I have found, and I'm probably not the only one, that with BTHomeHubs springing up like crazy around my home I can never get anything on my wireless network to connect to anything else, reagrdless of how a tweek it.
So before you go out and buy one check how many wirless networks you can see and their signal strengths.
If you live in a block of flats, or a street of terraced houses, don't be too surprised if you can't get a good connection with your base station.
Fiddling with your Wifi channel can make a big difference for that. I believe most UK ISP routers use channel 6, so moving to channel 1 or 11 might help. Some wifi applications tell you what channels are being used as part of the router scan which is helpful.
Thanks for putting frosting over the non-control-and-screen bits on that last image. I don't think I'd have been able to find the control-and-screen area without such help!
>>1) Does it do full "Aunties 7 Day listen again" - or just the live streaming of whats currently playing?
Judging by the Roberts web site, yes. I would hope so, given that my 50 quid Logik IR100, which uses the same Reciva chipset, does support 7 day listen again. Let us hope the BBC don't switch their 'radio' web output to Flashplayer, as I don't think these radios can cope with Flash :-((
"The WM-201’s talents don't end with internet radio as it can also access and play any digital music files stored on a shared network or computer - including MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF and Real Audio files."
So, kinda like the old Netgear MP101 but at about four times the price (based on what I paid for mine on Fleabay ages ago). Roberts make some very nice kit, but sound quality alone doesn't justify the price tag. I rather like the look, too - wouldn't be too out of place sat on top of my amplifier.
Where's the darn headphone jack? It should be on the front panel.
One knob? On a radio? Have these people ever seen a real radio? Google Image your way to 'R-5000' (for example) to see what a real radio should look like.
Many of these products can only access Internet Radio via pay-per-month indexing services such as Live365. So if they've built one that can access anything directly, then it's a big step ahead.
But I still haven't seen a proper Internet Radio that I'd be happy with. I'm looking for a box that will make Internet radio as fun and interesting as Shortwave radio used to be.
A good wireless router costs $30. A sufficiently good radio, for what I want, at least, probably costs $20. That makes $50, which is what, like ₤20? Is there no hope of getting a low end version of one of these wifi radios?
By the looks of things, it's a nicer-made bit of kit. But the lousy Wifi range implies it has the same USB wifi adaptor mounted in the same stupid place - flat against the main PCB.
Most Internet radios sold in the UK use the same engine - a linux based device made by Reciva. http://corporate.reciva.com/
The screen on this Roberts looks very like the one on my Logik IR100 which, on ebay cost me under £40. The main differences between the different Reciva models is the case, quality of audio amplifier and speakers, number of pre-sets and whether there is a hard-wired ethernet as well as wi-fi facility. But there are various enthusiasts' pages which show you how to add hard-wired ethernet and you can also feed to an external amplifier.
Rather expensive. But the biggest worry I have with these devices is that they must be dependent somewhere on some service which tells it where the internet radio streams are to be found. If whoever runs that goes to the wall, what then? Sooner or later, any service like that will be obsolete.
""1) Does it do full "Aunties 7 Day listen again" - or just the live streaming of whats currently playing?"
Yes, it does the BBC's Listen Again."
This means I shall be able to find out about Bovey Tracey's (Other Uk Locations are available) Latest "trash the house" parties at a more convienent time of Friday 10pm instead of 7pm. It'll make me feel like I am using a covert radio scanner to listen out for the latest police crimescene braodcasts - ala any american superhero crime fighting movie.
I've bought Roberts' equipment for years - analogue radios & digital radios. There are always cheaper alternatives, but I buy Roberts' because it has always been damn good quality. And please note, I don't work for them - I'm just a satisfied customer......
Just wish they'd brought this out before I bought a SqueezeBox ;-)
Since Roberts are well known for their radios I'd hazard a guess they know more than just a little about the design. The single dial comes down to simplicity which is much better suited to mass market appeal.
