Nearly everyone has used a Wi-Fi network at one point or another, but what's really going on behind the scenes when you connect to them? Wi-Fi means "Wireless Fidelity" and it's actually simpler than it sounds. Your computer converts the data you want it to send into a radio signal and broadcasts it. A router or wireless access point receives the signal, converts it back to data, and sends it out over the internet. The same process works in reverse when your computer requests data from an internet source.
Tablets and smart phones connected to a Wi-Fi Network do it the same way. Wi-Fi networks are popping up just about everywhere, in airports, coffee shops and public libraries. These areas dubbed “WiFi Hotspots” are simply areas with an accessible wireless network. Sometimes they are free and sometimes providers charge an access fee, but either way they are very handy when you are trying to get access on the go.
The main benefit of Wi-Fi comes from the "wireless" bit, no cables to run through walls, under carpets, or trip over. The downside is that unlike cabled connections, wireless networks can be prone to interference from other radio sources like cordless phones or even a microwave and the range of all Wi-Fi devices is reduced by having to go through walls and other objects.
A wireless connection in your home will allow you to easily connect multiple devices and to move them from place to place without disconnecting and reconnecting wires or having to sit in a particular place because that’s the only area in your home with with an Ethernet cable.
Wireless technology has been around a very long time, and we're still expanding our understanding of just what it's capable of. Early wireless networks were unstable and had a range of a few meters, but some modern wireless devices can now stream music, movies, and internet content across a whole house with a single access point. This allows for a greater element of versatility, however it is also important to remember that when it comes to Home Theatre components, nothing is as constant as using cable. Cable will have a more reliable result and is often the recommended in certain situations where permanent or essential connection is required.
Wi-Fi is sure to be an ongoing technology which will give us all greater connectivity wherever we are. The question we may then ask ourselves is “Do we really want to be connected 24/7?”
Below are some of the WiFi products available at Selby.
Onkyo Wireless WiFi LAN Adaptor USB UWF1
Onkyo’s mission is to keep you up to date with the latest advances in home entertainment. With wireless audio on the rise, the UWF-1 Wireless LAN adaptor helps you integrate your music life and remove unwanted cables. Connected to the USB port on a compatible Onkyo A/V receiver, the UWF-1 brings audio through a wireless router into your main entertainment system. Now internet radio and audio files stored on your PC can be played back with the superior fidelity of your main Onkyo system—sans the cable clutter.
Onkyo TX-NR616 7.2 Channel Network AV Receiver (WiFi capable) Movie, music, and gaming enthusiasts can now step up to realistic THX® Select2 Plus™-certified surround sound for less money down with the TX-NR616 Network A/V Receiver. Wireless home networking, meanwhile, opens up an exciting world of internet radio and cloud-based music streaming. You can even enjoy your multi-format PC-based music collection over Wi-Fi with an optional USB adapter (included with this pack).
Key Features
THX® Select2 Plus™ Certified
Cloud-Based Audio Streaming and Internet Radio Over the Home Network
Mobile High-Definition Link for Smart Phone Movies and Photos on HDT
InstaPrevue™ Technology Makes Switching Sources Easy
Onkyo Remote Apps for iPod touch/iPhone and Android
Save Power with Hybrid Standby
Onkyo Wireless WiFi LAN Adaptor USB UWF1
Onkyo’s mission is to keep you up to date with the latest advances in home entertainment. With wireless audio on the rise, the UWF-1 Wireless LAN adaptor helps you integrate your music life and remove unwanted cables. Connected to the USB port on a compatible Onkyo A/V receiver, the UWF-1 brings audio through a wireless router into your main entertainment system. Now internet radio and audio files stored on your PC can be played back with the superior fidelity of your main Onkyo system—sans the cable clutter.
Samsung BD-E5500 3D Bluray Disc Player
Enjoy 3D in your own home courtesy of the BD-E5500 from Samsung. Connects to a variety of content via Samsung Smart Hub, is WiFi ready (wireless LAN adaptor sold separately) and is AllShare ready (also requires wireless LAN adaptor). Supports Dolby True HD Digital Plus for exceptional high definition audio.
