Soundcast OutCast

Speakercast OutCast is an all weather outdoor speaker system designed to provide high performance full range music in the garden or patio. It features an 8” downward firing woofer, four 3” high frequency drivers in an omni-directional array, a 100 watt digital amplifier and the Soundcast receiver.

The OutCast is made of water resistant plastic and is designed to operate for up to 10 hours on the built-in, rechargeable battery pack. It has an internal AC power supply that can recharge the NiMH battery pack and operate the OutCast at the same time.

Packaged with the iCast transmitter the OutCast allows you to dock your iPod in the transmitter and listen to music anywhere in your garden up to 30 metres away - wirelessly!

Soundcast systems are not affected by interference from other 2.4GHz devices such as microwave ovens, cordless phones or 802.11 networks, and because Soundcast utilises the analogue output signal of any digital storage device, all Soundcast products are compatible with all the currently accepted music file formats, including iTunes™.

The OutCast features pause/play and track forward/track back and volume controls for remote operation of the iPod. The OutCast iCast is truly “plug and play” with no software installation or lengthy set-up required. The OutCast also has controls for 'mood lighting' to operate the subdued lighting built into the unit. There is also an input jack for direct connection of an MP3 player, which should very useful during social gatherings when guests might wish to play music from their personal players.

The Soundcast iCast transmitter comes with approved, interchangeable inserts that accommodate different iPod models, including the Nano. Tracking and menu controls operate while the iPod is in the dock and transmitting music to the receiver, and the docking unit serves as a battery charger for the iPod.

How does it work when other wireless audio systems have problems?

The Challenge
The 2.4GHz ISM band is a worldwide license-free band, which allows any application running on it to operate anywhere in the world, with no location specific modifications required. Wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and 802.11b wireless LAN as well as interferers such as microwave ovens and cordless telephones provide a challenging environment to work in. Any wireless radio solution that intends to provide a stable and robust RF link must overcome this challenge.

The Solution: Soundcast G2
Spread Spectrum technology is the most effective method of achieving effective communication in the challenging 2.4GHz ISM band. There are two principle ways this can be done: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)—such as used by Bluetooth, and Direct Sequencing Spread Spectrum (DSSS)—such as used by 802.11b. Soundcast G2 transceivers use FHSS. Our modules co-exist with all 2.4 GHz devices, and, just as important, co-exist with additional Soundcast G2 systems. This allows as many as three Soundcast G2 systems to operate in close proximity to each other. By achieving this level of service, wireless audio can now be securely used in high density multi-unit dwellings.

The Soundcast G2 platform uses advanced error protection techniques to guarantee the quality of service required in streaming audio applications. Hardware forward error correction, adaptive frequency hopping, and dynamic hopping channel diversity are all built into the protocol of the system. The system also supports bi-directional communication for acknowledging and retransmission should packet loss occur.

Soundcast OutCast/iCast package features

• Includes both OutCast Receiver and iCast Transmitter
• Interference-Free 2.4 GHz system – not affected by microwave ovens, cordless phones or other wireless devices
• Receiver connects to amplified speakers or complete audio systems to play transmitted music files
• Includes inserts for iPod 3G, iPod mini, iPod 4G, iPod with colour display, iPod nano, iPod with video
• Range up to 100m ('Freespace') - expect 20-30 metres through walls
• OutCast includes 50 Watts/channel digital amplifier, 8" downward firing sub-woofer and 4 x 3" full range speakers
• OutCast features Skip Forward/Back, Pause/Play, volume and mood lighting controls
• Plug & Play - No software needed
• Works with all music formats and players including iTunes
• Includes AC Adapter and all connecting cables needed
• Dimensions: iCast: 85mm x 41mm x 35mm, OutCast: TBA (approx 1000mm tall)

Transmitter and receiver packaged separately. NB. iPod not included

For the Soundcast range leaflet click here (PDF 815KB)