Hi Colin, It is nice to see a another Wi-Fi radio at a price below $100, but in my opinion the MAJOR problem with this device is that is does not tie into the https://www.reciva.com/ service for its database of streaming stations. Reciva is virtually the industry standard now for Wi-Fi receivers.
The vTuner service used by the Joybien radio greatly pales in comparison. For instance, vTuner is currently linking to 263 stations worldwide. The Reciva service has 5,892 stations for the USA *alone* !! The majority of Wi-Fi Internet radios are licensed to include the Reciva service. Another case of "you get what you pay for", I guess! The Grace Wireless Internet Radio has dropped in price since I purchased mine for ~$170 two years ago. For example, the Web vendor www.ultimatepassage.com currently has 105 of the radios in stock, for $81.00 each. BTW, this particular Wi-Fi Internet radio also works with the Pandora Radio service. Guy Atkins Puyallup, WA http://fivebelow.squarespace.com > Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:23:51 -0700 > From: Colin Newell <[email protected]> > To: Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America > <[email protected]> > Subject: [IRCA] Semi-OT - testing Next Gen WiFi radio > > Received a sample radio to test for review on DXer.ca > As much as I eschew modern technology - and fail to see the logic of > paying for radio I currently get for free - the idea of having > a radio that does WiFi and AM-FM is appealing -- this sample doesn't but > the hybrid sets are in development. > > I understand from the engineering team that this radio (like many > others; the GRACE, etc...) cost about 30 - 40$ to manufacture... > > Begs the question - why the heck are single function WiFi radios retailing > for 129 to $199 in Canada? > > Like Sirius Satellite radio (and XM) one ultimately pays for the privilege > of getting a box that receives an ever changing mosaic of "broadcasts" > > http://tinyurl.com/37zyov6 Testing the Taiwanese made Joy-Bien Wi-Fi radio > - will retail for around $79 - way lower than other units locally > > -- > Colin Newell is the editor and creator of Coffeecrew.com and BobHarris.com > > > _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list [email protected] http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: [email protected]
