Thiel Develops IP-based Solution for High-end Multiroom Audio

The first Thiel speaker with ThielNet is the SCS4D, based on the company's popular SCS4 bookshelf speakers. ThielNet also will be available in the new SS1D subwoofer. "We have plans to include practically all Thiel models in the future," Dayton says.

The exact pricing has yet to be determined, but the ThielNet products should be significantly more than their non-IP counterparts. "It would be like buying an SCS4 and audiophile-grade amp," Dayton says. The SCS4 sans ThielNet goes for around $990.

Controlling the System

Since all of the elements in the ThielNet network communicate via IP, a surround-sound and whole-house audio system can be configured seamlessly via the ThielNet Streamer browser-based software.

A basic ThielNet remote is available as well.

The dB1 processor has an IR input and output. There is also an RS-232 port, and 12V trigger in and out.

Configuration is easy, and Thiel says that consumers should be able to install ThielNet themselves. The Streamer software automatically discovers PC-based content for deliver to the appropriate IP-enabled speakers via the dB1.

What Else is Out There

IP-enabled audio distribution is becoming a thriving category. "SqueezeBox and Sonos are great for music distribution, but there are none that are really high-end," says Dayton. "We didn't see why we couldn't do a high-end product."

Thiel shrugs off comparisons to NetStreams, the first developer of IP-based solutions for audio (and video) distribution, and the current leader of such technology in the custom channel. NetStreams' StreamNet technology appears to be similar to ThielNet; however, Thiel maintains that its solutions are more appropriate for do-it-yourselfers looking for a high-end experience.

NetStreams does not manufacturer its own loudspeakers, but at least three well-known loudspeaker manufacturers – Sonance, Triad and Polk – are building StreamNet IP technology into their products.

In September, NetStreams introduced the "World's First IP Home Theater," featuring an end-to-end IP-based surround sound solution for both audio and video.

Coming Up

Bicom is now working on ThielNet solutions that require no new wires.

On the wireless front, the partners are working with SST Communications on a mixed-signal solution in the 2.4- and 5.8-GHz ranges.

Powerline communications is another option, but "We see latency issues with HomePlug A/V," says Binal. "We're focusing on doing our own proprietary algorithm on top of HomePlug, hopefully applying what we've done to Ethernet."

At CES, Thiel will demonstrate a 5.1 surround-sound system using ThielNet, as well as a wireless implementation of the technology.