I like the idea of these internet radio boxes, but they're just too expensive. I found a much cheaper solution, a short-range FM transmitter for about 50 quid. I've got mine connected to the PC, can listen to anything, on any FM radio in the house (and about 200 feet around the house!) If these internet radio boxes were cheaper, I'd probably get one tomorrow
Roberts WM-201 Wi-Fi internet radio
Anonymous Coward
Just one slight problem #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 13:11 GMT
I have found, and I'm probably not the only one, that with BTHomeHubs springing up like crazy around my home I can never get anything on my wireless network to connect to anything else, reagrdless of how a tweek it.
So before you go out and buy one check how many wirless networks you can see and their signal strengths.
If you live in a block of flats, or a street of terraced houses, don't be too surprised if you can't get a good connection with your base station.
Anonymous Coward
Several Questions #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 13:17 GMT
1) Does it do full "Aunties 7 Day listen again" - or just the live streaming of whats currently playing?
further more :-
2)is it available on Tuesday?
3)is it capable of playing crysis at full frame rates?
4)Does it blend?
Martin Saunders
Reciva based radio #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:08 GMT
This radio is based on the Reciva system, of which there is a useful list of other Reciva based radios here:
http://corporate.reciva.com/products_and_technology/radio_products.asp
re: one slight problem
Fiddling with your Wifi channel can make a big difference for that. I believe most UK ISP routers use channel 6, so moving to channel 1 or 11 might help. Some wifi applications tell you what channels are being used as part of the router scan which is helpful.
Colin Critch
Can you switch the wireless off? #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:09 GMT
Can you switch the wireless off?
Rik Hemsley
Thanks #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:09 GMT
Thanks for putting frosting over the non-control-and-screen bits on that last image. I don't think I'd have been able to find the control-and-screen area without such help!
Anna Log
Re: listen again #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:09 GMT
>>1) Does it do full "Aunties 7 Day listen again" - or just the live streaming of whats currently playing?
Judging by the Roberts web site, yes. I would hope so, given that my 50 quid Logik IR100, which uses the same Reciva chipset, does support 7 day listen again. Let us hope the BBC don't switch their 'radio' web output to Flashplayer, as I don't think these radios can cope with Flash :-((
Mark
Does it work with TwonkyMedia. #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:09 GMT
By corss platform UPnP server of choice?
Anonymous Coward
Better solutions #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:09 GMT
Revo Blik Radio Station tuner has:
DAB
DAB+ (what you'll need very soon if thinking about a DAB radio)
FM
WiFi Internet radio
for a fair bit less than £200
Simon Ward
#include <stdtitle.h> #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:09 GMT
"The WM-201’s talents don't end with internet radio as it can also access and play any digital music files stored on a shared network or computer - including MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF and Real Audio files."
So, kinda like the old Netgear MP101 but at about four times the price (based on what I paid for mine on Fleabay ages ago). Roberts make some very nice kit, but sound quality alone doesn't justify the price tag. I rather like the look, too - wouldn't be too out of place sat on top of my amplifier.
Think I'll wait a bit.
JeffyPooh
When computer-weenies design "radios" #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:09 GMT
Where's the darn headphone jack? It should be on the front panel.
One knob? On a radio? Have these people ever seen a real radio? Google Image your way to 'R-5000' (for example) to see what a real radio should look like.
Many of these products can only access Internet Radio via pay-per-month indexing services such as Live365. So if they've built one that can access anything directly, then it's a big step ahead.
But I still haven't seen a proper Internet Radio that I'd be happy with. I'm looking for a box that will make Internet radio as fun and interesting as Shortwave radio used to be.
robert
add custom stations #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:09 GMT
does it let you add your own internet stations that might not be listed in their lists?
Adam Buckland
Alternatively... #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:09 GMT
Buy an Intempo, they all run the same software & hardware for network access and save yourself approx £100.....
Simon G
OGG Playback ? #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:09 GMT
What about support for playing back OGG, that FREE non-patented audio format from xiph.org that Nokia likes so much.
Matt Morgan
Money #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:09 GMT
A good wireless router costs $30. A sufficiently good radio, for what I want, at least, probably costs $20. That makes $50, which is what, like ₤20? Is there no hope of getting a low end version of one of these wifi radios?
Steve Green
Listen Again #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:11 GMT
"1) Does it do full "Aunties 7 Day listen again" - or just the live streaming of whats currently playing?"
