CDR Sam

Internet Radio

January 10, 2010 | WiFi Music

Internet radio has been around awhile along with it’s counterpart podcasts.  The difference is Internet radio operates on streaming and not a file download.  It does require a wireless network (WiFi) and from there a connection to the Internet.  Or just a connection to the Internet if you are using iTunes or a browser.  Internet radio are audio streams from typically radio stations of their broadcast program.  It’s important to note that it’s running in sync with the broadcast so if you are in an area where you can not pick up your favorite radio station you well may find it on Internet radio.

Let’s take a look at the various options to access Internet radio:

1. iTunes
2. Internet Explorer, Firefox and Windows Media player, Real Player, iTunes
3. Internet radio appliance

Besides the convenience of listening to radio you can also access and share your own music collection using iTunes server across your local network. This adds a new dimension to house wide music entertainment systems.  There are several WiFi Radios made by Logitech called the Squeezebox that really join streaming Internet radio and audio streaming using a server application on the hosting computer that stores your digital music library. You then can browse through your collection and select an album or track to play.   It does require having a wireless network or at least some kind of local network.

This brings up your storage for your music files.   Your laptop or desktop will do but if you really want to be serious about it and make the tunes flow I would recommend some kind of network attached storage device.  This type of system gives you a dedicated server for streaming your audio. Any computer or local network appliance can access it and give almost unlimited music storage.