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Wireless Headphones - best?


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Old 17-12-2006, 02:49
kwil
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Join Date: Apr 2006
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Hi...
I'm looking to buy wireless headphones primarily for TV use.
I understand there are two types: infra-red and FM...
Is there any advantage of one over the other?...Any recommendations?
Thanks
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Old 17-12-2006, 12:22
tichtich
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I have a pair of Sennheiser RS-120 cordless FM headphones, which I use for almost all my TV viewing (and radio which I mostly listen to on Freeview through my TV).

I wouldn't be without them now, as I find I can hear much better with them (must be my ageing ears), I can turn up the volume without worrying about disturbing the neighbours, and I get a much better stereo effect.

General drawbacks:
- There may be a loss of sound quality, though I only notice it with some radio programmes, and I suspect those are poor quality anyway because of low digital data rates.
- Occasional crackling sounds, though just turning my head a little makes that go away.
- Awkward wearing them while lying on my side, as I often do because of a bad back.

Drawbacks with the RS-120 in particular:
- It has three different FM frequencies, in case of interference from a neighbour using the same frequency, though I've never found that a problem. However you have to tune the frequency in with a dial, which is more fiddly than models which have a simple switch. (Though maybe it allows for better tuning, I don't know.) Unfortunately, the dial is easy to move by accident (especially if you wear the headphones lying down) and I had to put a bit of sellotape over it to prevent this. It's been fine since then, it just looks a bit tacky.
- It has "open" headphones, rather than the cup type, so does nothing to keep out neighbour noise.

FM is definitely better than analogue infra-red, but more expensive. With FM you don't need a line of sight between the transmitter and receiver, and you can even use it in other rooms, which I often do. Digital infra-red may give you better sound quality, but I think you'll find they're very expensive.

I hope that helps.
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Old 18-12-2006, 01:42
kwil
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Thanks for taking time to reply, tt...appreciate your comments and will consider the Sennheisers....
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Old 27-01-2007, 11:32
sainsbury
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I have Sennheiser 120s too - they're great. You can walk all around your house with them on. Agreed the tuning is a tiny bit fiddly, but overall well worth the money, they'll last you 5-10 years I reckon. The auto-charging base is great - no need to buy batteries.
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