Yes, it does the BBC's Listen Again.
Hayden Clark
How does it compare to the Logik IR100? #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:11 GMT
By the looks of things, it's a nicer-made bit of kit. But the lousy Wifi range implies it has the same USB wifi adaptor mounted in the same stupid place - flat against the main PCB.
I wonder if the firmware is any better?
Anonymous Coward
Reciva? #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 16:30 GMT
Most Internet radios sold in the UK use the same engine - a linux based device made by Reciva. http://corporate.reciva.com/
The screen on this Roberts looks very like the one on my Logik IR100 which, on ebay cost me under £40. The main differences between the different Reciva models is the case, quality of audio amplifier and speakers, number of pre-sets and whether there is a hard-wired ethernet as well as wi-fi facility. But there are various enthusiasts' pages which show you how to add hard-wired ethernet and you can also feed to an external amplifier.
Ricahrd Dickens
Bought one last week... #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 21:09 GMT
Very happy with it. I bought it to be a bedside clock radio. Don't think you can do that with an MP-101...
Negative point:
Bit clunky when navigating through all my MP3s on a Windows share.
Plus points:
External WiFi aerial
Wired Ethernet port
Stereo Speakers unlike many of the cheaper alternatives.
Runs Linux ;-)
Plus there's already a project underway to replace the firmware with an open source alternative: http://sharpfin.zevv.nl/index.php/Main_Page
KarlTh
Nice idea, but... #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 21:09 GMT
Rather expensive. But the biggest worry I have with these devices is that they must be dependent somewhere on some service which tells it where the internet radio streams are to be found. If whoever runs that goes to the wall, what then? Sooner or later, any service like that will be obsolete.
Anonymous Coward
Good #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 21:09 GMT
""1) Does it do full "Aunties 7 Day listen again" - or just the live streaming of whats currently playing?"
Yes, it does the BBC's Listen Again."
This means I shall be able to find out about Bovey Tracey's (Other Uk Locations are available) Latest "trash the house" parties at a more convienent time of Friday 10pm instead of 7pm. It'll make me feel like I am using a covert radio scanner to listen out for the latest police crimescene braodcasts - ala any american superhero crime fighting movie.
A Chap
Quality #
Posted Wednesday 19th March 2008 21:09 GMT
I've bought Roberts' equipment for years - analogue radios & digital radios. There are always cheaper alternatives, but I buy Roberts' because it has always been damn good quality. And please note, I don't work for them - I'm just a satisfied customer......
Just wish they'd brought this out before I bought a SqueezeBox ;-)
Anna Log
answering a few queries above #
Posted Thursday 20th March 2008 10:05 GMT
Based on experience with my Reciva based Logik IR100:-
It will play back internet radio stations using OGG, must admit I haven't tried audio files.
Yes, if the Reciva web site goes titsup I think you're left with a media streamer.
Mine has worked using Tversity and Twonky UPnP SW, although the latest FW is causing issues. Stiil working with WMP11 :-/
Simon Ward
The joys of shortwave ... #
Posted Thursday 20th March 2008 10:23 GMT
"I'm looking for a box that will make Internet radio as fun and interesting as Shortwave radio used to be."
At the risk of a) showing my age and b) sounding like an AOL reject, I'm gonna say 'ME TOO!' ;-)
Chewy
@JeffyPooh #
Posted Thursday 20th March 2008 12:29 GMT
Since Roberts are well known for their radios I'd hazard a guess they know more than just a little about the design. The single dial comes down to simplicity which is much better suited to mass market appeal.
JB
Cheaper solutions #
Posted Tuesday 25th March 2008 20:54 GMT
I like the idea of these internet radio boxes, but they're just too expensive. I found a much cheaper solution, a short-range FM transmitter for about 50 quid. I've got mine connected to the PC, can listen to anything, on any FM radio in the house (and about 200 feet around the house!) If these internet radio boxes were cheaper, I'd probably get one tomorrow
Mick
NAS compatible? #
Posted Friday 28th March 2008 12:36 GMT
I have my music files on a Buffalo Link Station NAS - does anyone know if the WM201 can access and play these when no computer is switched on?