radio

XM brings satellite radio Direct 2 you

With a few honorable exceptions, car stereo manufacturers are reluctant to build satellite radio tuners into their products, preferring instead to flog you clunky--and expensive--proprietary add-on modules to go with your XM or Sirius subscription.

Perhaps realizing that this model wasn't in the interests of increased adoption of its service, XM has just released the Audiovox XM Direct 2, a (relatively) streamlined, universal adapter that works with nearly all satellite-ready car stereos, irrespective of their manufacturers. In addition to its car compatibility, the device can also be plugged into XM-ready home audio products and XM2go portable radios. According to … Read more

An underwater radio, for no good reason

Given the growing trend of people spending their entire lives in the bathroom, it makes sense that there's been a proliferation of waterproof LCDs, speakers, phones, DVD players and even remotes. But a radio that goes under water?

We're not talking about one of those music players for swimmers either. The "Aqua Radio" floats on the surface while submerging a corded speaker so you can "create your own underwater world with awesome deep-sea sound effects." Right.

Just for the record, the radio will play above the waterline as well, so the $15 you paid … Read more

A search engine for Internet radio

I love listening to any kind of radio--terrestrial, satellite or Internet--while going about my daily Internet pleasures.

But I have no patience and little time to search for cool new stations. I end up relying on the typical standbys and random recommendations from friends or colleagues.

Enter Iheard.

Fusa Capital launched a new search engine on Tuesday that brings the thousands of Internet radio stations out there to one Web site.

The engine includes both Internet-only stations, as well as simulcasts offered by AM and FM radio stations online.

Unlike Radio-Locator, which started from "MIT's List of Radio Stations on the Internet", … Read more

Hands-on: XM XpressRC

Generally speaking, my love for satellite radio is nonexistent. Sorry to say, I just don't see a reason to spend that kind of money ($12 per month) to listen to a host of shows that can usually be heard on the radio and music that copies what we hear on local radio for free. Now for some, the prospect of missing Howard Stern may be too much to handle, so they go out and pay for Sirius. But XM doesn't have a show like that and more often than not, you'll find yourself working your way through dreck just to get to MLB or other exclusive offerings.

But alas, this hands-on isn't about XM programming as much as it's about the XpressRC. And for all of the faults I find in XM programming, they can't compare to just how nice the XpressRC is.… Read more

Homer, the singing pool boy

Just the thought of being in a swimming pool with Homer Simpson is enough to make anyone cringe. But if the situation is inevitable, it's probably best to have him in a supine position. The best feature of this floating Homer radio, aside from the sight of it alone, is the beer can on his belly: It serves as a volume or station control, depending on how his legs are positioned. On the other hand, it might be asking for trouble to have him involved in anything that requires electricity and water.

JVC KT-HDP1 continues the HD Radio rollout

Following the release of HD Radio-compatible products from Sony and Dual this week, JVC today released details of what it calls the industry's first plug-and-play HD Radio receiver. The KT-HDP1 is an transportable AM/FM/HD Radio multicast tuner that can be used as portable device or can be permanently installed in a car. The KT-HDP1 is the second HD Radio-capable device from JVC, following its in-dash KDR-HD1 car stereo that we saw earlier this year. The portable tuner is on its way to Best Buy stores now, where it will be on sale for around $130 excluding installation … Read more

Low-cost HD radios from Sony, Dual kick off the new car-tech season

HD Radio looks set to be the key feature for car-stereo makers this season. This week, Sony unveiled two budget stereo head units with HD Radio compatibility. The top-of-the-line Sony CDX-GT520 ($140) and entry-level CDX-GT320 ($100) are both HD Radio-ready, but require the addition of the Sony's clunky XT-100HD HD radio tuners module ($100) to pick up HD channels. Both systems can also be used to play satellite radio and iPods (via additional modules) and generic media players through their as-standard auxiliary-input jacks.

Meanwhile, Dual is launching its own bid for the aftermarket HD Radio crowd with the launch … Read more

Hands-on with Pure Digital's DAB radio

Pure Digital, like Ron Burgundy, is kind of a big deal, keeping the digital radio market punchy with its stylish and easy-to-use equipment. We loved the Legato II and the chunky Oasis and now we're elbow-deep in reviewing the lovely Evoke-1S--a simple and functional kitchen radio encased in an attractive maple enclosure.

The new Evoke builds on the design and feature set of the Editor's Choice 2006-winning Evoke-3, though this incarnation features only a single speaker. An additional speaker can be purchased separately and jacked into the main unit to provide a stereo output offering. We'd rather … Read more

Yuraku's portable wireless Net radio

In journalism as in technology, one learns early to K.I.S.S. ass. That is, you Keep It Short and Simple, or end up feeling like an ass. So what's with the convoluted naming convention from some tech vendors? Take, for example, the "Yur.Beat Fusion Stream" from Singapore-based Yuraku. Who needs a lobotomy after that?

Names aside, Yuraku claims this is the world's first portable wireless Internet radio with full multmedia features. And there lies the catch. Want Internet radio? Well, you need a wireless hot spot to connect to. Although once online, you … Read more