Hot to get internet digital radio via non-computer routes?

August 3, 2006 11:46 AM

Hi all, longtime lurker, first-time poster. I’m keen to sort out our home with digital radio access, but some seemingly incompatible demands have got me stuck.

1. Local digital radio options aren’t doing it for me. I get the BBC (I live in England) but beyond that, not a lot. I want to be able to use it to listen to foreign language stations (specifically Swedish, for developing my proficiency) and as a bonus, explore some of the esoteric stations smooshed across the internet.
2. Going through my computer isn’t really doing it for us. Main reason is that I’m wanting to listen to the radio in short bursts, like at breakfast or doing the ironing, and constantly starting up/shutting down a computer, getting online + selecting a station etc is tiresome. Plus, it feels pretty energy inefficient, and the laptop itself is pretty noisy + whirry.

I’m looking for a 3rd way. Are there devices out there that can access internet radio via the internet, that are relatively inexpensive (say, under $300)? Or some other sneaky solutions to what I’m after? Any advice greatly appreciated.

posted by mywinningsmile to technology (9 comments total)

The Squeezebox is awesome.
posted by mcstayinskool at 11:48 AM on August 3, 2006

My Saitek system has been quite a disappointment.
posted by MrMoonPie at 11:59 AM on August 3, 2006

Wow, I've read through the bumf and it looks like it meets my needs amazingly well. Thanks! The one thing I'm not sure is if there is a limited selection of stations to work from or it can get to anything, given work? Also, are there any credible competitors on the market who offer similar products?
posted by mywinningsmile at 12:00 PM on August 3, 2006

I saw this internet radio thingy on engadget recently, but perhaps it's only available in Japan presnetly.?.
posted by p3t3 at 12:46 PM on August 3, 2006

Actually looking at the comments on that page, it's for sale in the UK as well. Also, you'll see there are links to a couple other similar products in that post (Denon and AE).
posted by p3t3 at 12:50 PM on August 3, 2006

Yup, you can add your own radio stations to the squeezebox, though they do have to be "sent" in a particular format. Here's a huge list of radio station OPML files which you just import into the 'box and select from the menu. This one is a list of stations in Stockholm.

There are alternatives. None of them is as good as the squeezebox.
posted by blag at 2:34 PM on August 3, 2006

I have a Roku Soundbridge, and love it. I've talked several friends into getting them as well, and they're all happy, too. As cheap as $150 USD.
posted by popechunk at 7:42 PM on August 3, 2006

Another vote for the squeezebox
posted by Joh at 11:58 PM on August 3, 2006

Thanks a lot everyone - I think the squeezebox and soundbridge look like the best options, so I need to scope them out in person. Cheers for the stellar guidance!
posted by mywinningsmile at 3:45 AM on August 6, 2006