MODES OF OPERATION
There are three ways how to elicit the speakers Music:
1) operating as Airplay speakers wireless
2.) Connection of an iPod / iPads / iPhones via USB dock connector cable (not included)
3.) Connection of any playback device via jack cable
REQUIREMENTS (for the operation)
I will confine myself to the description of the operation times as AirPlay speakers. Thus, the device can wirelessly feed with music, you need the following equipment:
1) Furnished wireless network, such. As a wireless router (ad hoc connection with other wireless devices is not possible!)
2.) Alternatively, one of the following devices:
- PC with iTunes
- Mac with iTunes
- IPod touch or iPhone or iPad
- PC or Mac with an alternative, Airplay-enabled software (more on that later)
FACILITY
The involvement of the speaker in the wireless network can be done in two ways. Either you use the WPS function ('WiFi Protected Setup') of its router (if available) or to set up the access to the wireless network manually. The first variant is simple. It pressed against his router simply the WPS button and immediately press the Wifi Setup button on AD7000W. The device then logs in automatically to the wireless network.
Supports the existing router is not the WPS function, so proceed as follows. It prints the Wifi Setup button on the speaker for 5 seconds. This then generates its own Wi-Fi network. Man connects with his terminal (PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch) with this wireless network and are the IP 192.168.1.1 in the browser window. So you get to the configuration page of the speaker, which you can then enter all network data necessary.
I opted for the direction by WPS. This facility went smoothly and quickly.
OPERATION
The Philips AD7000W has only four buttons, which are all located on the back: volume plus, minus volume, power, wifi setup. The fact that the buttons on the back are, is very unfavorable. One can also feel the keys for volume and power is difficult because they are completely embedded in the casing. A remote control is not available for the device. However, you can also settle on the setter iTunes volume.
AIRPLAY
If I'm honest, I rate this machine with a bit of the Airplay function, which I find amazing. Since airplay but is an invention of Apple and not of Philips, my (positive) rating of the device may not be entirely accurate.
In iTunes you can select the Philips AD7000W to connect to the wireless network as a speaker output device. The iTunes music is then streamed over WiFi to the speaker. One can thus also connect more speakers wirelessly and buy z. B. for every room in the house its own equipment and connect it independently.
The music plays with me throughout with no dropouts. An English review of the device on the network (iLounge) speaks of occasional dropouts. I could not tell definitely.
What did not work out with me in iTunes, the function is to use multiple output devices simultaneously. So I wanted to play the music from iTunes on my Mac and simultaneously via the Philips speaker. iTunes then spat but every time a cryptic error message. Wodran is, I could not recognize. Possibly, the Philips resolve with the following firmware updates (can introduce new firmwares, is supplied with the device without any problems). However, as a single unit, the Philips speakers could be controlled properly. Nice gimmick: iTunes can be controlled with the iPhone via remote app. So to handle the 'problem' of the missing remote control of the speaker.
However, it is not limited to iTunes. One can pass almost any Mac or PC sound generated at the Airplay speakers with third-party software. The need for (paid) software is 'Airfoil'.
SOUND
I'm not very audiophile users. However, I guess the sound of the instrument as a good to very good. The sound is not bass-heavy, but clear. I mostly listen to radio via iTunes or MP3s via iTunes. The device stands with me in the small kitchen (6 sqm) and where it leads to a more than adequate sound.
ENERGY
As I said, can the power button on the back to find something hard when you do not want to turn every time the device. In theory, however, can be run continuously, the device also. When switched on the front, a blue indicator lights behind the speaker cover. The energy consumption in the on state (without playing music) is approximately 3.4 watts (even by the standards!), If the music is about 3.7 watts. If you press the power button, then the unit will enter the so-called. ECO standby and consumes 0 watts (or at least
CONCLUSION
Philips is known for high-end devices. I can express my full recommendation for the Philips Fidelio AD7000W. Both the device and the operation of the device are exemplary. The sound is definitely sufficient and good.
Anyone who wants to provide sound (somewhat) bigger rooms, all we have better big brother Fidelio DS3800W (annular speakers). Who needs a portable device with battery and thus wants to be network independent, the DS3880W (annular speaker with docking station) looks on.
Update as of 15.03.2012:
The software Radium for Mac (available in the AppStore for a hefty 20, - EUR) (driven multiple AirPlay speakers) work playing radio programs properly in the multi-room operation. The software I can recommend if you want to play all sorts of radio programs on the Mac.
The Philips speakers run with me in AirPlay operation properly and no dropouts with following Zuspielern: iMac 27 '' (Lion 10.7.3), iPad 1 (iOS 5.1), iPhone 4 (iOS 5.1)
