This is perhaps my favorite part of any installation. In years past we were forced to settle for a boom box or a stand alone system for listening to our music outdoors. A stand alone system will certainly give us quality sound outdoors, but is not as versatile as today's multi-zone receivers. If setup correctly a multi-zone receiver can access your computer's MP3 files eliminating the need to create "party discs" to play while entertaining. The sound quality for today's outdoor speakers has improved over the past few years as well. Many manufacturers now have weather resistant speakers which can successfully withstand the elements. Some are shaped like rocks but I prefer the more traditional look of a wall mounted speaker located under the eaves if possible.
Back to multi-zone receivers, if setup correctly, the user can watch / listen to a movie indoors while listening to FM radio or otherwise outdoors all using the same AV receiver. Each will have independent volume control too! Some multi-zone receivers support two room video.
One important consideration when planning a multi-room installation using one receiver is to carefully plan the operation of the equipment with a universal remote. Some universal remotes do not allow the user to select a "change location" option. By using a remote capable of recognizing different locations, the user can use one remote for two or more rooms (locations).
Check out my other blogs regarding multi-room video distribution.
Marc
www.HomeTheaterIntegrators.com
