DIGITAL RADIO GUIDE

INTERNET RADIO

Virgin Radio has been available on the net for nearly a decade. In 1996, Virgin was the first station in Europe to broadcast 24 hours online, initially using Real Player. Nowadays, Virgin has four radio stations, which are available online in a variety of different formats and speeds. Virgin stations are currently available in the following formats:

•Windows Media 20 kbps mono

•Windows Media 64 kbps stereo

•Real SureStream 8 kbps - 32 kbps mono

•Streaming MP3 32 kbps mono

•Streaming MP3 128 kbps stereo

•Ogg Vorbis ~20 kbps mono

•Ogg Vorbis ~160 kbps stereo

In addition, Virgin Radio is available in Real AAC 128 kbps stereo, and QuickTime 64 kbps stereo.

Virgin concentrates on UK listeners - who are the majority of those that listen online - and is fully licensed for broadcasting to the UK over the Internet. This is covered by Virgin's music licensing fees, which cost over £1.2 million a year.

6.10.3Swedish Radio multichannel audio distribution

In addition to some 15 Internet Radio channels which are regularly broadcast from www.sr.se, Swedish Radio has since midsummer 2001 been distributing multichannel audio files via their web-site on-demand. The audio content is coded in 5.1 DTS (Digital Theater System) format. The SR website posts nearly 40 audio-only clips of downloadable multichannel material, ranging from about one minute duration to shows of over one hour. There has been a huge interest for downloading these audio programmes worldwide: to date more than 4 million successful downloads have been made. Users can play these files directly from the hard drive or from a CD and reproduce them via a surround sound loudspeaker system. The cost incurred for broadcasters is very minor.

6.11Summary and Conclusions

Conventional radio broadcasting on AM and FM has been around for about a century. New digital broadcasting technologies such as DAB, XM radio, DRM and others are becoming very popular in many parts of the world. Traditional on-air radio has many strengths and is still a vibrant medium. It is likely that it will remain the principal delivery mechanism of radio content for quite some time.

Internet opened a new possibility for radio enthusiasts. During the last ten years or so Internet Radio has been a major focus of technical innovations and operational experiments. Now Internet Radio has become a mature medium with its distinctive characteristics. There are many tens of thousands of Internet Radio stations worldwide, ranging from big portals down to small local and individual streaming stations.

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Grundig Digital Radio manual Summary and Conclusions, Swedish Radio multichannel audio distribution
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Digital Radio specifications

The Grundig Digital Radio represents a significant advancement in radio technology, combining aesthetics, functionality, and a user-friendly interface. As a pioneer in the audio and electronics industry, Grundig has successfully integrated modern digital capabilities into its traditional radio design, appealing to both nostalgic listeners and tech-savvy users.

One of the standout features of the Grundig Digital Radio is its versatility in reception. With DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) technology, users can enjoy a wide array of radio stations with superior sound quality, free from the hiss and interference commonly associated with analog broadcasts. The inclusion of FM and AM bands ensures that listeners are not limited, providing access to local stations that may not yet have transitioned to digital.

The Grundig Digital Radio is designed with ease of use in mind. Its intuitive interface, often featuring a clear LCD display, allows users to navigate through stations and settings effortlessly. Many models also include a built-in tuner that automatically scans and presets available stations, simplifying the setup process. For those who appreciate personalization, some variants come equipped with customizable presets, allowing users to save their favorite stations for quick access.

Portability is another key characteristic of the Grundig Digital Radio. Many models are lightweight and come with built-in handles, making them ideal for on-the-go listening, whether it's in the garden, on the beach, or during a picnic. Battery options, alongside mains power, ensure that users can take advantage of their radios wherever they choose.

In terms of sound quality, Grundig utilizes advanced audio technologies to deliver rich and clear sound. Enhanced bass responses and treble controls allow users to fine-tune their listening experience to match their preferences. Furthermore, many models feature additional inputs, such as AUX and USB ports, enabling users to connect their smartphones or other devices, expanding their audio options.

Other notable characteristics include built-in alarms and timers, which make the Grundig Digital Radio a versatile companion for daily routines. Some models even support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless streaming from a variety of devices.

In summary, the Grundig Digital Radio embodies the perfect blend of traditional radio appeal and modern digital technology, offering versatility, ease of use, superior sound quality, and portability to meet the diverse needs of today’s listeners. Its well-thought-out features and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio experience.
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