• When and where can I buy it? How much will it cost?

We are projecting to ship our first systems in the Fall of 2008. See our Pricing section under Products for projected retail prices.

• What about interference? Will microwave ovens or Wi-Fi routers cause trouble?

The system is designed to detect and avoid interference from competing wireless devices. Microwave ovens, for instance, pose no threat since they operate at a much lower frequency range. We have seen our system operate flawlessly with as many as 90 other Wi-Fi devices operating simultaneously.

• Do I need a computer to make it work?

No. The Controller handles all A/V sources. You can link your computer to the system using other products designed for that, such as those made by Slim Devices.

• How far can you transmit? Will it go through walls? Can it cover an entire house?

We have recently demonstrated transmission distance of over 200 feet through 5 walls and across an outdoor courtyard. This was in a hotel that featured metal stud and concrete construction, which is far more difficult to transmit through than conventional wood stud house construction.

• How many rooms can one system support?

The initial system will be capable of Home Theater in a main room and Stereo in a second room. The system can play back two sources simultaneously.

• Why did you develop your own version of Wi-Fi? What about Ultrawideband or Powerline?

Because conventional Wi-Fi was designed for computer data, not real-time synchronous streaming of Audio/Video signals, and it is capable of timing that is too coarse and ragged to truly replace a wired connection. Because Ultrawideband has severe limitations on distance and robustness, and because Powerline is loaded with noise and other nasty surprises that prevent reliable, consistent operation.

• Won’t custom installers hate this product since it eliminates most of the installation fees they can charge?

No, we’ve found the exact opposite. Top custom installers have told us that anything that gets them out of their customer’s house faster and on to the next installation is a huge win for both parties. In fact, the primary reason why custom installers lose jobs is due to the high cost of the installation, not the price of the gear. With Neosonik, any electrician can install extra power sockets, if needed. Then, the retailer can return and install the entire system in under an hour.

• What if my neighbor has the same system? How can I be sure that my speakers won’t pick up his signals?

During initial setup, the Controller will give you simple instructions that install each speaker and TV set into your own private wireless network ring. This prevents outsiders from picking up your signals or vice versa. The wireless broadcast is fully encrypted and satisfies all DRM (Digital Rights Management) requirements.

• Why do I have to buy your speakers? Can’t you just make a wireless amplifier that attaches to anyone’s speakers?

We could have done that, but then you wouldn’t hear the dramatic improvement in sound quality. Eliminating the analog crossover and speaker wires from the conventional loudspeaker and moving to an all-digital, DSP-driven topology is the primary reason why a digital loudspeaker sounds better than an analog loudspeaker. In addition, the amplifier would have to be “dumb” because we would have no idea what kind of loudspeaker it would be asked to power.

• What’s the big deal about audio compression and why doesn’t Neosonik use it?

For audiophiles, compression is a significant step backwards compared to a wired connection since it represents a reduction in sonic detail caused by packing the music file down to a smaller size. While MP3 may be acceptable in a cheap portable device, the lack of sonic resolution can easily be heard when played back on a high-quality audio system.

• You still need a power cord.  That's not really wireless.  WTF?

If we could eliminate the power cord and create an infinite battery supply we would be in the electric car business and YOU wouldn't get a wireless Home Theater and Stereo system. Power sockets are extremely easy to add if you need more. Just open the Yellow Pages and call your local electrician. This is much cheaper and faster than paying an expensive Home Theater Installer to make architectural drawings, tear up your walls and run speaker cables around your house.