Play song files from computer through stereo system

[pschultz]

I am looking for a way to play song files on my computer through my stereo system. Is there a cable that I can run from a port on my computer (ex. headphone jack) to a port on my stereo system (ex. mic jack??)? Has anyone done this before? Thanks for your help.

[draiken]

There are some devices, that plug into the headphones plug in your computer or pocketpc. These devices transmit fm frequency, so you can turn your home or even car stereo to a certain FM frequency where there is no station, and listen to mp3s!!!!

the best one I've seen is from belkin, I can't remember the name, if I find it I'll update the post

[pschultz]

I just found the Belkin TuneCast. This is exactly what I am lookin for! Thanks.

[draiken]

Check the tunecast II
The 1st one only has 3-4 available frequencies, the 2 has all the spectrum from 88.1 to 106.x something and includes a car charger

[pschultz]

Check the tunecast II
The 1st one only has 3-4 available frequencies, the 2 has all the spectrum from 88.1 to 106.x something and includes a car charger
Am I going to need more frequencies? The car charger would be nice though.

[dean_shan]

Check the tunecast II
The 1st one only has 3-4 available frequencies, the 2 has all the spectrum from 88.1 to 106.x something and includes a car charger
Am I going to need more frequencies? The car charger would be nice though.

Well with more frequencies you have a smaller change of getting interference with other signals.

[Falstaff]

If you want to use an actual cable, you can find 3.5mm (mini audio) cables, that is the format from the PC, with then go to either the larger audio cables that many stereo systems have or RCA if your system has that. My dad is currently using a 3.5 > RCA cable to connect an mp3 PC (built out of old scavenged parts) to a nice amp, and the music sounds great from large stereo speakers.

[kosmos]

I use a Mini-Jack to RCA's Cable everyday, that's assuming your sound system has a Line In or Aux input in the back. If not, then go for the FM transmitter option but there is a quality scarifice. Also good for car hire.

[Falstaff]

I use a Mini-Jack to RCA's Cable everyday, that's assuming your sound system has a Line In or Aux input in the back. If not, then go for the FM transmitter option but there is a quality scarifice. Also good for car hire.

I'd assume any quality sound system would have input jacks, if not just so that you can connect your TV to it. My dad's amp is over 20 years old and it has RCA in. I think that is pretty standard. Even if you don't have RCA, you'll probably then have a mic input with one of the large audio jacks.

[KenClunk]

Yeah go with the wires instead. Some of thos frequency device work okay but the qualitry is FM not digital. And afterall isn't that the whole reason you are playing musci off your PC?

Also I have heard of a program, the name has slipped me, that allows you to control WMP9 or other programs with your ipaq through bluetooth. All you need is a dongle for your PC. Then when you get out of the range of the Bluetooth it will pause until you come back, of corse you can change the options on it. I cannot think of the name but I have seen it on Tech TV.

[Falstaff]

Also I have heard of a program, the name has slipped me, that allows you to control WMP9 or other programs with your ipaq through bluetooth. All you need is a dongle for your PC. Then when you get out of the range of the Bluetooth it will pause until you come back, of corse you can change the options on it. I cannot think of the name but I have seen it on Tech TV.

I prefer WinAmp on my desktop over WMP (for so many reasons) and I use RemoteAmp (http://www.pocketgear.com/software_detail.asp?id=4720&associateid=17) to control WinAmp on my PC. It works while connected to the same network as the PC playing music (and require a "server" app to be running on the PC. I use it when I game, becuase I can't have winamp remain on the screen. I tried setting it up to use with our home mp3 PC, but it is such a POS (the computer, not the app) I could never get it set up. If you have a wi-fi enabled PDA, this is a great way to go.

[apanther28]

I have been MusicMatch Jukebox to play my music files on my Laptop through my stereo for about 3-4 yrs now. I use the actual cables instead of the FM modulated devices - they sound better and I change the input from the Laptop to my MP3 player, or my IPAQ. One end of the cable is Male RCA and the other is mini (headphone jack type).

If you go to Radioshack, the cables are also cheaper than those FM devices and if you get Monster brand cables, the sound is excellent. With MusicMatch, your playlist options for making mixes and listening to your library is endless.

[Weyoun6]

some newer stereo systems come with USB

[DiGiTYZED]

I'd go with mini-jack to rca cable. I used the belkin radio thing too, but prefer the cable. you get true stereo quality.

actually I don't know if distance is an issue, but if it is, you're gonna find it hard to find a mini to rca cable longer than 6 feet. you can forget about the radio transmitter (range is like 3-4 feet).

prolly wanna consider those wireless media adapters/receivers. i'm looking into those myself.

hope i was helpful. good luck!

[apanther28]

I have a Monster Cable that RCA to mini that is 12ft. They had ones that were 20, but they got pricey.