How wireless headphones work, types of headphones, what functions they have

Over the course of two years, I purchased several dozen wireless headphones with different data transmission technologies. For different types of activities (watching TV, playing sports, listening to music from the phone), I selected individual devices, so I know which type of connection is more suitable for a TV and which for a smartphone or playing on a computer. Here's a guide on how to how many wireless headphones work.

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What are wireless headphones

Conventional wired audio accessories transmit the audio signal through a wire. The abbreviation TWS denotes a segment of devices using wireless technology. The abbreviation stands for True Wireless Stereo, and is translated into Russian as “like truly wireless stereo.” Manufacturers offer device models of different designs. The variety of models also depends on the signal transmission technology used. Bluetooth and radio headphones are widespread on the market; models with an infrared module are less common.

Versions

The first version of Bluetooth was released in 1998. Yes, the transfer was possible, but there was a problem with the anonymity of the data transfer. Despite the same standard, there was poor compatibility between devices from different manufacturers.

Subsequently, versions 1.1 and 1.2 were released - where many errors were corrected, compatibility was improved, and connection was speeded up. We also increased the transmission speed to 1 Mbit per second. I think there is no point in talking about each standard, I will only say that at the moment there is version 5.2, which is the most advanced and allows you to transmit more information with less loss. The result is quite simple - the higher the version, the better. At the moment, the most popular versions are: 4.0 and 5.0.

By the way, all versions are compatible with each other. For example, if you are trying to pair devices that run on version 3.0 and 4.0, then both will work on the smaller version - that is, 3.0.

How wireless headphones work

The audio signal between unwired devices is transmitted through the air using radio waves. The operating principle of wireless headphones is based on receiving a sound signal from a source. Signal reception is realized using one of the technologies:

1. Bluetooth data transfer technology is universal; it provides data exchange between desktop office equipment, mobile devices, and peripheral devices on an available radio frequency for short-range communication. The frequency is usually 2.5 GHz, the communication range is 10 meters. Using the Bluetooth protocol, the headphones can connect to any device equipped with a Bluetooth module. These audio accessories are convenient to take with you on the road. Data is protected from interception by special encoding.
2. Radio communication works stably at a distance of several tens of meters. To transmit signals, a base station with a transmitting antenna at a frequency of up to 2.4 GHz is used, which is connected via a wire to a sound source (PC, music center). The radio receiver built into the headphones receives the broadcast waves and converts their sound. The design cannot be called portable; it is practically not used for individual needs.
3. Thanks to the built-in IR module, the headphones capture high-frequency impulses from the sound source, amplify it and reproduce it. The visibility radius of signals is up to 10 meters, if there are no obstacles in the path of the waves. The device is suitable for watching TV shows. It cannot connect to all sound sources; the connection is unstable and has interference.

On a note. To ensure that the receiver built into the earphone can constantly receive audio signals, the design includes a battery that requires recharging.

The principle of operation of radio headphones

A radio transmitter is connected to the electronic device, which transmits an analog signal to the receiver in the headphones using FM waves.

This method has its advantages:

• connection range up to 150 m, which is minimally affected by obstacles;
• instant connection between the headset and the transmitting device;
• natural sound of musical compositions.
• But there are also disadvantages:
• the design is not mobile, as it has a radio transmitter;
• the occurrence of interference, extraneous signals;
• radio communication does not save energy consumption;
• Communication operation is not protected by anything.

Functions of bluetooth headphones

The functional set of Bluetooth headphones depends on the level of equipment of the model. Basic functions include:

• automatic connection to the device with which the “ears” were paired during initial setup;
• the ability to use headphones for telephone conversations without picking up the mobile phone;
• push-button or touch control of sound volume, receiving incoming calls, switching tracks.

To attract attention and interest buyers, manufacturers are expanding the functionality of their models and improving the quality parameters of devices. With the release of AirPods and their numerous replicas, Bluetooth “ears” acquired such useful functions as noise reduction, auto-pause, support for voice commands, protection from sweat and moisture, wireless charging, fast charging function and other options.

Recommendations for choosing technology

When choosing a technology, decide where it will be used.

So radio headphones are better suited for movie watching users and gamers.

In the first case, this is due to the undemanding nature of high sound parameters, in the second - the absence of a delay between video and audio.

Sony has released wireless headsets for the PlaySаtation 4 with radio modules, not bluetooth.

When choosing Bluetooth headphones, pay attention to the following:

• Music lovers are better off choosing full-size headphones;
• for work - in-ear with Multipoint function;
• Head Set with active noise reduction is suitable for traveling on public transport;
• for sports - headphones with special clips that hold them firmly on the head, and also have moisture and dust protection.

