Soundcast Systems UAT 1.2 and SubCast Wireless Speaker Solutions Preview

Soundcast has been in the business of wireless sound for a long time. We reviewed their OutCast outdoor speaker and found it to be very good. Now they are updating their UAT transmitter and reminding us of the uses for their SubCast system.

To start with, Soundcast Systems have updated their UAT transmitter. This is a device that works with one of their current speakers to make any computer into a wireless media streamer. With our OutCast review, we used the iCast Transmitter, an iPod dock with a 3.5mm jack for adding one additional source. The UAT gives you a USB connection to your computer and access to all the major media players (iTunes, Windows, RealPlayer, WinAmp, etc.). It is completely portable weighing just over a pound and standing just 6 inches tall. There is a 3.5mm jack and stereo analogue audio inputs on the back for adding additional sources (which means, theoretically, that you could use the UAT 1.2 for rear speakers with one of the Soundcast offerings).

The two big advancements in the UAT (justifying the UAT 1.2 moniker) is the inclusion of Internet Radio streaming and iDevice control. With apps taking the world by storm, it made sense to Soundcast to include a remote app for their UAT 1.2. There is no word on Android support yet, but you can bet that is on the horizon. The UAT 1.2 is Mac and PC compatible. The old UAT was priced at $200 and pricing on the new version hasn't been released, but we expect it to be similar.

The SubCast is, as you might expect, a system for getting sound from your receiver to your powered subwoofer. Consisting of transmitting and receiving units (pictured above), the SubCast is rated for long distance wireless transmission. According to Soundcast, the SubCast uses an "interference-free" 2.4GHz signal  that can go 50-to-350 feet through walls, floors, doors, ceilings and even outdoors. In our tests of the OutCast we had problems with microwaves and other interference but, according to the marketing material, they've solved those problems (specifically mentioning microwaves - you're welcome for that free beta testing, by the way).

The thing to remember about the SubCast is that it is capable of sending a full range analogue or digital signal. That means that it is perfect for integration of wireless rear speakers. Of course, they either need to be internally amplified speakers or you'll have to put an amp after the SubCast receiver. But that would be something that was happening anyhow regardless of which wireless solution you chose. The price of the solution isn't cheap ($250) but it also isn't uncompetitive. And when the alternative is no rear speakers or bad sub placement, it may well be worth it.

Conclusion

The inclusion of iDevice remote control on the UAT 1.2 from Soundcast really increases the functionality of the device. Now you can stream from your computer to your Soundcast speaker without having to use any physical controls. The SubCast wireless transmitter/receiver combo sends a full range digital or analogue signal up to 350 feet according to the specs. This means that you can place your sub or rear speakers without worrying about how you are going to get your wires from your receiver to the speaker. Given our experience with Soundcast in the past, we expect these solutions to work well. And in the end, that's what really matters.

For more information, please visit www.soundcastsystems.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.