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Another proprietary wireless audio system: Sony S-AIR

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".

Headshot of Matthew Moskovciak
Headshot of Matthew Moskovciak
Matthew Moskovciak Senior Associate Editor / Reviews - Home theater
Covering home audio and video, Matthew Moskovciak helps CNET readers find the best sights and sounds for their home theaters.
Matthew Moskovciak
The Sony S-AIR Air Station 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.