A real transmission overhaul
Through the miracle of Internet radio, you can listen to an all-accordion channel. Marches, waltzes, pop hits and, of course, polkas, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Then there's the station that plays Cambodian karaoke performances. Exclusively.
And if that isn't niche enough, there's a channel that features nothing but the live air-traffic control transmissions from Portland International Airport in Oregon.
How do I know? Because I've been listening to the first wireless Internet radio -- the Streamium MC-i250 from Philips Electronics, which goes on sale later this month. It's potentially a great product, because it allows you to listen to Internet radio throughout the house, not just in the room where the desktop computer resides.
The key word is "potentially." Philips gets points for playing on the cutting edge, but the Streamium is coming out before it's truly ready for prime time.
As of its debut, the Streamium will not be able to receive the Internet radio stations that have made the online medium such a great source of worldwide perspectives on news and cultural events. These hallowed broadcast institutions include the BBC (all 11 radio channels, not just the World Service that is a late-night feature on some local FM outlets), Radio France International, Radio Japan and dozens of domestic stations.
Instead, Streamium will feature online services such as Live365.com, which allows individuals to create their own stations -- often in their own bedrooms or basements. The result is the Internet version of public access television, featuring music choices from mainstream pop to the ultra-outre and lectures by adherents of various political and religious beliefs -- usually on the fringe.
The Streamium will also pick up music streams from recording companies -- Virgin Records programs an all-Peter Gabriel channel, for example -- and other sources.
But without the major Internet radio outlets, the Streamium seems overpriced at $399, plus the approximately $100 to equip your home with wi-fi if it isn't already. Use of the radio also requires a broadband connection.
A Philips spokesman said the company plans to issue a free upgrade in the fall to allow the unit to receive almost any Internet station. If you're interested in the product, it might be prudent to wait until the upgrade is proven to work well.
