Q: Streaming to en-suite

Streaming audio via AirPlay requires three basic components:

• An iTunes server. This is typically an iTunes host (Mac, PC, or iOS) device.
• A wired or wireless network.
• An AirPlay Speaker. This could be and AirPort Express, Apple TV, or any AirPlay-Ready devices.

Using an AirPort Express (AX) in this scenario, the AX would be co-located with the audio receiver that feeds your waterproof speakers. The AX would be configured to join the existing wireless network and for AirPlay. You would then use the Music app on your iPhone to stream to the AX.

FWIW ... I have a whole home speaker system that uses a Harman Kardon AVR receiver as the base. This receiver is AirPlay-Ready and is connected to a number of speakers in my home. In turn, I can stream from my Mac or iPhone to the receiver and get music throughout the house or selected rooms.

... and Harman Kardon is just one of an ever growing number of choices to pick from.

I am wanting to do the same thing in our loft conversion that is about to start, so need to get everything decided asap.

From what I've researched on the web, you need a bathroom speaker, amp and something like an Apple Airport Express.

I am a total novice at this and not wanting to spend a fortune, but instead of having an AX can I have an Apple TV (ATV) and connect that directly to the speaker and TV. i.e. will it be able to detect which is which.

For example, I'd like to be able to play music in the bathroom either through iPhone (via airplay) or from ATV, PLUS I would also want to be able to download/watch films through the ATV and listen to music in bedroom viv TV speakers. Is this possible and an easy install?  Would I also need a separate amp for bathroom speaker?

Or would I be better at getting an AX for the bathroom and ATV for the bathroom and keep them separate? I've read that you can setup the AX to recognise different zones/areas, can you do this with the ATV aswell?

Like I said I have no knowledge of this so any help would be greatfully appreciated.

Thanks

Kate

...instead of having an AX can I have an Apple TV (ATV) and connect that directly to the speaker and TV. i.e. will it be able to detect which is which.

You can use an Apple TV which can be connected to either or both a HDTV or an Audio-Video Receiver. In turn the speakers would be connected to the receiver. However to get an AirPlay stream to the Apple TV you will need a wireless network. This network does not need to be provided by an Apple wireless router as any manufacturer's router should work.

The Apple TV has two options for audio output: 1) HMDI, & 2) Optical Digital. For video, it only has HMDI. Both audio/video input to the Apple TV is either by AirPlay (local network) or by streaming from the Internet.

I provided the minimum requirements for AirPlay to the OP earlier.

For example, I'd like to be able to play music in the bathroom either through iPhone (via airplay) or from ATV, PLUS I would also want to be able to download/watch films through the ATV and listen to music in bedroom viv TV speakers. Is this possible and an easy install?  Would I also need a separate amp for bathroom speaker?

I would recommend that you use an AirPort Express for the bathroom and an Apple TV for the bedroom. You will still need another wireless router to provide the overall wireless network which both the Express and Apple TV to connect to. With this configuration, you can stream to either device or both simultaneously if streaming from a Mac or PC running iTunes.

Thanks for this Tesserax, very helpful.

However I forgot to mention that this is for our new loft conversion. So its a master bedroom with en suite, hence why I was asking if I would need both and AX & ATV. Music/video would only be used in one of the rooms at a time and therefore just wanted to double check that I would still need both?

Also, will i need a separate amp for the speaker in the bathroom or can it just be connected directly to the AX/ATV?

From what you said previously, I would just need to purchase: 1 x ATV; 1 x AX; 1 x Wirelss Network Router; 1 x Bathroom Speaker; Speaker cable to connect to AX

Sorry for appearing so naive, but I really dont know  anything about all this.

Thanks in advance again.

K

If the en suite bathroom will only have speakers for audio playback and the HDTV will be downstairs for both audio & video, then you will want an AirPort Express for the en suite and an Apple TV for downstairs.

Also if you don't currently have a wireless network, you will need a second wireless router to provide that. Both the Express and the Apple TV will connect to this wireless network.

Again depending on what kind of speakers you are installing, the Express may be all you need. The Express provides an analog or digital optical audio port. If your speakers are self-powered and support either of these types of connections, then you are all set. However, if the speakers are standard in-wall, in-ceiling, or of the bookshelf kind then you would need an audio receiver. The speakers would connect to the receiver and so would the Express.

It is a loft conversion with ensuite on the second floorSo both the tv and bathroom are on the same floor, about 3m from each other. The current wireless router is on the ground floor.

Sorry, still trying to get my head wrapped around your set up, but I believe I understand now.

The key is that the Express will only stream audio from its audio port. This port can be connected to either self-powered speakers or an audio receiver using either an analog or a digital optical audio cable.

The Apple TV, on the other hand, can support both audio and video streams, but only through its HDMI port. It can also handle audio streams from its digital optical audio port.

So ...

You tecnically can use just an Apple TV and connect it to both devices to meet your goal. The Apple TV would connect to the existing wireless network so the Express would not be necessary for this.