Choosing Between 3 Methods of Distributed Audio for Your Smart Home

May 21, 2021 | Distributed Audio

How To Integrate Distributed Audio Into Your Smart Home

Create the auditory sanctuary that you deserve with distributed audio integrated throughout your smart home. Enjoy the ease and simplicity of smart technology as you relax to music on your patio, play an audiobook in your bedroom, or sing along to your favorite tunes in the shower. All of this is possible at the touch of a button on your smart home system set up by a specialist integrator.

What is Distributed Audio?

Distributed audio refers to a system that allows you to play music or other audio content in multiple areas or rooms of your home. This is done using speakers that are connected to a central audio source. Unlike a traditional stereo system, distributed audio systems provide the flexibility to control and play music in different rooms, with independent volume controls for each area.

For a fully integrated distributed home sound system, a professional installer will be able to ensure the best setup so that you maintain the aesthetically pleasing ambiance in your home. There are various levels of wireless audio connectivity, such as:

  • DIY options like Google Home and Amazon’s Alexa for a basic level of integration.
  • Two or three zones, integrated by way of a home theater receiver.
  • Multi-room, high-quality distributed audio for all indoor and outdoor spaces, installed by a professional.

Distributed Audio Method #1, DIY Wireless Setup:

If you want to go the DIY route, there are various products such as Alexa, Google, Sonos, and Apple’s HomeKit. These are great options if you want straightforward audio functionality that you can control from your phone or tablet app. You should choose the DIY product that is most compatible with your favorite music streaming site.

Pros:

  1. Easy to use: Smart home devices like Google Home are designed to be user-friendly and easy to operate, with simple voice commands that allow you to play music, adjust volume levels, and control other audio settings.
  2. Smart home integration: Google Home devices can be integrated with other smart home devices and platforms, allowing you to control your audio system using voice commands, mobile apps, or automated routines.
  3. Cost-effective: Compared to traditional audio systems, smart home devices like Google Home are generally more affordable, especially if you already have a home Wi-Fi network in place. Generally this is only true if you only need distributed audio in a small number of areas.
  4. Portable: Many smart home devices like Google Home are small and portable, making them easy to move around the house and use in different rooms.

Cons:

  1. Limited audio quality: While smart home devices like Google Home are convenient, they may not offer the same audio quality as more traditional audio systems, especially if you are an audiophile.
  2. Limited range: Smart home devices like Google Home may have a limited range, meaning that the audio quality may degrade if you are too far away from the device.
  3. Limited compatibility: Smart home devices like Google Home may not be compatible with all types of audio systems or components, which could limit your options for building a distributed audio system.
  4. Dependence on internet connection: Smart home devices like Google Home require an internet connection to function, which means that if your internet connection is down or slow, your audio system may not work properly.

Distributed Audio Method #2, Zonal Integration With Home Theater Receiver:

You can create distributed audio with your home theater system. Namely, using a receiver. Usually, these systems allow you to have two or three zones that filter into different rooms at the same time. For instance, you can watch different TV channels, playing different audio media simultaneously. Certain home theater systems can even have as many as five or six zones. For any number of zones, the easiest way to control it is to have a management platform which you will get with our home theater installations.

Pros:

  1. High audio quality: A receiver with multiple zones can provide high-quality audio in each zone, with the ability to adjust volume levels independently for each area.
  2. Versatility: A receiver with multiple zones can support a wide range of audio sources, including streaming services, CDs, and radio broadcasts, providing greater versatility than a single smart home device.
  3. Integration with other audio components: A receiver with multiple zones can be integrated with other audio components, such as amplifiers and speakers, allowing you to customize and upgrade your audio system over time.
  4. No dependence on internet connection: Unlike smart home devices, a receiver with multiple zones does not depend on an internet connection to function, providing greater reliability and consistency in audio playback.

Cons:

  1. Complexity: A receiver with multiple zones can be more complex to set up and operate than a single smart home device, requiring more expertise and technical knowledge. (With our help, this process can be simplified and customized to your specific needs.)
  2. Higher cost: A receiver with multiple zones can be more expensive than a single smart home device, especially if you need to purchase additional audio components such as speakers and amplifiers.
  3. More difficult to move: A receiver with multiple zones is typically less portable than a single smart home device, making it more difficult to move around the house or use in new rooms. With the right set up, there won’t be any need to move things around.
  4. Limited integration with smart home devices: While some receivers with multiple zones may offer smart home integration, they may not be as compatible with other smart home devices and platforms as single smart home devices like Google Home.

Distributed Audio Method #3, Multi-Zonal, Indoor and Outdoor Distributed Audio and Smart Technology:

If you really want to take things to the next level and enjoy the most hassle-free audio setup of your dreams, then contacting an integration specialist in wireless audio installation for your entire home, both indoors and outdoors is the way to go.

Professional surround sound integration in your smart home allows you to sit back and relax while installers create a clutter-free wireless music setup.

We can make use of in-wall or in-ceiling speakers, to create an invisible system that you can control easily all around your home. There are also state-of-the-art outdoor speakers that are completely waterproof and disguised as rocks or landscape elements, underground subwoofers are also installed in an outdoor area, and speakers can be hidden under the eaves of your patio roof.

Pros:

  1. Versatility: A multi-zonal, indoor and outdoor distributed audio system provides the ability to play music or other audio content throughout your home and outdoor spaces, with independent volume controls for each area.
  2. Flexibility: A multi-zonal, indoor and outdoor distributed audio system can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences, with the ability to add or remove speakers and other components as needed.
  3. Entertainment options: With a multi-zonal, indoor and outdoor distributed audio system, you can create different entertainment zones ANYWHERE on your property, allowing you to enjoy music in one area while watching a movie in another, for example.
  4. Increased property value: A multi-zonal, indoor and outdoor distributed audio system can increase the value of your home, as it is considered a desirable feature by many home buyers.

Cons:

  1. Installation complexity: A multi-zonal, indoor and outdoor distributed audio system can be more complex to install than a single-zone system, requiring more expertise and technical knowledge. (That’s what the pros are here for!)
  2. Higher cost: A multi-zonal, indoor and outdoor distributed audio system can be more expensive than a single-zone system, especially if you need to purchase additional speakers, amplifiers, and other components.
  3. Weather and durability concerns: Outdoor speakers and other components may be more susceptible to damage from weather and other environmental factors, which can affect the longevity and performance of your system if you do not choose the right products.

Deciding How to Integrate Your Distributed Audio:

A careful plan and budget should be discussed with your professional audio integration specialist, to determine the type of audio system you require. Factors to consider include:

  • How many rooms do you want to include in the system?
  • What are the types and sources of audio that each area requires?
  • Which areas require subwoofers, such as the TV room or outdoor entertainment area?
  • Are you in an existing home or are you building a home where wires and access needs to be determined with a new construction pre-wire plan?

 

Give us a call today to find out how we can assist you with your distributed audio planning for multi-zonal setups, where a professional installer can make your life so much easier, and where DIY options may end up being costly the more zones you add.

Contact us if you are in North Idaho to see how we can help you set up your smart home today.