That would depend on where you are. I have a decent FM portable - and that can't be guaranteed to work 'fine' indoors everywhere.
I live in London, and DAB reception in the car is miles better than FM. But of course the radio also has FM - and will switch between the two when a signal is lost if you want it to. The delay between the two makes this not so useful, though.
No single transmission system is ideal for portable use. They all have pros and cons.
That's because it is booting off disk. Its also checking lots of needless stuff out, like how good is the disk structure? can it set its clock off the internet? is its hardware passing diagnostics?
None of that is needful in a radio.It has to check for wifi connection, and then that it: Assuming the network is able to see the internet, it simply opens a stream to the radio station of your choice.
You can load a linux (or any other sensible alternative) kernel off flash in milliseconds.
All it then needs is an IP stack, WiFi driers and some DNS,. and a sound subsystem. Plus some form of user interface. Probably alphanumeric single line LCD and some buttons. scroll down the stations, press button and hold to store it. Press again to switch stations. There is always a BIT of delay with digital anyway, as it takes time to load enough data to start decompressing.
Look here for what is available
In short all the bits are here right now to make an internet radio (or TV) that would work either off an Ethernet line or wifi. Or if you have access to a decent aerial, off that too. Its only a matter of time before someone like Sony does it.
There are a few hurdles in terms of battery power and size to be got around that only a really big company could, but in the meantime, its never been easier to get access to media content over the internet Terrestrial digital, and do a decent job of of prototyping it.
I would expect a broadbad radio to come down to that any year soon.
once its a one, or most three chip solution*.
*wifi tens to need a different chemistry from straight CPU etc, and you probably want a separate audio chip to make the noise.If these boxes already exist, I think I will get one
But Betamax was technically superior...
Owain
And the FM radio doesn't get you hit with excess download charges.
Owain
I'm allegedly on an umlimited plan. But you're right.
Neither VHS or Betamax were anywhere near as good as V2000. That was my first VCR, and it was really disappointing to have to eventually go to VHS and it's inferior picture.
I did have a Betamax machine at one point and I couldn't tell the difference from VHS. I think SVHS was the next format worth bothering with.
nether does a computer with a DVB card and an aerial rebroadcasting the material over the wifi..there are more ways to skin that cat..
Betamax was better than VHS but not by much. V200 was very superior in technology, but slightly under developed.
8 and HI8 were the ultimate in development for domestic video. the break from PAL was the improvement that really showed.
At last you agree. A laptop is stupid as a radio...
Indeed. Now I am aware that dedicated hardware exists there is no need to 'roll ones own'.
The reason to use laptop components is for the low power consumption.
Or if you happen to have one spare - loads of battered but just serviceable ones being given away these days - why not turn it into something useful?
One of the first things to go is the battery and they cost a fortune? You wouldn't need such an expensive battery pack for an audio only device. Then there's the fact that laptops have crappy speakers. So basically, if you want a radio, buy one...
.. or a freeview box permanently on R4 connected to an FM transmitter tuned to 95.4 ..
Pete
You are 200 miles away and can receive a usable DAB signal??????
LBC is carried on a number of DAB multiplexes, according to their website.
Novel! I like it.
Not a good idea to use the same frequency. Find a spot on the dial that's empty - if you can.
R4 is 95.3 or 94.9 here from distant memory pre RDS.
107.7 seems pretty free, although it may upset any passing motorist using it to listen to his/her iPod. 50mW with a very short aerial would seem to be good for a few hundred yards. Driven from XBMC it is very adequate to cover the house and garden for a party with the music not over loud in any one place and with local volume controls.
Allegedly.
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