 | January 32, 2000 |
Moving music
LEADING EDGE: Net sounds break free
Once upon a time (OK, a few months ago), one had to stay within earshot of
the PC to enjoy streaming audio programming from Web "radio"
stations. Now, Internet radio is breaking free of the PC and rapidly
infiltrating real life.
At December's Streaming Media West trade show,
Sonicbox showcased its imBand Remote
Tuner. The $50 product includes two parts. You attach a base unit to
your broadband-connected PC, then carry a handheld command unit with you as you
wander around the house. Using an unoccupied FM frequency, the base broadcasts
the music to any of your FM receivers, be they high-end home stereos or tinny
shower radios. You can use an accompanying software package to play DJ by
formulating your own playlists of downloaded tracks, or turn the command
unit's knob to flip from channel to channel. The remote unit has a button
that, according to Sonicbox, lets you order CDs instantly.
Sonicbox's technology incorporates Microsoft's Windows Media
Format to handle streaming and digital rights management. In addition to the
imBand Remote Tuner, the company offers an OEM module (plus reference design)
that lets consumer-electronics makers build stand-alone Web-radio receivers.
Sonicbox expects to roll out the end-user product this quarter.
But what if taking your digi-tunes around the house isn't enough?
You could spend $300 or more on a portable digital audio player. Or, with
technology from Voquette, you can move sound files from your PC into any audio
device capable of recording. Voquette couples a software media-management tool
with a $70 dongle that translates digital music into a format your cassette or
MiniDisc recorder can understand. If cassettes seem just a little too retro,
just imagine all the cars out there with cassette players. The company bundles
its software and adapter with a Philips cassette recorder for $99, and Sharp is
bundling the software and dongle with a MiniDisc recorder/player.
—by Matthew Miller
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