'Long Range' Bluetooth PC device - entire house coverage

BlizzardX · 28 Aug 2016 at 09:46

Hi

I'm looking for a Bluetooth device, preferably version 4.0, that can transmit a decent Bluetooth signal through walls etc. of my house. The device would generally be placed centrally, and have to transmit a signal 14m in any direction through standard plasterboard walls and timber framing.

Anyone got any ideas? Experience of this? I'm looking at the idea of a centrally housed gaming PC in my server rack, with an HDMI matrix (2x4 for example) so I can switch between TVs in the house while keeping the game pad, mouse etc. connected no matter where I am.

Considering this as I'm about to lose my office to my 6 month old daughter and need to access gaming from around the house.

Appreciate any responses.

Chris

Cromulent · 28 Aug 2016 at 09:58

BlizzardX said:
Hi

I'm looking for a Bluetooth device, preferably version 4.0, that can transmit a decent Bluetooth signal through walls etc. of my house. The device would generally be placed centrally, and have to transmit a signal 14m in any direction through standard plasterboard walls and timber framing.

Anyone got any ideas? Experience of this? I'm looking at the idea of a centrally housed gaming PC in my server rack, with an HDMI matrix (2x4 for example) so I can switch between TVs in the house while keeping the game pad, mouse etc. connected no matter where I am.

Considering this as I'm about to lose my office to my 6 month old daughter and need to access gaming from around the house.

Appreciate any responses.

Chris

Bluetooth is short range only I'm afraid.

BlizzardX · 28 Aug 2016 at 10:01

Not according to the specs, BT4 can go long if required, or if engineered (https://aircable.co/shop/product/aircable-host-xr4-19)... I just don't know if they actually match their claims. Yes, your standard dongle is 3m range but I'm looking for specific dongles that extend that if they work.

new boy · 28 Aug 2016 at 10:18

Assuming you did find a dongle that has a super long range, then all the devices that connect to it would also have to have a super long range transmitter in them to talk back to it?

I'm not saying it wont work, but it sounds like a recipe for frustration and disappointment.

What are you doing with the HDMI cable to the living room? Could you run a USB extension the same way and plonk the dongle on the end of that?

BlizzardX · 28 Aug 2016 at 10:40

So that dongle I posted, apparently from the user reviews works well at enhancing even low power receivers to multiples of 10m's through walls.. Might look at that further, slightly expensive but then so much cheaper than an extension!

For HDMI I'm looking at Matrix switches; feed main in to input and then switch outputs as desired... Would like to be able to switch without losing game (e.g. not crash) but would settle for having to stop the game while moving locations...

The main issue is really inputs, I want to be able to traverse the house without the need to either use a cable (means more complicated USB provisioning and cabling), or some other dongles.. Ideally I'm looking at the new Xbox One controller with Bluetooth.