Internet Radio

[rush_tech]

Hi

 

I'm seeking some recommendations for a internet radio/mp3 streamer(from netgear readyNAS duo) for the kitchen. I've seen this Morphy Richards one on ebay.

 

Anybody got any experience/recommendations with these devices?

 

Thanks in advance

[tom_newton]

I have a "Squeezebox Radio" (Logitech Squeezebox Radio) and I love it. More expensive than the morphy richards mind.

[featured_spectre]

my ipod dock has DAB and FM built in. Its lovely

 

will try to get a model for you

[RabbieBurns]

I really wish someone wuold invent a car stereo that you could put a SIM in and play internet radio stations

[tom_newton]

I don't think it'll be long. The powers that be have ruined DAB whilst decidig FM is dead. Whilst the debacle sorts itself out, I predict internets radio will gain the upper hand - and already would have if it wasnt for the automotive aspects. We're already seeing SatNavs with always-on connections, bit better coverage from the networks, a bit more worldwide ubiquity, and it's goodnight OTA, IMO.

[rush_tech]

Cheers for the replies, yes I looked at the squeezebox maybe I need to save some pennies. Watching a couple on ebay Edited April 10, 2010 by rush_tech

[scgf]

I have had a number of internet radios because I like to listen to BBC's Listen Again on demand service as well as live radio in my kitchen. In my experience, Internet radios are let down by a limited LCD display, and they don't easily refresh available programmes without rebooting. I have a Squeezebox in the lounge and use this to stream music from my Mac to my HiFi system. The Squeezebox is not so good for on-demand services and needs an add-on to make this work (Alien BBC).

 

I have found the ideal solution for me. I bought an iPod Touch - I started using my iPhone, but kept having to stop listening to answer or make calls or texts - and a Bose SoundDock. Any speaker dock would do, of course. Using an iPhone/iPod Touch means that you get an excellent display and can use the BBC iPlayer for on-demand radio. Install the free Fstream for live radio from around the world, allowing you to pause and record radio, and Stitcher for listening to PodCasts and you have all bases covered. Lots of other audio apps too. On top of this you have access to your music library in iTunes.

 

In fact you may already have all the kit you need!

[SteveBentley]

I have the Morphy Richards, it's ok but it has a tendancy to crash frequently after listening to something on the On Demand BBC streams, if you come back to it later and go back up the menu tree. Shame there doesn't seem to be any development of it as it's in dire need of some bug fixes in the firmware.

[SiliconAlley]

Just a thought, but is there any reason why you can’t use a PC? It doesn’t need to be a high performance one – so an old one will do it. As long a it has a sound card in it you can connect to external speakers. You can then connect to any Internet radio station and other services like Spotify if you just want music.

[JJonas]

Ive got a Squeezebox Boom its an awesome device

 

http://www.logitechsqueezebox.com/products/squeezebox-boom.html

 

on the software side have a look at Screamer Radio very good bit a software and has the ability to save tracks as MP3's

Edited April 12, 2010 by JJonas

[jamesb]

Just a thought, but is there any reason why you can’t use a PC? It doesn’t need to be a high performance one – so an old one will do it. As long a it has a sound card in it you can connect to external speakers. You can then connect to any Internet radio station and other services like Spotify if you just want music.

 

Jumping in, I'm going to swipe your idea and run with it for a project of my own. I've got a few old Asus EEEs floating around, begging for a purpose. A touchscreen kit and a bit of rejigging and one might make a perfect internet radio.

[SiliconAlley]

James - glad to be of service!

[tom_newton]

Cheers for the replies, yes I looked at the squeezebox maybe I need to save some pennies. Watching a couple on ebay

 

Even the old ones are decent - I have a version 1 squeeze, which I have certainly had 6 years, maybe longer, and it is still going strong. Would have thought your chances of getting a duff one on ebay are low.

[rush_tech]

I watched a squeezebox radio go on ebay for £92 + £13 p+p last night, I've got my eye out for any deals that come up, I'm in no real rush for it

[rush_tech]

Just a thought, but is there any reason why you can’t use a PC? It doesn’t need to be a high performance one – so an old one will do it. As long a it has a sound card in it you can connect to external speakers. You can then connect to any Internet radio station and other services like Spotify if you just want music.

 

I could do , but I don't really want a PC set up in the kitchen. Setting up the squeezebox server on my NAS was painless, a neat box sitting on the side should do the trick.

Edited April 12, 2010 by rush_tech

[SiliconAlley]

I could do , but I don't really want a PC set up in the kitchen. Setting up the squeezebox server on my NAS was painless, a neat box sitting on the side should do the trick.

 

Rob - fair comment, a nice looking bit of technology is good. However - I have a set of external speakers plugged into my DAB radio in my kitchen - and another set on my cd/alarm next to my bed and a big set in my living room. I've got a USB transmitter (Logitech I think) that I occasionally plug into my laptop with a small mains powered receiver that I plug in to the speakers scattered around the house so I can listen to music of my choice from Spotify - and occasionally an Internet radio station. Not the right solution for everyone - but it works for me!