Sirius TTR1: Just call it the Howard Stern Box
(Credit:
XM Sirius)
Many (but not all) of the XM Sirius satellite radio audio channels are also available online to subscribers, for a small additional fee. The browser-based service is great for listening in those places where you don't--or can't--have a satellite radio rig set up, such as an interior room of an office building (or any other room without a window). And now, XM Sirius is offering a dedicated device for listening to its online streams: the Sirius TTR1 Internet Radio.
The tabletop radio connects to your home network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet to access the satcaster's online audio service, which actually offers better quality than the over-the-air streams. The TTR1 also doubles as a dual alarm clock and has 10 presets for saving your favorite stations. The display shows the XM Sirius programming information (channel, artist, track, and so on), and it has a built-in light sensor that auto-dims the display to the room's ambient lighting, so it won't light up the room while you're trying to sleep. A standard credit card-size remote is thrown in as well.
Want to listen to something besides XM Sirius? If that's the case, the TTR1 isn't for you. It has a line-in jack for outside audio sources, but that's it--there's no support for the myriad other online audio services, including plain old Internet radio. If that interests you, we'd suggest a Grace Internet Radio (which streams free Pandora and thousands of standard Internet radio stations in addition to XM Sirius). Spend even more, and you can upgrade to the Logitech Squeezebox Boom, which handles all those services, plus Last.fm, Rhapsody, and several more services to boot.
Still, even with the TTR1's Sirius-only feature set, we can envision it being a hit for those who just want a dedicated device for listening to Howard Stern. His channels--along with nearly all of the commercial-free music stations--will be readily available on the TTR1. (Some key sports, talk, and entertainment channels are not available--consult the Sirius FAQ for more information.)
The Sirius TTR1 will cost $150 when it hit stores this fall.
Does the TTR1 interest you? Or would you prefer a more full-featured Internet radio product that also offers other Internet audio options? Share your opinion below.
John P. Falcone covers home theater and network entertainment products. He's been writing for CNET since 2002. 
http://www.sirius.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Sirius/CachedPage&c=ChannelLineup&cid=1218563499691&o=asc&f=channelsortnumber&pid=SIR_IP_EVT&catid=entertainment
I was able, for instance, to listen to the Howard stations while I was testing the Sonos Music System a few weeks ago.
I also frequently see Dan Ackerman listening (stealthily) to the Stern show through the Web interface while he's in his office.
- by greggeaton August 27, 2009 7:57 PM PDT
- Howard isn't on the Iphone purely because of Howard...and his agent, Don Buchwald.
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(6 Comments)He's said it himself on the show when asked -.."It's a contract issue". Sad but true.