Sonos is expanding its product range with the Era 100 Pro, a specialized version of the popular Era 100 speaker designed for professional installations. The distinguishing feature of this new speaker is its built-in Power over Ethernet (PoE) port,which eliminates the need for a conventional power outlet. This makes the Era 100 Pro the first non-portable Sonos speaker to incorporate this technology.
While technically still a wireless speaker with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the PoE port enables full control, audio streaming, and power delivery all through a single Ethernet cable. This “wired” capability simplifies installation and eliminates the potential for wireless network issues that can sometimes plague users.
The Era 100 Pro retains the full suite of features found in other Sonos speakers, including support for stereo pairing, home theater setups as surround speakers, smart speaker functionality via built-in microphones, and Sonos’ Auto-TruePlay room tuning.
Sonos is also introducing a new software feature called Zones in conjunction with the Era 100 Pro launch. Zones provide a more structured way to manage multiple speakers, making it easier to control audio playback in larger installations. The Era 100 Pro will also integrate seamlessly with Sonos Pro, the company’s platform for central management of multiple Sonos systems.
The Era 100 Pro will be exclusively available through professional installers, with pricing and a specific release date to be announced later. Its unveiling at CEDIA 2024, a trade show for professional residential installers, further emphasizes its focus on the professional market.
While not the first in the audio world to adopt PoE technology, Sonos’ move signals a commitment to providing installers with more flexible and reliable solutions. The accompanying Era 100 Pro Surface Mount further enhances this flexibility with its adjustable design and secure installation features.
The Era 100 Pro demonstrates Sonos’ dedication to innovation while catering to the evolving needs of professional installers. With its blend of convenience, performance, and reliability, it is poised to make a mark in the custom audio installation landscape.
