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Internet radio began in the USA (where else!) in around 1993/94. In March 1996, Virgin Radio became the first commercial station to use the format in the UK. For the next ten years or so the system was used almost exclusively on computers. It was only around five years ago that we saw the first dedicated Internet radios being launched in the UK.
What is an Internet Radio?
An Internet radio looks like any other portable radio but has one crucial difference. Rather than or, in addition to, receiving normal FM or DAB radio, Internet radio connects to your home network system and receives radio stations via your Broadband Internet connection.
How it works
Just like a PC, when you switch on an Internet radio, it locates a home page. Unlike a PC, though, you cannot usually alter this homepage. Think of this homepage as a gateway to 1000's of radio stations. Essentially, an Internet radio won't allow you to search for any Internet radio station like you can on a PC. Instead, the homepage lets you access stations that have been approved by the gateway site. This cuts out 'pirate', unregulated and often illegal stations but maintains access to all the legitimate stations around the world. The main gateways are as below -
Pure - The Lounge. www.thelounge.com is Pure's gateway system and uses a very clear and intuitive search system for the 1000's of approved stations. In addition to live radio you can also access the BBC's Listen Again Service and Podcasts.
Logitech - mysqueezebox.com is Logitech's gateway and, in addition to Internet radio offers apps such as Facebook and access to music sites such as Napster.
How it works
In addition to Internet radio, most products offer additional advantages. These include:
* Music streaming from your PC or Mac. If you have a PC or Mac computer you can access stored music on it and stream it to play through your Internet radio via your home network.
* FM and DAB. Many Internet radios also feature FM and DAB reception - ideal for when you're out of wireless coverage.
* Downloadable apps such as Facebook and Flickr for non music content.
Sound quality
Internet Radio sound quality varies and is governed by two technical aspects.
Codec quality. Just as with portable media players, the quality of the compression codec used affects the sound quality. AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) or MP4 is the type of codec used in the Apple iPod and is of better quality than the regular MP3 codec. A higher quality codec gives a more natural sound quality with more 'space' around singers/instruments and less compression. The quality of codec is decided by the radio station.
Bit rate. This is the speed with which the information is transmitted. It is also decided by the radio station. Just as the faster a tape recorder spooled the better the quality of sound as more information could 'fit' on the tape, so the faster the bit rate the greater the bandwidth used and the higher quality the sound. Quality radio reproduction usual begins with a bit rate of at least 128kbps
What you need
* Internet radio.
* Home network. This can either be a static network with ethernet cable connections or wireless.
* Broadband Internet connection.
Visit any one of our 52 stores nationwide if you have any further queries on audio visual, flat screen TV or Internet radio. As always, Richer Sounds aims to bring you the widest choice at the lowest prices - keep checking www.richersounds.com for the latest Internet radio deals.
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