By: CE Critic
Fasetto, a company specializing in connectivity solutions, has introduced a groundbreaking technology that challenges traditional audio transmission methods. AUDIO Cu, a system that transmits audio signals over a home's existing power lines, has achieved Dolby Atmos Product Certification, marking a significant advancement in home theater audio. This article delves into the technology behind AUDIO Cu, exploring its capabilities, limitations, and potential impact on the future of home audio.
How AUDIO Cu Works
AUDIO Cu leverages the existing electrical wiring in a home to transmit audio signals, eliminating the need for dedicated speaker cables or reliance on wireless protocols like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The system comprises two main components:
- Transmitter: Connected to the audio source (TV, streaming device, etc.), the transmitter encodes the audio signal into data packets suitable for transmission over power lines.
- Receiver: Plugged into a power outlet near each speaker, the receiver decodes the audio data and sends it to the speaker.
The technology utilizes a proprietary modulation and encoding scheme to ensure reliable and high-fidelity audio transmission over the power lines. This involves:
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP): The audio signal undergoes DSP to optimize it for powerline transmission, minimizing distortion and interference.
- Encoding: The processed audio data is encoded into packets, adding error correction and redundancy to maintain signal integrity.
- Modulation: The encoded data modulates a carrier signal, which is then injected into the power lines.
- Synchronization: The transmitter and receivers synchronize their timing to ensure accurate signal reconstruction.
- Amplification: The receiver amplifies the decoded audio signal to drive the speaker.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
- Dolby Atmos Support: AUDIO Cu has received Dolby Atmos Product Certification, enabling it to transmit immersive, object-based audio for a cinematic experience.
- Multi-Channel Audio: The system supports up to 10 channels per transmitter, accommodating speaker configurations from 2.0 to 9.1, including Dolby Atmos 7.1.2.
- Multiple Transmitters: For larger homes or multi-zone audio, up to six transmitters can be used, creating independent audio systems.
- Speaker Compatibility: AUDIO Cu is compatible with any passive speaker with standard red and black (positive and negative) terminals.
- Low Latency: Fasetto claims a latency of less than 20 milliseconds, minimizing audio delay and ensuring synchronization with video content.
- Mobile App Control: An iOS and Android app provides comprehensive control over the system, including speaker configuration, EQ adjustments, and audio presets.
Advantages of AUDIO Cu
- Eliminates Speaker Wires: No need to run unsightly speaker cables through walls or under carpets.
- Reliable Signal Transmission: Unlike wireless solutions, AUDIO Cu is not susceptible to interference from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or physical obstructions.
- High Fidelity Audio: The system maintains audio quality, supporting high-resolution audio formats and Dolby Atmos.
- Low Latency: Minimal audio delay ensures a synchronized audio-visual experience.
- Scalability: Supports multiple transmitters and receivers for whole-home audio coverage.
- Ease of Installation: Simply plug the transmitters and receivers into power outlets and configure the system via the mobile app.
Limitations
- Power Outlet Dependency: Requires available power outlets near each speaker location.
- Potential for Electrical Interference: While Fasetto claims the system mitigates interference, the quality of a home's electrical wiring can affect performance.
- Limited to Passive Speakers: Requires passive speakers with traditional terminals; not compatible with active or wireless speakers.
- Maximum Channel Count: Limited to 32 channels across all transmitters, which may restrict large-scale installations.
Comparison with Wireless Surround Sound
Wireless surround sound systems, utilizing technologies like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, offer convenience and cable-free setups. However, they have limitations compared to AUDIO Cu:
Feature | AUDIO Cu | Wireless Surround Sound |
Signal Reliability | High, not susceptible to wireless interference | Susceptible to interference from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and physical obstructions |
Audio Quality | High, supports high-resolution audio | May experience compression or degradation depending on the wireless technology |
Latency | Very low (<20ms) | Higher latency, potentially noticeable in audio-visual synchronization |
Scalability | Multiple transmitters for whole-home coverage | Limited scalability, typically within a single wireless network range |
Cost | Potentially higher initial cost | Lower initial cost, but may require additional components for multi-room setups |
AUDIO Cu offers superior signal reliability, audio quality, and lower latency compared to wireless surround sound. However, wireless systems may be more cost-effective for smaller setups and offer greater flexibility in speaker placement.
Compatibility with Other Audio Formats
While AUDIO Cu is specifically highlighted for its Dolby Atmos certification, it is inherently compatible with various audio formats. The system transmits digital audio signals, capable of carrying any format that the source device can output. This includes:
- Dolby Digital: The standard surround sound format for DVDs and Blu-rays.
- Dolby Digital Plus: An enhanced version of Dolby Digital with higher bitrates and support for more channels.
- DTS: An alternative surround sound format often found on DVDs and Blu-rays.
- PCM: Uncompressed audio, commonly used for high-resolution audio sources.
The compatibility with multiple audio formats makes AUDIO Cu a versatile solution for various home theater setups and audio sources.
Conclusion
Fasetto AUDIO Cu presents a compelling alternative to traditional and wireless audio transmission methods. By leveraging existing power lines, it eliminates the complexities of speaker cable installation and offers reliable, high-fidelity audio transmission. The Dolby Atmos certification further enhances its appeal for immersive home theater experiences. While limitations exist regarding power outlet dependency and speaker compatibility, the technology's advantages in signal reliability, audio quality, and latency make it a strong contender in the evolving landscape of home audio. As pricing and availability become clearer, AUDIO Cu has the potential to redefine how we connect and experience audio in our homes. We look forward to the reviews and CE Critic Score.