Infrared (IR) - These devices use an infrared (IR) beam to transmit the sound from the base unit to the headphone, working in much the same way as the remote control for your TV. There are two big problems to using IR technology for headphones.
1. The range is limited to about 9 meter.
2. You have to be within line of site with the base unit. Infrared is optical, It's OK if you are sitting in front of your TV or Hi-Fi. Wireless Headphones are not good for wandering around the room or into another part of the house.
Radio Frequency (RF) - This is great for listening to music without being tied by a cord to your music player. Wireless Headphones offer more flexibility, you can walk anywhere in the house and garden while listening to your hifi up to 120 meter. You may find spots where the reception is less than perfect. There is usually a choice of two or more RF channels to avoid interference from other devices or neighbours who bought the same wireless headphones as you.
Bluetooth was developed to connect with mobile electronic devices such as cellular phones, music players and PDA's. With a Bluetooth headset you can not only roam free as you listen to your music, but can also quickly switch from music to phone call and back – depending on the device you are connecting to.
The limited range puts them in the same league as infrared (IR), it works only within a radius of up to 36 meter depends on the device. However, Bluetooth signals can mess up those from other radio devices.
Which one wireless headphones should you choose?
As the IR and radio headphones are about the same size and price, it makes sense to choose the radio ones. They’ll give you much more flexibility to change how and where you listen.If you want your headphones principally for listening to music, there are some excellent radio frequency headphones. Some are over-ear headphones for high quality sound when you are in your home or garden. Others use earbuds or earclips so you can still be wire-free when you leave the house.
If you have got a MP3 player or mobile phone and you would like to be able to switch between mobile phones calls and music, then your best bet is a Bluetooth headset.
