
Compared to conventional radio transmissions, the main advantage of Internet Radio is far greater choice. Almost 10,000 stations are available, ranging from live salsa music from Rio de Janeiro, through news bulletins from the other side of the world, to college radio stations.
Such choice might sound intimidating, but finding content is as easy as turning the dial on your old transistor set. Except that now, turning the dial doesn’t mean tuning into specific radio frequencies; instead, web addresses for specific online radio stations are being accessed.
However, to the user, the difference is invisible. The dial shows the radio call sign and name on a little display just like on an AM/FM radio.
Andrew Rhomberg, director of business development and strategy at Reciva said the cost savings from this new platform will reduce the price premium for an Internet receiver compared to a legacy AM/FM set.
“In the global marketplace, technologies with only regional acceptance, such as HD and DAB, will become largely irrelevant,” he said.
The new radios also allow the user to play their own music from any wireless connected device, as well as personalised content, like fast growing radio service Pandora, said Rhomberg.