What Is Internet Radio?
This topic may seem better suited for another About.com Guide, except that I just reviewed two mainstream home audio components with an Internet Radio tuner built-in. The Yamaha RX-V3800 AV Receiver and the Pioneer Z-X9 Stereo Network Receiver include Internet Radio as one of the many sources that can be enjoyed.
What is Internet Radio? We’re all familiar with terrestrial broadcasts in the form of AM and FM stations and more recently XM and Sirius Satellite Radio stations. Internet Radio is the next generation of radio broadcasts that spans every conceivable genre of music, talk, opinion, sports, etc. Instead of a terrestrial broadcast, Internet Radio is heard through an online connection.
Internet Radio gives a voice to the common man. In a way, Internet Radio is to listeners what a blogging is to readers – a way to get out your message to those who want to hear it. There are literally thousands of Internet Radio stations from every country on the planet that can be accessed on your computer or on an Internet Radio enabled home audio component. From Kandahar to Keokuk average citizens are offering music, talk or other radio programming for the world to hear.
While perusing the selection of Internet Radio stations as part of my reviews, I found everything from liberal and conservative political talk to police communications in cities far from my home and everything in between. I even located air traffic control and railroad dispatch communications.
To enjoy Internet Radio you need a computer or an Internet Radio equipped audio component connected to the Internet. If using a computer, conduct a search for the different Internet Radio providers online and download the appropriate application. If using an audio component, read the owner’s manual to learn how to listen to Internet Radio.
Comments
You are absolutely right about Internet Radio offering a wide range of programs. Many conventional radio stations also broadcast on line. Add to that college, non-commercial community radio stations and Internet only station and you can see that the selection seems endless. As an independent musician and recording artist, I’ve enjoyed quite a lot of air play on Internet Radio.
As a listener of Internet Radio I find it to be highly entertaining. It reminds me of what FM Radio used to be only on a grander scale. If you enjoy free-form radio with DJ’s that play the music that they like and who are willing to explore the work of new artists, (both signed and unsigned), then be sure to check out Internet Radio. It really is radio without boundaries.
It is amazing, and amusing to my associates that
as soon as I decide to buy a new receiver I find a new feature to ponder. Internet radio
sounds as if it will be a desirable addition.
The problem is that I am using a 35 year old
Tandberg Receiver that I love. Now I must bite
the bullitt since I need a receiver that will allow me to attach my 12 year old Sony TV through it. This due to having just moved
into a 6,000 sq. ft. house with a 700 foot great room. It seems that the sound from the TV is only heard when the TV is turned all the way up. I did buy a pair of column speakers for $2,000 that should carry the load. Questions:
1. What Brand or Model would be most
effective. If there is a new one to
be introduced I will await it.
2. Do I need a sub-woofer?
3. Is it necessary to ‘invest’ in
expensive speaker wires?
4. Are wireless speakers effective (for
rooms other than main room)?
Thank you.
Steve
The best (for me) internet radio station I have found is Radioparadise.com The best playlist I have seen since the early 70’s,
I could go on and on about this station but just check it out for yourself.
Bob