Sonos Inc. on Thursday announced it is shipping its Sonos Digital Music System, which lets users listen to digital music stored on a Mac, PC or Network Attached Storage (NAS) device from anywhere in the house. The Sonos Digital Music System comprises a “ZonePlayer” — a networked audio player — and the “Sonos Controller” — a wireless handheld device with a color screen.
The ZonePlayer includes a 50 watts per channel amplifier, and can play back MP3, WMA, WAV and unprotected AAC files, as well as Internet radio stations. Each ZonePlayer can play different songs, if you wish — up to 32 at a time. They work both on Ethernet or Wi-Fi, as well. The Controller provides a color interface to your music collection.
Sonos expects to fill pre-orders for the Digital Music System within 10 days. It has an introductory offer that bundles two ZonePlayers and one Controller for US$1,199 — additional ZonePlayers cost $499; additional Controllers cost $399.