The increasing popularity PCs as home jukeboxes has spawned a huge market for related hardware and software: there are already several products that allow users to stream music wirelessly from computers to hi-fi systems.

Apple’s Airport Express has been a leader here for some time, but those without a wireless-enabled computer require an upgrade to use it.

Not so with the niftily named Oono Transmita Vii. Its credit-card-sized transmitter and receiver talk to each other using similar radio frequency signals, but with no extra hardware required.

The transmitter can be hooked up to other audio sources such as a DVD player, using either the phono or 3.5mm headphone outputs. Both the transmitter and receiver are rechargeable, with a battery life of six and eight hours respectively, so swapping them between devices is easy.

When fully charged, both units can be moved around without needing a mains socket nearby. This also means earphones can be connected to the receiver, and extra receivers are available at a cost of £25. An unlimited number are supported, which in theory means you could have the same music playing on a number of audio devices throughout the house, which is ideal for parties.

The Transmita was easy to set up: connect the transmitter to the computer using a USB port, and the receiver to the auxiliary input on the hi-fi, and to the mains. A smart two-tone glowing light changes colour to indicate whether the device is on, off or charging. No software is required - Windows XP and Vista recognise the device automatically, although users of Windows 98SE are advised to first install a driver, which isn’t bundled with the product.

While the sound through the average hi-fi doesn’t quite reach CD-quality, it is good enough for all but the most discerning ears. To improve the signal, a button located on both the transmitter and receiver allows users to scan 16 radio channels until they find the clearest one. This is also intended to prevent interference with other wireless devices, but we had no problems with this during testing.

Our one other concern was the flimsy power switch which was too small for our liking, but this was a small qualm for a good quality, good value audio sending system.

Vista compatible: Yes