Internet radio reaches a crescendo

The long-delayed arrival of standalone gear from the likes of Roku and Philips could make it easier for listeners to tune in.

The story "Internet radio reaches a crescendo" published September 10, 2006 at 6:00 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

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[toosday]

Just what the doctor ordered....

I've been waiting for something like this. I'll have to see if I can pony up $400 for it, though.

As for Internet radio mobility: Hopefully, within a year or two, that's what Microsoft's Zune will offer. It's already a few steps closer than other portable devices.

[CancerMan2]

Get A Laptop Or PDA Instead

The price point for Internet radios like Roku is too high. You can use a low-end laptop or wireless PDA with Realplayer, Winamp, or other to listen to Internet radio. I do it all the time. You can get a used laptop for $400, or even a new one on discount. If you don't have/want wireless in your home, you can use a homeplug ethernet-over-power device. With a decent laptop, you can also watch streaming video and mpegs. That's REAL flexibility.

[CancerMan2]

Satellite Radio: Subscription Fees AND Commercials

What maroons over at satellite radio. Buy specialized hardware. Pay a monthly subscription fee. Then listen to obnoxious commercials that were the reason you left commercial radio in the first place. Who does their strategic planning, Bugs Bunny?

[El Kabong]

It's the best!

I love Internet Radio, mostly because the available formats aren't limited by spectrum. Local frequency use has caused broadcast radio to limit formats to the "most popular", which aren't really all that popular. Maybe 30-35% of listeners make up the largest identifiable taste group who say they like this or that genre or mix. The rest of us break down to groups often comprising less than 1% of listeners. Obviously when there is spectrum available for only 10 to 20 broadcast frequencies in an area, that leaves the majority listening to whatever that plurality wants to hear.
Bot, HOORAY for Internet Radio!!! There are thousands, not hundreds, of radio stations carrying everything from Pakastani hits to Lum & Abner to Little Jimmy Dickens to neighbor Harry's Garage Band. Now we can ALL hear the programming we prefer.
And cheap! Most programming is free but even the subscription services, like Live365, are so reasonable, the question isn't "why subscribe" but "why not?"
Did I mention I love Internet radio? (Now, let's just get realistic on the price of receivers--WiMax receivers that is.)