What comes with the headphones

The Bluetooth headset is equipped with everything necessary for stable operation. Accompanying documentation is a mandatory addition. The wireless gadget comes packaged in a box. Depending on the model, the kit includes:

• headphones;
• charging device (cable with USB connector, power supply or charging case);
• replaceable ear pads for in-ear “ears”;
• user guide;
• additional attachments (disk with software for connecting to a computer, plastic or fabric case for storage and transportation).

Headset

Now a little about the Bluetooth mini headset. These are ordinary headphones for a modern smartphone, but without annoying wires. With the help of a popular and already quite banal technology, a domestic user can stay focused on his problems and have time to respond to calls without using his smartphone. This discreet headset attaches to your ear and can help you work more efficiently for a long time. The device does not limit a person’s hearing and has a special button that makes it possible to respond to calls from your phone. Once such devices could only be seen in Western films, these days headsets are widely used by ordinary consumers.

The best headset has Bluetooth speakers with a stylish appearance, plays high-quality music files and transmits sound well. The battery life without mains power for a modern headset ranges from five to ten hours. The headset is convenient to use; the device weighs only about ten grams or even less. There is usually also a noise canceling feature. In addition, the device should be convenient to operate.

How to connect Bluetooth headphones? First, you need to enable the Bluetooth option on both devices. To activate the user’s headphones, they must hold down the connect button for approximately eight to ten seconds. After this, a small light diode will light up, which thus gives a signal that the device has started operating in the required mode. By default, the technology turns off after thirty seconds, so you should find Bluetooth in the menu on the device and change the technology's operating mode to a longer one.

To establish contact with other devices, you need to enable search. The technology will independently find all smartphones, laptops and other gadgets nearby with which it can connect. A Bluetooth stereo headset provides good signal reception if the distance between the headphones and other devices is no more than eight to ten meters. After the search for other devices is completed, you need to select the one you need from the list provided.

How to charge

The wireless headset is charged according to certain rules, following which the user will be able to operate the gadget for a long time. Generally accepted recommendations:

• For charging, use the cable included with the device;
• if the original cable is lost, choose a replacement cord with the appropriate connector and current rating;
• follow the charging duration recommended by the model manufacturer;
• if the device is equipped with a level indicator, disconnect the device from the charging source when the LED shows the battery is fully charged;
• Many current models of Bluetooth accessories support the fast charging function - use the opportunity to recharge the device for 2-3 hours of work in 10 minutes.

Comparison table of audio transmission technologies

Options	Radio	Bluetooth	TWS	With NFC module
Mobility	–	+	+	+
Connection speed between device and gadget	+	–	– (except for those with W1 chip from Apple)	+
Transmission range over 100m	+	–	–	–
Energy saving	–	+	+	+
Signal security	–	+	+	+
Multipoint technology	–	+	+	+

Connection methods

The method of connecting wireless earbuds to a phone on Android or iOS is standard and consists of the following steps:

1. Activating the Bluetooth function on your mobile phone.
2. Turn on the audio device according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. If the device synchronization procedure has already been performed, the headphones will connect automatically.
4. For the initial connection, you need to find the name of the accessory on your smartphone in the list of nearby Bluetooth devices and perform synchronization.

On a note. If necessary, pairing can be established via an external Bluetooth module. This method is relevant for connecting an audio accessory to a TV that does not support wireless device pairing technology.

Signal limitations

The question of how bluetooth headphones work has been considered. However, that's not all there is to know about wireless communications. There are factors that influence and limit this relationship:

1. Distance. Obviously, Bluetooth cannot work to connect devices if they are far away from each other. The devices have different ranges, but generally the maximum distance is 8-10 meters.
2. Obstacles. This could be a concrete wall or radio radiation. For example, the signal will be much weaker if there is a wall between the two devices. Also, for example, the connection will be constantly interrupted if one of the devices is located near a microwave oven. It emits radio waves that affect Bluetooth synchronization.

Radio module

What is Bluetooth and how is contact made if we are talking about a radio module? The Bluetooth radio module is another technical improvement of this modern technology. In principle, this is already a universal compact device that allows you to transmit a certain amount of information in the form of sound. Externally, this is an ordinary small speaker without wires. There are speakers to support the Bluetooth function. For the radio module to work, you need to activate contact with the server for audio transmission. A computer or mobile phone can act as a server; a music player will also work. After this, you can turn up the volume on the device. The radio module transmits the sound of music clearly and efficiently.