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DIGITAL RADIO GUIDE INTERNET RADIO
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An interesting example of a PC audio player is the BBC Radio Player which is a PC
application that allows Internet users to download BBC radio programmes via a
programme guide for up to 7 days after broadcast. BBC is now in the process of trialling
an Integrated Media Player (iMP) which will allow for both radio and television
programme downloads but, due to copyright restrictions, only to the UK territory. For the
users' benefit, the programme guide is available a week in advance and a week behind.
Users are able to download programmes as soon as they have been broadcast on TV
and Radio and can watch them as many times as they like during seven days. iMP also
allows users to subscribe to a series which automatically downloads each programme
immediately after being broadcast.
Music download is now a feature of 3G mobile phones. Motorola and Apple joined forces
to market a device combining iPod with mobile phones. For the moment, downloading
songs still has to be carried out via the Internet and the user's PC, although in the near
future the mobile phone could do it via 3G networks direct.
It is also worth mentioning the possibility to attach a small FM transmitter to a portable
iPod player for listening on car radios. This is important, as radio listening in the car may
be affected. Some people may choose to listen to their personal collection of pre-
recorded files on iPods, rather than listening to local FM or AM stations. Just as
commuters are catching up to the idea of satellite radio for their cars, a new wireless
approach called "Roadcasting" will allow you to tune your radio to music playlists coming
from other cars on the motorway.
A special category of IR terminal devices are disguised computers which look like old
radios but can connect to Internet radio stations. An early example of this approach is
Kerbango from 3Com (no longer available on the market). Newer Internet radio receivers
include products from Reciva, Acoustic Energy, Noxon, Slimdevices, SoundBridge,
Solutions and others. For example, Acoustic Energy uses a wireless broadband
connection and supports Real Audio, Windows Media and MP3. Radio stations' URLs are
store on a central database which can be easily updated on request to accommodate any
other radio stations. Currently, more than 10,000 stations from virtually any country
worldwide and of more than sixty different genres are available. Typically, the prices of
Internet radios range between $100 and $200 US.
Another consumer electronics device which allows consumers to listen to Internet radio
and Internet music is Streamium from Philips. The concept here is different because you
need a separate PC and a broadband Internet connection. The PC and Streamium can
be located in two different rooms (which is convenient because of the fan noise of the
PC) and are connected wirelessly using 802.11g connection (bandwidth 54 MBps). An
LCD display shows audio metadata (song titles, artist names, remaining and elapsed play
time, etc.), so you do not need to have your TV turned on when listening to your music or
radio. There are many other appliances in the market that, when connected to a PC, play
radio or music on the home stereo or surround equipment in the living room (e.g.,
AudioTron from Vermont, PhoneRadio from Penguin, etc.).
6.8 Internet Radio's relation with the traditional radio
The comparatively low entry barriers for broadcasters have led to a proliferation of
Internet radio sites. This has increased the importance of promotion and product
differentiation. However, broadcasters enjoy a significant competitive edge. They benefit
from both strong brand recognition and the ability to cross-promote across Internet, radio
and TV networks.