Another proprietary wireless audio system: Sony S-AIR

The Sony S-AIR Air Station

(Credit: Sony)

While everyone likes the idea of streaming music wirelessly around their home, in reality it can be less-than-enjoyable because of difficult configurations and network dropouts. Trying to address this common complaint, Sony has introduced its new S-AIR technology, which Sony says can get wireless audio up and running without "IP addresses, WEP keys and pin codes." S-AIR will be featured in several of Sony's home-theater-in-a-box systems, and owners can listen to their music wirelessly in additional rooms by purchasing additional AIR Air Stations ($120, available in March).

Proprietary wireless audio solutions aren't exactly new. Klipsch offers the RoomGroove iPod speaker system and forthcoming CS-700 HTIB, both of which use the so-called KlipschCast method to stream music from room to room. Panasonic has the SH-FX85 wireless audio speaker, which can be added to certain home theater systems. Also, Sonos has essentially built a company around its rock-solid, proprietary wireless audio streaming solution. So while S-AIR might not be breaking any new ground, it will offer prospective Sony home theater system buyers a way to easily add some wireless audio to their homes.

[iconoclast04]

I hate "proprietary"

One of my tech pet peaves is the use of standards...proprietary technology annoys me to no end..and Sony seems to be a big fan of it.

[riffkind]

At least Sony offers alternatives

Sony does have some older products that use Bluetooth with A2DP profile that steam music wirelessly between devices. I have their car audio unit with A2DP that works beautifully. I wish they would continue to develop that technology because so few manufacturers have adapted A2DP even though it works well.

[Mosephus]

Keyword: Proprietary

Have to agree with other comments. Sony and "proprietary" go hand in hand. Sometimes I feel that the Sony corporation just hasn't acclimated itself to the the new technological era where 3rd parties aren't the enemy. Now they have a new device, which I'm sure is excellent hardware, but which chains itself to sub-par software. Sony is not a software company.

[billsi44]

Wireless Music ystem

When your article described Sonos as "Rock Solid" it certainly is. I looked into wireless systems very carefully and had my share of disappointments but the Sonos is working flawlessly.