Twelve South Debuts New 'AirFly' Wireless Transmitter for Using AirPods With In-Flight Entertainment Systems

[ActionableMango]

Without an AptX compatible device, these devices are useless with video.

Not just any AptX, you need specifically an AptX low latency compatible device. AptX devices without AptX low latency exceed the 100ms threshold for noticeability, and most are around the same ballpark (150-170ms) as Airpods (168ms).

I speak from personal experience. My headphones are AptX, but not AptX low latency. I use an Avantree bluetooth adapter with AptX, but the latency is still quite noticeable when used with video.

The same headphones paired with my iPhone, iPad, or Galaxy Tab, something in the OS or video player is delaying the video by the proper amount, because there is no noticeable audio delay. However, video game has delayed audio because you can't delay video game display.

It's a big mess. If we're really going to live in a world without headphone jacks, everyone needs to come together and fix it in an industry standard type of way.

 

[jicon]

"but for long-haul flights where in-flight entertainment is essential..."

in flight entertainment is not essential on long haul flights. Don't be that person.

 

[Iconoclysm]

Not just any AptX, you need specifically an AptX low latency compatible device. AptX devices without AptX low latency exceed the 100ms threshold for noticeability, and most are around the same ballpark (150-170ms) as Airpods (168ms).

I speak from personal experience. My headphones are AptX, but not AptX low latency. I use an Avantree bluetooth adapter with AptX, but the latency is still quite noticeable when used with video.

The same headphones paired with my iPhone, iPad, or Galaxy Tab, something in the OS or video player is delaying the video by the proper amount, because there is no noticeable audio delay. However, video game has delayed audio because you can't delay video game display.

It's a big mess. If we're really going to live in a world without headphone jacks, everyone needs to come together and fix it in an industry standard type of way.

Where are you getting 168ms? That sounds like SBC but not AAC which is actually around 90-150ms. If airpods are tested without AAC, you'd get a 170-270ms response time.

But yes, the fix is in Bluetooth 5.0, once they release a compatible codec that takes advantage of the increased bandwidth.

 

[ActionableMango]

Where are you getting 168ms? That sounds like SBC but not AAC which is actually around 90-150ms

Yes, you are correct, that is SBC.

 

[twistedpixel8]

But does the mic work?

 

[H818H]

Not just any AptX, you need specifically an AptX low latency compatible device. AptX devices without AptX low latency exceed the 100ms threshold for noticeability, and most are around the same ballpark (150-170ms) as Airpods (168ms).

I speak from personal experience. My headphones are AptX, but not AptX low latency. I use an Avantree bluetooth adapter with AptX, but the latency is still quite noticeable when used with video.

The same headphones paired with my iPhone, iPad, or Galaxy Tab, something in the OS or video player is delaying the video by the proper amount, because there is no noticeable audio delay. However, video game has delayed audio because you can't delay video game display.

It's a big mess. If we're really going to live in a world without headphone jacks, everyone needs to come together and fix it in an industry standard type of way.

or....we can just use the industry standard, tried and tested headphone jack. Cables don't bother me, reliability does.

 

[Mac 128]

Do you really know if it's a "normal" bluetooth transmitter at four times the price? Same build quality, same battery size, same connection options?
[doublepost=1526403477][/doublepost]

Isn't Apple's solution the AAC codec for Bluetooth? And if this device actually leverages that, wouldn't that be what makes it "designed for Apple"?
[doublepost=1526404943][/doublepost]

And right there, shows it uses the AAC codec over bluetooth - exactly what airpods use. Also priced in the same range.

AAC is not the same as AptX low-latency. And where does it say this device supports native AAC? Much less low-latency?

 

[ActionableMango]

or....we can just use the industry standard, tried and tested headphone jack. Cables don't bother me, reliability does.

They both have their own merit for different use cases. I use wired headphones at my desk and in bed because that's fine. No battery to charge, no latency, and like you say, they just work.

But personally I cannot stand cables when I'm active (gardening, jogging, or cycling) because either the cables get snagged on literally every single thing every 5 goddamn minutes, or the iPhone pulls the earbuds out, or worst of all, the headphones pull the iPhone out of my pocket and it takes a fall. I used to do that before I had bluetooth headphones. I am NEVER going back to wired. Wired absolutely sucks for physical activity and it could have literally cost me hundreds of dollars if the phone had hit the ground in a different way.

 

[Mac 128]

Not just any AptX, you need specifically an AptX low latency compatible device. AptX devices without AptX low latency exceed the 100ms threshold for noticeability, and most are around the same ballpark (150-170ms) as Airpods (168ms).

