The good news is that the previously snooty Sonos is now in a sales-distribution channel that might reach working (or collegiate binge-drinking) stiffs like us. The bad news is, the cost of a starter kit—Sonos Bundle 130 (BU130) with ZonePlayer 80 (ZP80), ZonePlayer 100 (ZP100) and Sonos Controller (CR100)—is $999.
Believe it or not, that's a slight drop in price, as the more expensive ZP100 replaces one of the ZP80s from the previous starter kit. But still, I doubt Giz readers would pay more than, what, $299? Even for that sweet simultaneous-play wireless goodness. Jump for press release.
SONOS NOW AVAILABLE AT BEST BUYSonos & Best Buy Team Up to Bring the Digital Music Revolution to Homes Nationwide
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - June 20, 2007 - Sonos, Inc., the leading developer of wireless multi-room music systems for the digital home, today announced the award-winning Sonos Digital Music System is now available at more than 440 Best Buy locations across the United States. Sonos will be featured in more than 600 Best Buy locations before the end of 2007. Sonos will be spotlighted with a live, interactive multi-zone demonstration. Sonos is also now available at www.bestbuy.com.
Best Buy will carry the Sonos product line, including the new Sonos Bundle 130 (BU130). The BU130, which retails for $999, is the most convenient and cost effective way for new Sonos customers to get started playing digital music in two rooms of their house with wireless control from the palm of their hand. Now, in one package, a new customer will find a ZonePlayer 80 (ZP80) which can be connected to an existing stereo or home theater receiver to instantly make it part of a digital music system; a ZonePlayer 100 (ZP100) which can be connected to speakers and placed in any room; and a Sonos Controller (CR100) providing wireless multi-room control of all your music from any room in the house.
"The growing popularity of digital music at home means more consumers are looking for these types of systems at Best Buy," said John MacFarlane, CEO, Sonos, Inc. "We are pleased to work with Best Buy to bring the magic of music all over the house to music lovers across the country."
"At Best Buy we are always looking for new and exciting solutions that can enhance people's lives," said Mike Vitelli, senior vice president of consumer electronics for Best Buy. "We know our customers love music and are looking for ways to get their collections from their computers throughout their homes. Sonos is a great example of a simple but effective solution that helps people realize the true benefits of technology."
"ABI forecasts that the networked home audio market will reach .2 billion by the year 2012," said Michael Wolf, Director of Digital Home Research for ABI Research. "Sonos' availability in Best Buy is indicative of how the market for whole-home networked audio equipment is quickly moving into the mainstream. The growth we forecast for the market in the coming years is due in large part to this movement."
– Wilson Rothman

</img>


More...