3.0Getting to Know Your HomePod

3.1Setting up Your HomePod

HomePod streams digital audio files stored on your computer, over the local network (either by wired Ethernet or over a wireless Wi-Fi network).

Most of the time, HomePod will be used in a wireless environment. A typical wireless network setup involves a computer connected to a wireless router (or an access point) to form a wireless network. HomePod would then connect wirelessly to this same network.

Note: The terms “wireless router”, “access point”, and “base station” are sometimes used interchangeably in this manual. Wireless router is a device that combines the functions of an access point plus a switching hub. Base station is a common term used in the Mac community to refer to an access point.

Headphone

Access Point

 

 

 

 

Home Stereo

 

 

HomePod

 

 

Built-in Speakers

Computer

 

 

(Mac/PC)

 

 

Music Files

USB Drive

Digital Surround

Store Here

 

System

 

 

HomePod System Diagram

Your HomePod can be placed anywhere in the house or office where the wireless network has coverage. The audio files stored on your computer can then be played through HomePod’s built-in stereo speakers, attached headphones, home stereo system, or a high-end digital surround sound system.

Note: An audio file, such as an MP3 file, is a file that may include music, speech, narrative, or audio book content. The term “audio server” is used to describe a computer on your network that contains audio files that will be served to the HomePod.

The audio collection stored on your computer is recognized by the HomePod as an “Audio Server”. Each computer with audio content requires that the HomePod Audio Server Software be installed and running to make the audio collection available to the HomePod.

One HomePod can access audio content from multiple computers around the home or office. Conversely, multiple HomePods can simultaneously access content from the same computer.

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