Outside audio, or zone 2 audio

Most new AV receivers have the capability of supporting a second zone while still playing surround sound in the main or primary room. This is different than a speaker A/B switch on your amp or receiver since the A/B speaker switch on your amp or receiver is actually just sharing the wattage between all of the speakers and also is only capable of playing the same audio as the first room or zone 1. A zone 2 capable receiver will have discrete wattage for the main primary zone and discrete wattage also in the second zone 2, therefore resulting in increased overall power and performance. Additionally, the second zone can play a different audio source than the main room or zone one. This allows the homeowner to watch a movie in surround sound in the TV room while also listening to music (FM, CD, satellite radio) heck you can even listen to your iTunes library wirelessly from your PC or Mac throughout the rest of the house. Some installers will set it up using volume control knobs for each room. I prefer to set it up using an RF remote so the listener can fast forward through songs if needed and also adjust volume from the RF remote (can also "power on" and "power off" the system without getting out of your chair). Once you decide to invest in outdoor speakers, don't make the mistake of buying those ROX style speakers. Most will agree, the rox speakers can only be heard clearly if the listener is within 8 or 10 feet of the rox speaker. After all, these speakers aren't know for quality, but rather known for the ability to blend in with the outdoor environment. If you are seeking quality in an outdoor speaker, consider a wall mount, weather resistant, all climate speaker. These will deliver quality and performance the rox speakers are incapable of delivering.
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Marc
http://www.hometheaterintegrators.com/

Outside audio and multi-zone receivers

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