the use of a focused beam of invisible pulsating light transmitted from the transmitter say radio to your headphones (receiver). Below are the pros and cons of infrared technology.
Pros of infrared technology
1. Does not experience interference with other wireless devices like phones, ipads or laptops
2. The quality of sound for higher end infrared wireless headphones matches the quality produced by wired headphones
Cons of infrared technology
1. Requires a clear line of sight from the headphones to the transmitter say radio, hence audio cannot be transmitted through walls
2. Most transmitters operate within 10 meters range.
This technology best suits home dwellers who actually wish to listen to their audio without disturbing other individuals in the room.
BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY
Bluetooth technology is based on spread spectrum with a unique frequency signal that limits interference caused by other wireless devices and hence produces an awesome sound quality of audio. Below are the pros and cons of Bluetooth technology.
Pros of Bluetooth technology
1. Have limited interference (i.e. connects only to other Bluetooth enabled devices)
2. Have very secured frequency.
3. Of course they have relatively low power consumption
Cons of Bluetooth technology
1. Most of the times this technology is used for cell phone devices.
2. Mostly operates within 10 meters range (most transmitters are class 2 Bluetooth)
This technology perfectly suits commuters and individuals who do not prefer cable headphones.
RADIO FREQUENCY TECHNOLOGY (RF)
Radio frequency technology makes use of stereo frequency modulation system. In this technology a transmitter say radio or TV acts like a mini radio station and the headphones are the only devices that can have access to pick up the audio signals. Below are the pros and cons of RF
Pros of radio frequency technology
1. Signals cannot be blocked by walls or objects
2. Multiple headphones can have access to a single transmitter
3. Most transmitters operate within 100meters range.
Cons of radio frequency technology
1. There is a possibility of interference when listening
2. Some models in the market have been reported to experience poor bass sound.
This technology is good for freedom lovers.
OPERATING RANGE
It is advised to know specifically the place where you are planning to be using your headset. Some people want to listen when commuting and some like listening when home in front of their TV sets.
By knowing specifically where you want to use your headset will help you make the right choice because different headsets have different operating range which makes them cost differently.
For instance, if you intend to use your headset in front of your television, then infrared headphones would be the right choice for you and will considerably save you some money.
On the other hand if you are looking for flexibility while listening to your audio, then you will need to consider buying radio frequency noise cancelling headphones because they are able to deliver signals through walls and at a large range.
If you want to buy a pair of safe wireless headphones with noise cancellation technology, then below is our list of recommendations based on quality, price and users’ feedback
For more information about noise cancelling headphones and headphones in general you might want to have a look at our list of e-books below
- Your health and headphones
- The In and out of anti-noise headphones
- Evolution of headphones technology
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