>>Clouseau wrote: "...there are a lot more stand alone "HD" radios available than stand alone WIFI radios."
>I wouldn't be so sure. I've seen Roku's SoundBridge Network Music Player M1001 ($199) available all year >long at Best Buy stores which do not sell HD radios.
Don't get confused. They will.
>I got mine for $150 via Roku's website during a special promotional offer.
This is an interesting product. I can see me buying one. Then again, I run IT at a radio station here. I can tell by looking at it , this product requires a reasonable understanding of networking. It needs to be more mainstream to get over the hump. Mom will never be able to use it. Or more like won't put up with the BS. All she wants is her favorite station.
>I can listen to Internet radio via my choice of a wired or Wi-Fi connection. Try finding wired network >equipment in most stores today. It's almost all Wi-Fi now. No online "tuner" is required. The user can enter >and change stream links for it via a browser on any networked computer.
So, as Joe Sixpack, I would need a networked computer to use this thing, right? Joe Sixpack's computer networks via a dial up to AOL or an always on connection via dsl or cable. I don't have the figures, but does the "average" house have more than one computer to even require a network?? I'd bet not. Then I use my networked computer to log into and tune my radio. Marconi solved this problem for a lot less a long time ago. It's called a tuning KNOB.
>... Works with connected computers on or off. Roku recently released the SoundBridge Radio $399. It >includes AM and FM with Internet radio, but no HD. I've seen it available at the Fry's Electronics chain of >stores which do not sell HD radios.
Fry's does not sell HD radios NOW. You want to bet your kids college fund they won't NEXT Christmas? I'll take that bet. I know 7 or eight radio geeks who bought the Accurian this past weekend for $100.00. Wanna compare total sales of "Internet Radios" to "HD radios" after even THIS Christmas? I was looking at the A-E Wifi Radio THingy (Which actually looks like if it works it MIGHT be marketable. Their Site indicates it's been available since 2003. NO price break yet or nada. Still $299.00 US. Show me $100 price tag and a tuning system that's easy and I'm onboard. (Note to A-E. Count me as a preorder at $99.00 US.)
>Slim Devices makes the excellent Squeezebox network music player at $249 and $299. There are many more >models avalable from a growing list of manufacturers. Don't forget all of those Palm and Windows Mobile >pda/phones and a wide variety of Internet-connected smartphones out there worldwide.
Look, I'm not saying there aren't a pile of ways to listen to internet radio if you are a die hard, but let's face facts. As of right now there is not a "Radio" (Or "Appliance" as they like to call it) which is mass produced at a reasonable price and easy to use. I'm talking "Mix 106.5" easy to use. I'm facinated by the Soundbridge, but you can log into it by using your networked computer and a local IP address. You just lost 98% of your listening audience. It's just to "Geeky". Don't confuse "It works" with People will use it. Segues are great, but guess what. We all still mostly walk.
>>Clouseau wrote: "How about in the car."
>Unlimited wireless broadband (EV-DO) data use is an extra $40 a month with my Verizon Wireless XV6700 >Windows Mobile 5.0 pda/cell phone (available at Verizon Wireless stores nationwide). Don't need a laptop to >listen, but I can and sometimes do tether my laptop to my cell phone to go online sans wires. I can also >connect via Wi-Fi. Great portable streaming "radio", mp3 player, camera, computer, and cell phone.
Yes it is. And I have it (Through my job). Can I do the Joe Sixpack math on this one??? Let's quote...
>Unlimited wireless broadband (EV-DO) data use is an extra $40 a month with my Verizon Wireless XV6700 >Windows Mobile 5.0 pda/cell phone (available at Verizon Wireless stores nationwide).
Let's add. $29.95 a month for the phone service (conservative) $40 for the internet.
$69.95 a month for 12 months is $840 a year. I can listen on my PDA (One Time $299?)
>Don't need a laptop to listen, but I can and sometimes do tether my laptop to my cell phone to go online sans >wires. I can also connect via Wi-Fi. Great portable streaming "radio", mp3 player, camera, computer, and cell >phone.
Look I get it. You CAN get great entertainment if you are a geek. (And I my friends AM a geek). But Non geeks are not going to pony up over a grand in the first year to get internet radio. They'll pay $250 for a year of Sirius or a more likely a hundred for an HD (If they can get it to work). More than likely they'll finance the $499 for the premium radio in their next car and live with FM (an AM for talk and sports) or Satellite if it's a free intro. Remember Sirius and XM are said to have a 50% retention in new vehicles after the trial is up.
>>Clouseau wrote: "Let's face it. IBOC is bad technology that the existing broadcasters >>love..."
>I agree with you wholeheartedly.
And I with you. We have got to get out of our "Insider" or "Geek" mentality, though. I would listen through static to hear that distant AM station and be happy with a station ID. I'm a ham and love to send packet radio around the world if I can get it to work. My wife on the other hand is happy to be able to press the same preset in the car every time and hope to hear Neil Diamond on the oldies station. Always remember the audience.
Clouseau
