The TelMe2 TosBlue Adapter is a small device that converts the audio from your TV into bluetooth signals so that you can use wireless speakers or wireless headphones on your TV. The device sells for $69.00 at the TelMe2 Web Store. It is a great for situations where you must use headphones on your TV, such as the need to reduce sound while someone else in the room is sleeping or when you’re in a loud environment and you want to hear your TV better. According to TelMe2, the use of a headset and a TosBlue2 adapter will significantly boost your ability to hear the TV. Let’s see if this device is for you.
Form
There is not much to mention in the form of this product. The device is small and attaches to your TV. Forget about working with other colors besides black since it only comes in black. However, this actually puts you at an advantage. Since most TVs are black colored, your TV will hide the device. The device also goes on the back of the TV where most ports are located. The device is USB powered but since most TVs these days have USB ports, that shouldn’t be a problem. If it is, get a longer USB cord and a cheap USB wall adapter and plug it into an outlet or power strip (I’m sure you have one of those if you have more than just your TV and cable box to power like most people). A common feature on bluetooth devices is a blinking light, allowing you to know when it’s connected, this device is no exemption. It is especially important to have considering the device has no interactive screen that has alerts on it telling you that it has connected, like the Bluetooth settings app on iOS, not that I would want to have such a screen on this small device anyways. The product feels solid and seems like it would not easily break or fall apart later in the future. Overall, the product aces the Form part of the review.
Function
This device is very useful in many situations. First, it is useful when you are in a room where some one is sleeping. Turn the device and your wireless headphones on and you can listen to your TV without disturbing the person sleeping. You won’t be rude and you can still listen on full volume. Second, let’s say you are at a party. The room is really loud, people are talking and you just want to hear what they are saying. Just turn the device on and some headphones and you’re ready to go. The background noise will be reduced significantly. Also, you can get wireless speakers such as TelMe2s very own BlueBox Speakers that you can connect with your TV thus eliminating all those speaker wires. Even better, the speakers are surround so you can have surround sound without all the wires. Of course, there are other speakers to buy as well. It all depends on the consumer, although I highly recommend the BlueBox speakers. The device is small and can be taken to different parts of the house. It has a bluetooth indicator light. It is easy to set up, which is a big plus for many consumers. I would have like to have seen longer wires for USB, or perhaps no power wires at all, just the wires to the TV. Some people don’t have USB ports on their TV. One major problem with the device though is that it does not support Dolby Digital outputs. Therefore, if your output only puts out Dolby Digital signals, and not PCM, you can not use it. On my TV, it worked but some TVs may be out of luck. Some people, in addition, have noticed some audio/video lag, however, I have not noticed much of it. The device does have some issues, but overall it’s uses are still quite practical.
Conclusion
Pros
-Strong aesthetic
-Very practical and useful
-Easy to setup
-Easy to use
Cons
-Does not work with Dolby Digital-only TVs, needs PCM
-Some users have reported audio/video lag
-Could be better off with a rechargeable battery rather than having to be plugged in
Ways to improve
Perhaps making the product battery powered would be less of a hassle for some customers, especially for those who don’t have a USB port on their TV. Perhaps a combination of battery and USB-power would work best, such as a rechargeable battery. Adding Dolby Digital would eliminate many complaints. In addition, fixing any audio/video lag that exists is very important.
This product, despite it’s kinks, is pretty useful and practical. I find myself using in loud environments, or ones that need to be quiet. There are some important issued that need to be addressed. At this time, I would rate the product at four stars. However, if they can fix the delay and Dolby Digital issues, I’d easily give it five stars. Good job TelMe2, just work out the kinks and you have a great product.
Thanks for reading,
Joe
Images Courtesy: TelMe2
