LIVEdigitally - EHX Fall 2004: Sonos

Whole home audio is one of those things that people have wanted for years and years, and yet for years and year, nobody has done it very well. I could probably put together an article on all the bad solutions and false starts. Well, the folks at Sonos might just be the first to do it right.

Their approach has you install a server unit (basically a PC in a very nice looking chassis, running their software) on a hard-wired Ethernet connection. The server, which they call a ZonePlayer, has a built-in amplifier, and is connected to a set of speakers. For every additional room where you want your music, you install another ZonePlayer. One very nice touch is that only a single unit needs to be hard-wired; all the rest can be wirelessly connected. Even better, they create their own network link using a mesh system (quick explanation: every unit that is connected automatically builds a bigger and bigger network, so long as each unit is within 100 feet of another unit. No base stations, no extenders, no interference!). This is the philosophy I like about the Sonos system - they are presenting a complete solution, and have no external dependencies.

Each ZonePlayer comes with a wireless handheld controller with a custom-built, very appealing, very attractive user interface. The remote control features a color LCD screen and an iPod-like scrolling wheel. The interface combines some of the best design elements I've ever seen, including (again) an iPod-like metaphor for browsing content combined with some clever methods for selecting "zones" to control.

It's good. Very, very good. The company has promised me a review unit in the near future, and I honestly can't wait.

Pictures of the products (click on the image for a full-screen view):
The Sonos booth

ZonePlayer:

Remote control interface:

PC software

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