Having the keys to the celestial jukebox is one thing. Being able to listen to it anywhere in your home is, unfortunately, another. Online music services bring a wealth of music to your computer, but they don't deliver it to your stereo. Or to all the places in your home where you might want to listen to it.

There are a number of possible solutions to this problem, ranging from the simple to the elaborate. Let's start with the simplest.

The cheapest and simplest option is to run an audio cable from the "audio out" jack on your computer to a pair of "audio in" jacks on your stereo. A basic mini jack-to-RCA "Y adaptor" can be purchased for as little as $10 at a local consumer electronics or computer store. These cables typically come in 6,12, and 25 foot lengths. For longer connections, Musicmatch sells 100 foot and 300 foot long cables. To minimize interference, buy a good quality cable and use the shortest cable that your situation calls for. If you can bring your PC close to your stereo, do it. A laptop connected to a wireless network is ideal. For more detailed advice on making the connection, see this useful excerpt from The MP3 and Internet Audio Handbook.

• Use When: Your computer is in the same room as your PC (or easily linked by wire)

• Pros: Cheap and easy
• Cons: If cable is too long, the sound quality suffers
• Cost: $10-$50

Another relatively easy solution is to buy a wireless transmitter and receiver. You run an audio cable from your computer's "audio out" jack to a transmitter, and an audio cable from a matching receiver to the "audio in" jacks on your stereo or entertainment center. With some units, the stereo is simply a conduit for the music. The PC is where you select and queue up your music. Other units provide a remote control that lets you control playback on the stereo end. These require that additional software be installed on your PC. Some transmitters use FM radio frequencies, while other use 900 Mhz and 2.24 Ghz frequencies. Interference is often a problem with these transmitters, and depends on your location and the other wireless gear in use nearby. They work well for some, but not for others. The only to way to know is to try (make sure you can return the transmitter if it doesn't work out). Something else to be aware of: both the transmitter and receiver require an outlet for their often-bulky plugs.

• Use When: Your computer and stereo are in separate rooms and if you don't have a wireless network
• Pros: Cheap and easy
• Cons: Wireless interference can compromise sound quality
• Cost: $35-$65

Examples:

• RF LINK WAVECOM-JR - 2.4 Ghz unit
• Kima Akoo KS-110 Wireless Audio System - 900mhz unit
• Lyra Wireless RD900W - 900Mhz unit with remote control

Here too you have a wireless transmitter, but instead of a receiver that plugs into your stereo, you have a receiver that happens to be a speaker. This is useful if you'd like to pipe your music to a room that doesn't have a stereo. Being quite portable, they can be positioned outside (some have a battery option) or wherever you wish to listen, provided you remain in range of the transmitter. If your budget is tight, you can buy a single speaker and use it in mono mode. As with other wireless transmitters, your success will depend on how clean your local airwaves are. Do not expect audiophile quality sound. These speakers are serviceable, but not a replacement for a high quality wired stereo system. In November, David Pogue of the New York Times posted an informative review of four current offerings. His choice: the Acoustic Research AW-871 speakers ($120).

• Use When: The room you wish to broadcast to doesn't have a stereo or playback device
• Pros: Easy to set-up, expands music access in your home
• Cons: Subject to interference, not audiophile quality
• Cost: $40 - $150

These units use your home network, wireless or wired, to connect your PC and stereo. In most cases, a remote control and display at the stereo end let you control playback on the PC. The resulting audio stream is piped through the media hub into your stereo. Thus, there is less need to run back to your PC when you are playing music. This is a good choice if you already have a wireless home network. If you've been able to get a wireless network going, installing a network media hub should be not be difficult.

Some of these units will only let you play music files stored on your computer (and even then are restricted to certain formats). But with a wealth of music available through streaming radio and jukebox services, it makes sense to shop for a unit that supports both Internet streaming and playback of the music file formats you intend to use. Among the streaming services, both Rhapsody and Live365, have Web pages listing audio devices that are compatible with their services.

Use When:

• Your computer and stereo are in separate rooms
• You have a home network, preferably a wireless one

Pros

• More control is provided at the stereo end
• Less prone to interference than wireless transmitters

Cons:

• More expensive than other options
• Added complexity to your home audio environment

Cost: $95-$500

Examples:

• Prismiq Media Player - Rated highly by CNET, $200-$200
• OmniFi DMS1 - $150
• Apple Airport Express - For iTunes Users (no remote control or display), $120
• Netgear MP101 - $90

For more information about choosing a network media hub, see a recent article published on the InformIT Web site.

The next two options cost considerably more money, but are worth considering if you are in the process of buying or upgrading a stereo or home entertainment system.

If you're looking to buy a new stereo or home-entertainment system, consider that some systems are now being sold with network capabilities that let you play music files and access Internet streams through your PC. Phillips has both a mini-stereo and home theater system that offer these capabilities. Look for other vendors to offer similar capabilities.

PCs that are specialized for use with home entertainment systems are now available. In addition to providing access to Internet streams and music files, these units can function as a personal video recorder, a DVD player, and an FM tuner. Some of them are quite small and look like audio components, making them a better fit for the entertainment units. PC Magazine has a good round-up of available models, while the InformIT Web site has an informative article on the ins and outs of "Digital Media Server" PCs.

Send comments or questions to questions@giantpath.com.

—Andy Breeding

Back to Online Music Updates