3. Installation And Configuration

The system comes with optional software, called the Sonos Desktop Controller, that can be installed on Windows 2000, XP, and Macintoshes. We had trouble running it on a Windows 2003 Enterprise server, however and did our tests on XP.

You don't need the software to control your music, although you do need some network storage to contain your files. You can store these files on the same system that run the Sonos controller, or you can save your music on a NAS box or a Linux box as long as the system can see SMB network shares across the network.

Physical installation of the ZP was easy: connect the ZP to power, attach speakers, connect the Ethernet cable included with the ZP to a network switch (at least one ZP has to be connected physically to the network), and then let the software detect the ZP. In order to do this, press the Mute and Volume+ buttons simultaneously. After a few seconds, the ZP is detected.

Each zone must have a unique name. The list of names isn't especially large, and though the name of each zone can be changed, the process isn't particularly intuitive. However, if you expect to actually use all 32 zones, you can install a ZP using any of the default names, then change it later. A ZoneManagement screen is used to name or rename zones, and once a name has been changed, the old name is again available.

Additional ZPs can be added in the same way as the first was attached. During our testing, a second, wireless ZP was placed in an office a couple of doorways and about 50 feet away. We told the software to discover the second ZP, but while the computer was waiting for the signal from the second ZP, it was necessary to go over to it. Had this second ZP been upstairs, in the back of the house, detecting it could have been a bit of a hassle.

There are two ways around this mad dash to the ZP. The first is to plug each ZP into the room where the wired ZP is connected to the control computer. That way, they can be connected to the Sonos network, and once connected, easily unplugged and moved to anywhere within radio range. A ZP will continue to connect once it's been detected by a ZP.

The second way is using the controller. The controller is connected to the network using the same keys. Once the remote is connected, you can go to the installed ZPs and connect them from the rooms where they'll be used. You can use the handheld controller to test whether or not a signal is received - if the controller can't get a signal, a ZP in the same area will also be unable to connect.