Bluetooth is a form of wireless connection technology that has been advancing further and further since its inception in 1998. Designed to transfer data over short distances wirelessly, Bluetooth developed to have Codecs for audio transmission too. Most recently, Bluetooth 5.X versions have reduced latency to below 40ms, increased the capacity for audio and data transmission, and even further simplified pairing / connection.
None of this would be possible without Bluetooth Transmitters and Bluetooth Receivers. These two sides of a Bluetooth Connection are the key to direct wireless connectivity.
What is Bluetooth?
A fair question, and one that certainly merits more detail than “A wireless connection”. After all, Wi-Fi and “RF” connections as well as Infrared TV remotes are all wireless but none of them are Bluetooth.
Bluetooth is the name given to a specific band of Radio Wave communication. The range is in the UHF (Ultra-High-Frequency) band of the radio spectrum and are around 2.4GHz. What this means is a direct electromagnetic wave connection between two local devices can be established.
The UHF band is broadcast in the local area and not referred through any central body. Bluetooth is a direct local connection, rather than the internet or satellite TV which both require relays and upload/download of data.
Transmitter and Receiver – Explained
To better understand the relationship between a Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver it is prudent to think of Audio connection. Bluetooth Codec enables wireless audio transmission and reception so you can use wireless headphones, earphones and speakers.
In a traditional, wired audio set up you’ll have an audio Input and an audio Output:
The Output is where you hear the audio from, the actual physical speaker unit or headphones etc.
The Input is the source of the data. This could be an MP3 player holding digital files or a CD Player reading physical data.
In Bluetooth terms, the input is the Transmitter and the Output is the Receiver. This will help you identify what Bluetooth adapter will correctly function for you:
For example, to turn a wired speaker into a Bluetooth one you would need a Bluetooth Receiver adapter. This is because a speaker is an Output device.
Conversely, to turn a wired MP3 player or CD player into a Bluetooth one you’d need a Bluetooth Transmitter. This is because MP3 or CD players are Input devices.
These relationships are simple once you understand them, and make setting up a Bluetooth solution to your problem accessible.
Our Manufactured Bluetooth Devices
View our range of Bluetooth Adapters to turn any 3.5mm audio device into a receiver or transmitter. Wireless audio and data transfer is a great tool in the modern world, and can revitalise old devices with new, modern functionality
