 Luxury electronics: When this assignment came in, we were all-ears for it! The company, Sonos, provides a revolutionary multi-room digital-music system that is capable of playing different songs in various rooms simultaneously. It is wireless, and all that is needed to plug into it is a high-speed Internet connection and a router.
We wanted to know more how it works. So, we contacted Thomas Meyer, a spokesperson of Sonos. Thomas was kind enough to take a moment and fill us in on this unique multi-room digital music system that streamlines all matters musical with a refined online solution.
JustLuxe (JL): It is an intriguing product and a service, Thomas, Could you give us an overview of the system?
Thomas Meyer (TM): Sure. Sonos is the first wireless, multi-room music system of its kind. It gives users access to millions of songs and stations, including music files stored on their computers, free Internet radio stations, and the most popular online music services. With Sonos, users have choices of what they want to listen to and where and when they want to listen. It's a lot different than being "stuck" with a stereo in one room or having to move a docking system around from room to room in order to enjoy music all around your house. It's a simple and convenient solution that lets people listen to all of their music all over their house.
JL: It sounds very convenient. I know it is wireless, but is there any type of installation required?
TM: Yes. But, it is a very simple and straightforward process. You don't have to be a technical genius to get it going. It is designed to work right out of the box. A love of music, a high-speed Internet connection, and a router are all you need to get started.
JL: How long does it take to set up?
MT: The basic set up is very simple. On average, set-up time is under 30 minutes. Customizing the system is very simple as well. The full-color Sonos Controller makes customizing the system a snap. It gives users instant access to their entire music collections, as well as a variety of online music and radio services. You simply use the scroll wheel to select the room you want the music to play in and where you want to pull the music from and hit play.
JL: And you can play music from Internet radio, a personal music collection, and online music services.
TM: Absolutely. It is so simple even a writer can do it!
JL: You got me there. Simple is good. When you say it works in all rooms, how many rooms are we talking about? Is there a basic package?
TM: Yes; the base system is the Sonos Bundle 130. It gives you everything you need to wirelessly stream music to two rooms of your home.
JL: Is it an expandable system?
TM: Yes, it is. You can add a "zone player" to it and wirelessly stream music in up to 32 rooms. We have the ZonePlayer 80 and the ZonePlayer 100.
JL: What distinguishes one from the other?
TM: The ZP 80 can be connected to any amplified audio device to instantly make that device part of the wireless, multi-room music system. The ZP 100 has a built-in amplifier that brings music to anywhere in your house.
JL: What is the price of the basis setup?
TM: The price of the Sonos Bundle 130, which gives you everything you need to wirelessly stream music to two rooms of your home, is $999.
JL: How much are those ZonePlayers?
TM: The ZonePlayer 80 is $349, and the ZP 100 is $499.
JL: Is this a sustainable technology' In other words, do you feel that it is it a long-term solution?
TM: Yes, we do see it as sustainable technology. CDs and big junky-looking stereo systems are passé. Our system is the alternative to going through the extremely expensive process of wiring a home. It's an investment that a consumer can take from home to home and continuously build on to it by adding additional zones to more rooms, the backyard, the garage; really, anywhere in the house.
JL: Thank you, Thomas.
The Sonos' multi-room digital music system works on PC and Macintosh computers and network systems. The full-color hand held controller makes the system manageable and convenient. The cost and ease of mobility of the system also make it appealing. The company's video on the Sonos Bundle is very informative.
Everyone in the office liked the alarm feature. It enables users to enter a pre-set time for music to begin playing. It is perfect for entertaining. Hurrying, scurrying, and worrying nervously can be spent on other details before guests arrive.
Visit Sonos' Web site at www.Sonos.com.
For LxM: James Rothaar
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