Case studies

Sonos Multiroom Audio Installation in Salisbury (2/4/2007)

By Laurie Painter, Lime Green

Bob and Emily Wilcox are a retired couple who contacted Salisbury-based custom installers Lime Green because they were looking to replace their existing television (a 17" CRT) with a new HD Ready flat screen.

When we arrived at the property and started talking to the client, we found that their main aim was to have a TV that would not be too intrusive and would blend into the background of their impressive ground floor flat. We also found that the property was literally strewn with sound systems and radios, as music was very important to them, especially classical music.

We talked about the various solutions for over an hour and during this time we showed them some screenshots and a demo controller for the Sonos system. The Sonos controller is a wireless, hand-held device with full-colour LCD screen and scroll wheel that provides control over stored music and ZonePlayers. The Sonos ZP100 ZonePlayer is the device that enables music to be distributed, played and amplified throughout the home. It can be fitted anywhere - bedside table, bookcase or hidden, be it behind the sofa, or under a table. Every ZonePlayer is Ethernet-enabled, the first of which must be connected to a PC, router or network-attached storage (NAS) box. The secure, wireless mesh network used by the system means that all others can be placed almost anywhere-inside or out, provided they can be connected to a power source and speakers. The Sonos mesh network also means that there is no issues with integrating the system into an existing wireless network, and that the music cannot be affected by external factors.

Sonos ZonePlayer and wireless controller

The customer can access music that is stored on any number of PCs in the home, Internet radio and even analogue audio sources, such as CD players, and can decide just how many controllers they want depending upon the layout of their home and their own personal needs.

After I explained how the system works and the fact that they could play different audio in every room, Bob and Emily were very keen to add a full multiroom solution to the already growing shopping list, which now included a 32" Sony LCD for the bedroom, and 42" Philips Miravision and 5.1 surround sound in the lounge. We decided to connect the Sonos to a Denon amplifier to enable a higher power output on all 6 speakers in the room.

Sony 32" LCD on bedroom wall

Due to their requirements to keep all technology as discreet as possible, we specified in-wall speakers throughout. With background music, we would normally recommend in-ceiling speakers, but since Bob and Emily live in a ground floor flat with no access to the ceiling from above, we suggested in-wall speakers as an alternative. The walls in their property are solid concrete, so chasing out required approval of a structural engineer to ensure that there would be no adverse effects on the property in the future. Industrial machinery was used to take the correct shape out of the wall.

In-wall speakers in the lobby

The installation

This job took one week for a three-man team. The main problem that had to be overcome was the level of dust that was created by channelling out the concrete in each room. We separated every room with a dust tent and at the end of the project we employed professional cleaners to remove any remaining dust.

As part of our service to our clients, we take their music collection away and digitise it onto a network-ready hard drive. This helps to speed up the installation process and improves the overall solution for the customer. By using a network attached storage (NAS) device, the client can access all of their music, even if their PC is turned off.

If Bob and Emily wish to add more music, we have set the system up so that they can place a CD in the drive of their PC and it automatically drops into their network storage. Sonos also has a 'Buy Music Now' button which automatically downloads, and this is their preferred option.

Apart from the system being intuitive and easy to learn, another feature that the couple fell in love with was the fact that you get access to hundreds of Internet radio stations straight out of the box, including many UK stations, such as their favourite, Classic FM. Sonos connects to a router and to the Internet through the customers' broadband connection. This permanent Internet connection means that Internet radio can be received at all times, even when the rest of the kit is turned off.

Conclusion

One of the best things about the Sonos system from an installer's point of view is that the ZonePlayers and controllers all operate wirelessly, making retro fitting into a property very easy indeed. This is as simple as putting the ZP100 wireless receiver/amplifier into the loft and fitting a pair of in-ceiling speakers below it. For the customer, a standard installation, including top-quality in-ceiling speakers, a wireless full-colour controller and fitting, usually comes in at less than £1000 per room.

Equipment list:

* Phillips 42" inch Miravision LCD.
* 6 Pairs B&W 6.5" in-wall speakers.
* Mordaunt Short centre speaker and subwoofer.
* Denon 1906 AV amplifier.
* Denon 1920 up-scaling DVD player.
* 5 x Sonos ZonePlayers.
* 2 x Sonos Wireless controllers with charging cradles.
* Sony 32" LCD.
* Buffalo NAS drive.
* Samsung DVD player.

Laurie Painter is the Managing Director of Lime Green, provider of state-of-the-art home automation solutions, including home cinema, a full range of multiroom systems, audio visual products and home networking.

www.limegreen.tv