I speak from personal experience. My headphones are AptX, but not AptX low latency. I use an Avantree bluetooth adapter with AptX, but the latency is still quite noticeable when used with video.

The same headphones paired with my iPhone, iPad, or Galaxy Tab, something in the OS or video player is delaying the video by the proper amount, because there is no noticeable audio delay. However, video game has delayed audio because you can't delay video game display.

It's a big mess. If we're really going to live in a world without headphone jacks, everyone needs to come together and fix it in an industry standard type of way.

Yes correct, I meant Low-latency. As far as I know Apple only compensates for this via software built-into the playback device. A non-Apple device will be out of synch with the AirPods.
[doublepost=1526412453][/doublepost]

They both have their own merit for different use cases. I use wired headphones at my desk and in bed because that's fine. No battery to charge, no latency, and like you say, they just work.

But personally I cannot stand cables when I'm active (gardening, jogging, or cycling) because either the cables get snagged on literally every single thing every 5 goddamn minutes, or the iPhone pulls the earbuds out, or worst of all, the headphones pull the iPhone out of my pocket and it takes a fall. I used to do that before I had bluetooth headphones. I am NEVER going back to wired. Wired absolutely sucks for physical activity and it could have literally cost me hundreds of dollars if the phone had hit the ground in a different way.

This is exactly why I bought a transmitter for airplanes years ago ... I got tired of having to manage the cables, especially when using those headrest systems, and another passenger in the row needed to get out. Or use my tray table, or anything really.

 

[Pipper99]

Delete

 

[liberte1776]

$40?! *rolls eyes*!

 

[Wanted797]

I would avoid suggesting that people use AirPods in the car. You need to be able to hear while you're driving!

I would agree but deaf people are allowed to drive...

 

[Mac 128]

I bought a cheapo Bluetooth transmitter from eBay for the same purpose. Cost about £10. Unfortunately it didn't work very well with the AirPods so although I think this is overpriced I'm happy to pay a premium for something that has clearly been designed with AirPods in mind.

Yeah, this isn't designed for AirPods, it's designed for any BT device. This isn't going to work any better than the "cheapo" transmitter you've already tried.

The review I read says it doesn’t even take advantage of the M1 chip. It has to be repaired with the phone after pairing it to this device.

 

[alphaod]

I've seen similar stuff online selling for ages. This nothing new...

Though if it had better battery life and maybe USB-C charging it wouldn't be too bad.

8 hrs isn't even half a long haul flight.

 

[UnusedLoginID]

8 hrs isn't even half a long haul flight.

When you’re not allowed to use Bluetooth devices, 8 hours feels very long.
Which airlines allow use of wireless devices in-flight or are you all breaking the “law”?
Because last time I checked, the devices have to be in Airplane mode, which means no Bluetooth.

 

[tl01]

When you’re not allowed to use Bluetooth devices, 8 hours feels very long.
Which airlines allow use of wireless devices in-flight or are you all breaking the “law”?
Because last time I checked, the devices have to be in Airplane mode, which means no Bluetooth.

You can use Bluetooth on planes according to FAA regulation.

 

[Shirasaki]

Planes still have those jacks? I haven’t seen one on a United flight in years. It’s all on your own personal device now.
[doublepost=1526393217][/doublepost]
I knew it looked familiar.

Yes, a lot of planes still have jacks, such as planes in China and some cheap airlines’ planes in Australia. I doubt they will “upgrade” their jacks anytime soon.
[doublepost=1526440187][/doublepost]I guess this product can be paired with any phone and/or headphone right? Oh wait, it needs to be paired with phone first then goes to headphone. So much for the convenience of Bluetooth or wireless technology. I feel we are moving from managing cable (which is indeed a mess) to managing device connection list (which is also a mess).

 

[jimthing]

Not just any AptX, you need specifically an AptX low latency compatible device. AptX devices without AptX low latency exceed the 100ms threshold for noticeability, and most are around the same ballpark (150-170ms) as Airpods (168ms).

I speak from personal experience. My headphones are AptX, but not AptX low latency. I use an Avantree bluetooth adapter with AptX, but the latency is still quite noticeable when used with video.

The same headphones paired with my iPhone, iPad, or Galaxy Tab, something in the OS or video player is delaying the video by the proper amount, because there is no noticeable audio delay. However, video game has delayed audio because you can't delay video game display.

It's a big mess. If we're really going to live in a world without headphone jacks, everyone needs to come together and fix it in an industry standard type of way.

Where are you getting 168ms? That sounds like SBC but not AAC which is actually around 90-150ms. If airpods are tested without AAC, you'd get a 170-270ms response time.

But yes, the fix is in Bluetooth 5.0, once they release a compatible codec that takes advantage of the increased bandwidth.

