| First, internet radio "broadcasts" can be either a play | | | | customize the stations appearing on your radios' dial |
| list, an actual radio broadcast, or a combination of both. | | | | through "my stations." Most reputable servers will |
| What I'm speaking of here is a stand alone appliance | | | | enable access to thousands of broadcasts in their |
| for tuning to an online radio station with its' own call | | | | database. The ability of adding URLs not in their |
| sign/station designation, just like traditional radio. | | | | database is another desirable capability to consider |
| Radios such as these will cost anywhere from about | | | | when making your choice. That's it, as far as the basic |
| $100.00-$300.00 depending on the factors discussed | | | | procedure. Additional aspects to consider include: |
| below. These receivers acquire their signal via antenna, | | | | Sound quality, Network connectivity, and Extras which |
| Ethernet or wifi, depending on your preference, | | | | may offer enhanced versatility. |
| although wifi probably lends the most versatility, when | | | | Sound quality: Whether the stream is 32k mono, or |
| connected via your router. | | | | 128k stereo plays a large part in terms of the overall |
| They come with a variety of features/capabilities. | | | | enjoyment experience, especially when playing music |
| When connecting without a computer refer to the | | | | stored on a local file server(home or office computer). |
| manual which should be included for setup instructions. | | | | This is coupled with speaker response, in terms of |
| Access is through a server which you log onto, enter | | | | dynamic range, highs and lows for overall sound |
| your model number/code which configures the | | | | presence. |
| receiver. Depending on what software your radio is | | | | Network connectivity, meaning the time from powering |
| based will determine the ease of acquiring | | | | on and hearing music can vary widely from 4sec to |
| streams(broadcasts). | | | | 25sec. Broken connections can be a recurring problem. |
| The tricky part has to do with the software upon | | | | External antennas, and ethernet ports can help in these |
| which radios are based. Although there are a number | | | | cases. |
| of very good U.S. alternatives, I would recommend | | | | Extras items to look for would be direct 120v |
| those which are Reciva based out of the U.K., and | | | | inputs(US only), or if you travel abroad, transformer |
| marketed here. This company is sometimes referred | | | | powered. Is radio battery operated for portability? Can |
| to as the "Microsoft" of the internet radio business in | | | | you record stations easily? Does it have a headphone |
| terms of dominance, and have access to some | | | | jack(audio out), audio in/aux(mp3 player), remote |
| 16,000+ feeds. | | | | control, alarm clock, FM tuner, dual speakers, etc.? |
| Through their web portal, you can register and | | | | |