Wireless Headphones to TV - RF? Wireless?

[Jagosaurus]

Hi all,

Looking to get some wireless headphones to hook up to my TV. I'm open to RF or Bluetooth with a few stipulations:

- very minimal delay (can't stand mouths to be off sync and I'll be playing games as well)
- sync up two pairs of headphones at once (which I am not sure is possible with Bluetooth)
- require a special BT transmitter for two headphones?
- do RF transmitters and headphones need to be a pair off the shelf, in other words - does the signal have to match exact or is RF simply RF.
- not looking to take out a loan on the price lol

Any suggestions on transmitters. headphones, or set? Which do you guys use?

I'll get something that will only support one set of headphones if necessary but two sets at once would be REALLY nice!

[samsonlonghair]

Hi Jag,

Based on your bullet points, I'd say you almost certainly want RF headphones, not bluetooth. (Technically, Bluetooth is a standard for sending digital data via radio, so technically all Bluetooth headphones are Radio headphones, but let's not split hairs; I know what you mean.)

Bluetooth headsets are really best for portable solutions where lightweight and low power consumption are more important factors than audio fidelity.

RF headphones are best for home audio / video where weight and power consumption are not such an issue. RF headphones are also preferable in cases where you want two listeners on the same channel. Some RF headphones are sold in sets of two with a single transmitter. Three caveats to know beforehand:

• RF headphones will be BIGGER and a bit heavier than most headphones on the market. That's an inevitable trade off for all the hardware packed into these devices.
• RF headphones will need batteries to operate and and AC adapter (aka wall wart) to power the transmitter.
• RF headphones do not have the encryption strength of Bluetooth. This is good in terms of connecting multiple headsets, but bad in terms of privacy.

I'm into old school retro headphones, so I'm used to the big heavy weight on my scull, but some don't like it. Try out a pair for comfort before you buy. Headphones that are not comfortable will not give you a pleasant listening experience.

[Jagosaurus]

Based on your bullet points, I'd say you almost certainly want RF headphones

Thanks for the awesome info Samson. Any suggestions to units for sale new today?

[CRTGAMER]

Don't buy in the video game section. The stereo section of the store has the same quality phones at a much better price.

[samsonlonghair]

Based on your bullet points, I'd say you almost certainly want RF headphones

Thanks for the awesome info Samson. Any suggestions to units for sale new today?

I don't usually recommend a specific product to buy since it's based so much on personal preferences, but since you asked, I took a quick glance at amazon. These caught my eye:
Sennheiser-RS120

Sennheiser is a reputable name brand that has been making headphones since before any of us were born. What I like about this specific model is that the transmitter doubles as the headphone recharger. I find that a clever design feature. Most RF headphones I've used in the past simply run off double AAs. Another nice feature is that Sennheiser will let you buy a second headset without the transmitter, but to be honest, you don't really save a fortune by buying this way.

Still, I feel my previous point bears repeating: try the headphones on before you buy. The headphones one man finds comfortable will be painful to the next man.

Don't buy in the video game section. The stereo section of the store has the same quality phones at a much better price.

I agree with CRT on this point. "Gamer" headphones are significantly more expensive with little improvement to justify this expense.

[Jagosaurus]

Awesome. After spending a few hours researching, the exact pair caught my eye as well on amazon!

Great to know I don't need two docks. I was having issues finding an article that clarified that on this set. Thanks!

[avrame]

Well, I'll be that guy, because y'know... options

I don't know what you are planning to use the headphone for (TV, movies, retro games, modern games?) but I had dropped a decent amount on a wireless gaming amp about 2 years back, and had not had any issues with it:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Astro-Gaming-Wi ... 3a8021c301

The amp works great using the optical out from my receiver, and with the puck, you can use any headset you wish. The quality/signal is rather lossless from what I can tell, and the receiver supports 5.1 surround and mic-out for online gaming. On transmitter puck can pair with 4 receivers if memory serves me correctly, although I only have two for mine.

[s1mplehumar]

Never EVER cut the cord. I'll let it slide since this concerns gaming and not music. No, n/m, don't ever cut the cord.

Sincerely,
useless poster

[Jagosaurus]

Well guys I went with the Sennheiser RS 120. RF and rechargeable headset. Hooks up to stereo and came with 3.5mm adapter as well (which my CRT uses). I'm very pleased. I played some Genesis last night in silence to my wife and in glorious stereo cranked up to me.

Keep in mind if your TV only has optical & digital out only (no red/white stereo or 3.5mm) you'll need a converter.



Sitting to the left of the TV on the cradle.

[samsonlonghair]

I'm happy these headphones worked out for you, Jag.

I don't usually like to recommend specific products to buy because I feel responsible if the buyer dislikes the product. I'm relieved these headphones made you happy.