Having made its mark in hi-fi and home theater with its multi-room speakers and soundbars, American manufacturer Sonos may soon be tackling the world of video. Rumors point to a Pinewood video streaming box that could offer an innovative solution for broadcasting video content while seamlessly integrating the Sonos audio ecosystem.
A revolutionary multimedia player
The first rumours about the Sonos Pinewood come from The Verge, a site that is usually very well informed about current projects at Sonos. Here we learn that the American brand’s potential video player will be based on an Android TV system for simplified access to the majority of streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. But what really sets this box apart from the competition is its ability to function as an HDMI switch. It would pass an HDMI signal from a Blu-ray player or game console to the TV, while managing audio independently, whether wirelessly or via a wired connection.
A wireless home theater
Integration with the Sonos ecosystem will be at the heart of the Sonos Pinewood streaming box. In addition to direct playback on the TV, sound can be wirelessly diffused to all Sonos speakers in the home. For the first time, this could make it possible to create a Sonos wireless home theater system without a soundbar, simply by using the Sonos Era 100 or Sonos Era 300 speakers. Transmission will be via WiFi to guarantee perfect synchronization between image and sound.
An all-in-one solution
Sonos seems intent on making its Pinewood product accessible to a wide audience by offering it at a competitive price. According to the latest information available, the Pinewood is expected to be priced between $200 and $400, putting this streamer in a range comparable to other multimedia boxes such as the Apple TV, while offering added value thanks to multi-room audio and the possibility of creating a wireless home theater system. At this price, the Pinewood could well establish itself as an excellent all-in-one solution and a serious alternative to AV receivers and soundbars. What’s more, by enabling seamless integration with Sonos speakers, the Pinewood will be an excellent option for users who have already invested in the Sonos ecosystem and wish to extend their multimedia experience to video.
With the Pinewood network player, Sonos seems intent on creating a more comprehensive home entertainment solution than ever before. This streaming box marks a strategic turning point for the manufacturer, whose ambition is to extend its influence in the home theater market. Expected to be available this year, Sonos Pinewood could well mark a decisive step for Sonos, both in terms of diversifying its catalog and its growing influence in the entertainment sector.
