[Link: google.com]

This doesn’t really make much sense except for the small decks or patios that might have an outlet outside! I can think of a few clients this would be good for in the city. Outside of that, it’s going to be worthless.

Except for the millions of people who just want something to plug in and have it work the way it's supposed to.   But I understand what you're saying.

Here are the last 30 days of searches on Google comparing Sonos, Control4, SmartHome, and Heos.  All I'm saying is don't be too quick to jump ship on Sonos.  Sure, it may not be the product you necessarily want to sell.  But people are searching for it...That's how they'll find an expert to show them what makes sense for them.

I'd like to point out the graph lines for Control4 and Denon Heos. What exacty are they doing to help CI's or even themselves for that matter?  How come I don't see a Control4 commercial on TV making consumers aware that a system like C4 even exists, and then funneling those potential clients to their dealers?

Sure, they do some adwords, but that's simply not enough when they're trying to show an advanced smart home system. They've got dealers setting up #C4yourself showrooms all over the country, is that their plan to support them?  Through adwords?

Searches for product information by brands result in contact information for dealers, especially the smaller dealers? I doubt it.


I don't remember EVER seeing a TV ad for Pronto, URC, RTI, Harmony, Crestron, or Savant products. If this were the automotive realm, we'd just as likely see ads for spark plugs. In fact, spark plugs are more necessary than ANY of those product lines, and used by millions more people. Yet no TV ads. Maybe TV ads aren't important or efficient in getting sales for those companies.

How did you find out about all these dealers setting up C4 showrooms across the country?

What was interesting to me is Sonos collaboration with IKEA. I think this is huge for them. They have developed a product cheaper than Sonos 1 that can be wall mounted to act like a shelf:

[Link: wired.co.uk]

An outdoor speaker makes a lot of sense. You forget that the average home is not what we work in. Most people would be fine with a weatherproof speaker plugged in on their deck. Even a lot of our customers would be fine with it.

But I’m wondering what “outside the home” really means. If it’s a battery powered portable Bluetooth speaker that’s controlled with the same app, even better on their part.

The only thing premium about Sonos is the price.

Like the HEOS One?

Or Bluesound Pulse Flex with battery pack.(Which is actually a full wifi streamer)

I fully expect the outdoor sonos piece to be battery powered.

I don't want a commercial for Control4 on TV. It's not a product that 95% of the population can afford. I don't want to get phone calls and emails from guys who are looking to price shop in comparison to Ring and Nest and Sonos.

Most people in the same income range as me think my $400 Soundcast Outcast Jr is extravagant when I bring it to a BBQ. They also think the Sonos Playbar is really expensive high-end audio. They can't wrap their heads around $500 for a universal remote.

You don't see commercials on TV for Control4 for the same reason you don't see commercials on TV for Wolf, Ferrari, LVMH brands, etc.

What is going to happen is the same thing that a lot of people found out about Ring, especially the floodlight cameras.

A lot of houses do not have usable wifi coverage that extends outside.

Yep. I always thought this was the way the sonos 1 should have been

except sonos has its own wifi. So even if your access point doesnt cover the outdoor well, chances are you have another sonos box closer to provide SonosNet.

But when people already have an investment of Sonos in their homes, most will find the $400 - $700 to to spend on an outdoor sonos speaker. I see this as a popular item that I am surprised that it took them this long to come out with.

I totally agree with this. It's a "pull" more than a "push". Focus on the people who are showing interest, it certainly isn't for everybody.

I think Control 4 has done a good job at doing this. They actively look for leads thru Google Adwords, all of their pages have facebook tracking tags and their ads are very good IMO. I don't think most manufacturers do this since they're dealing with dealers mostly. If you show interest in home automation you should find out who/what Control 4 is way easier than any other comparable system.

Do they push their dealers jobs consistently? It seems like they must be getting them.

It's also real easy to throw a BOOST into a window somewhere.