The rapid rise of MP3 music players and Internet music services has transformed the industry and given people a great way of re-connecting with their favorite albums and artists.  The problem often is that these music sources are only accessible on the laptop or mobile device.  So how can we make our favorite tunes available on the home audio system so the whole family can enjoy it?  Fortunately, there are some cool solutions that are fun, easy to use and don’t cost a fortune.

One of our favorites is SONOS^®, a digital network music system that packages a lot of great features for an affordable price (starting at $349). Sonos provides access to Internet music services including Napster, Pandora, Rhapsody and SIRIUS, plus it streams your local AM/FM radio stations with crystal clear reception.  Sonos also lets you play MP3 music files directly from your networked computer or storage drive.  It works on a proprietary wireless “mesh” network that makes it easy to install a multi-room audio system without running any new wires.  The optional wireless controller has a really nice color touch-screen display that enables you to choose the music source, pick playlists, skip tracks, adjust volume and view cover art.  With a free application download, your iPhone or iPod Touch becomes a wireless Sonos controller.

Now comes the integration part.  The Sonos Zone Player can run standalone as a room system with its own speakers or it can be connected to your entertainment system and played through your existing speakers, bringing new life to your home audio.  Pandora Radio makes a great party music source and you can control it from anywhere within your wireless network.

You can buy Sonos directly from the manufacturer at www.sonos.com.  If you need installation help or want to integrate Sonos with other systems, consider buying it from an authorized Sonos dealer (we happen to be one!).