Soundcast SpeakerCast

The Soundcast SpeakerCast is a small, amplified stereo speaker enclosure incorporating two 3” full range drivers, a 50 watt per channel digital amplifier, and the Soundcast receiver. Packaged with the iCast transmitter it allows you to dock your iPod in the transmitter and listen to music anywhere in your home up to 30 metres away - wirelessly! Power is supplied by the internal AC power supply.

Each Soundcast SpeakerCast system consists of the iCast transmitter and SpeakerCast receiver which link wirelessly, using their proprietary 2.4GHz technology to send audio information over distances of up 100m (20-30m through walls). Each Soundcast transmitter can operate up to two Soundcast receivers, either the amplified SpeakerCast or a standard iPod iCast receiver connected to your home HiFi stereo system, allowing two audio zones to play the same audio source material.

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 SpeakerCast features pause/play and track forward/track back controls for remote operation of the iPod. The included remote also has these features, plus on/off, muting, and volume up/down. The Soundcast iCast is truly “plug and play” with no software installation or lengthy set-up required. A channel selector switch makes it possible for up to three Soundcast systems to play in the same area, each with different audio material, and with no interference between the systems. This makes Soundcast the ideal choice for apartment living!

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.

The Soundcast iCast receiver duplicates the pause/play and track forward/track back iPod functions to allow you to operate your iPod remotely from another room in your home. All the needed cables and adapters to make hook-up easy are supplied with iCast.

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 SpeakerCast/iCast package features

• Includes both SpeakerCast 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
• SpeakerCast includes 50 Watts/channel digital amplifier and 2 x 3" full range speakers
• SpeakerCast features Skip Forward/Back, Pause/Play 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, SpeakerCast: TBA

Transmitter and receiver packaged separately. NB. iPod not included

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