Can someone recommend some of these AptX Low Latency headphones? (And an optical out transmitter.)

I'm after both (on ear/around ear) headphones and smaller (in ear/on earlobe) earphones.
There doesnt seem to be many around for some annoying reason?

I want a set up for live TV watching, using the TV's optical out to a transmitter box (no phone out jack on my TV), that can transmit the sound wirelessly with no delays over AptX LL, to AptX LL compatible phones.

Searched for solutions ages ago but gave up, as nothing seemed available. :-/

I would agree but deaf people are allowed to drive...

I would agree but deaf people learn to drive while being deaf at all times, hearing people aren't. (Plus unlike deaf people, hearing people are not as experienced at dealing with the world around them without having sound.)

 

[theoski]

I can't imagine using my AirPods on a flight - the sound insulation is non-existent and the volume levels necessary to hear anything are both offending to passengers and border on permanent hearing damage.
ANC cans all the way on a plane.

Exactly. It should be a health warning on them.

 

[Shirasaki]

I can't imagine using my AirPods on a flight - the sound insulation is non-existent and the volume levels necessary to hear anything are both offending to passengers and border on permanent hearing damage.
ANC cans all the way on a plane.

Exactly. It should be a health warning on them.

Very good point. AirPods don’t have sound isolation whatsoever, and sound quality is nonexistent.
I usually limit my iPhone volume to 50-60% of the max for hearing protection as I hate loud noises. Didn’t get a chance to try out Shure SE215’s flight performance but it’s sound isolation is pretty good.

 

[Gilligan's last elephant]

I bought a cheapo Bluetooth transmitter from eBay for the same purpose. Cost about £10. Unfortunately it didn't work very well with the AirPods so although I think this is overpriced I'm happy to pay a premium for something that has clearly been designed with AirPods in mind.

Can you explain how you see this as designed with Airpods in mind? Seems like it is designed for ANY Bluetooth device in mind. Or maybe you mean the overcharged price is designed with Airpods in mind?

 

[Mac 128]

Can someone recommend some of these AptX Low Latency headphones? (And an optical out transmitter.)

I'm after both (on ear/around ear) headphones and smaller (in ear/on earlobe) earphones.
There doesnt seem to be many around for some annoying reason?

I want a set up for live TV watching, using the TV's optical out to a transmitter box (no phone out jack on my TV), that can transmit the sound wirelessly with no delays over AptX LL, to AptX LL compatible phones.

Searched for solutions ages ago but gave up, as nothing seemed available. :-/

You need a DAC that converts SPDIF to 3.5mm analogue. You can get these boxes on Amazon on expensively for around $20. Had to do it for a TV that did not have an audio output at all, and only had the optical out on my Apple TV 3.

Then I'm using the TROND AptX LL transmitter linked in the Amazon link above. I also have a TROND AptX LL receiver which allows me to use any wired headphones. I highly recommend this setup. I wouldn't begin to recommend a pair of headphones to anyone, as you really have to try them out yourself. Search Amazon for "AptX low latency headphones" and you'll see a number of options you'll just have to try and return if you don't like them until you get it right.

 

[Gilligan's last elephant]

They both have their own merit for different use cases. I use wired headphones at my desk and in bed because that's fine. No battery to charge, no latency, and like you say, they just work.

But personally I cannot stand cables when I'm active (gardening, jogging, or cycling) because either the cables get snagged on literally every single thing every 5 goddamn minutes, or the iPhone pulls the earbuds out, or worst of all, the headphones pull the iPhone out of my pocket and it takes a fall. I used to do that before I had bluetooth headphones. I am NEVER going back to wired. Wired absolutely sucks for physical activity and it could have literally cost me hundreds of dollars if the phone had hit the ground in a different way.

I really hope you don't use earphones when cycling on roads!!!

 

[ActionableMango]

I really hope you don't use earphones when cycling on roads!!!

I do, but one ear only and there's no traffic where/when I ride. I don't like riding around cars at all.
[doublepost=1526491039][/doublepost]

Can someone recommend some of these AptX Low Latency headphones? (And an optical out transmitter.)

Avantree makes an AptX LL transmitter with optical in. Just search for "avantree optical" on Amazon. I have no personal experience with these particular models, but my old avantree BT transmitter works well, and the average rating for these are quite good.

They also sell a transmitter/headphone set with optical in and low latency. Again, I have no experience with it, but the reviews are good.

 

[ignatius345]

I would agree but deaf people are allowed to drive...

It's definitely a crappy idea to crank headphones while driving, and furthermore you'd want to check the laws in your state first because it's illegal in many jurisdictions