Live WebCams from around the world!

Watch New Year's Eve celebrations from around the world with these streaming Web cams!  Between these Web cams and the post earlier of radio streams, you can watch the world celebrate the arrival of 2011 from the comfort of your own home! http://cdn2.earthcam.com/earthcam/ts/index.html#

New Years around the world on web radio

Want to take in the revelry of New Year's as 2011 makes its way around the world?  Check out the links below:

(UPDATE:  Checked out the page.....not all of the links work, but they can be a good starting point for you to find what you are looking for.  If a station or country's links don't work, you can do a search on RadioTime or Reciva.   But this does provide an excellent source for finding out where to listen and at what times.....)

From Christmas Island at 5 a.m. EST on Dec. 31 through American Samoa at 6 a.m. EST on Jan. 1, Lou Josephs again provides the local Web radio links for New Years Eve Live as 2011 sweeps around the world.

Lou calls it "39 time zones in 25 hours." (There's a "strange half hour time zone" in Adelaide, South Australia.)

The "latest" blog entry, the one on top, is actually the last place to lose 2010, so it's better to read up from the bottom of the "Older posts," then the main page.

From Lou's Welcome message,

This is the new website for the around the world via radio, it will take you to the best stations around the world on new years eve, starting in the south pacific and ending in the same place. The trip takes 25 hours, and will take you to 39 time zones.
Radio station always do live or special programs on holidays and new years eve shows are among the best;

The idea started with Kim Andrew Elliott who begin using shortwave radio broadcasts. In 1997 I added internet streaming to the mix. This will be the first new site up date in a few years. To help you out check this map that shows you what countries welcome in the New Year by time: Where Year 2011 enters first and 2010 ends last by time zone, around the World.

SOURCE:  http://shenews.projo.com/2010/12/listen-to-new-years-eve-around.html

Here is a great map to see where 2011 is going to be hitting next!

http://www.worldtimezone.com/newyear.html

NYC Listen to the Ball Drop - From Behind the scenes

Due to previous year's feedback and continuing with a W2LIE.net tradition- "Listen to the Ball Drop - From Behind the scenes" returns for another year, and will continue to do so each and every year!

That's right - Listen to Dick Clark's Rock'in New Years from the Director's Chair.

True, you won't be hearing it "as it happens" due to streaming delays - but the sync should be close enough with Satellite delays for you to enjoy hearing the action while watching the live event! The feed will start mid-day, and run well past midnight.

There was plenty of action on the feed after the sun went down. Camera crews and the director were hunting for "filler shots" to record and use during the live broadcast of the night's events.

This is not a "Public Safety" type of feed. Feedback is always welcome. Catch the feed on my "special" stream.

73 and Happy New Years
Phil - w2lie

New posts, podcast and column this weekend....

Hey everyone;

Took the week off for a brief vacation, but after I return from a quick New Year's Eve trip, I will be returning to record the podcast, put up some posts on the blog and start writing my next column for MT!!!

Here is hoping that all of you have a SAFE and happy New Year's Eve and welcome 2011 surrounded by those closest to you!

73s

Loyd
W4LVH

Streaming columnist listening to analog AM radio?

Is it a Christmas miracle?  No, I just finally have the chance to escape the RF and noise of the city and do some mediumwave DX from my old homestead in Brasstown!

In the first 30 minutes, I already logged two new stations for me (I haven't done ANY AM DX in more than 2 years)....540 WAUK in Milwaukee, WI and 550 WKRC in Cinncinati, OH.  Those put me up to 728 AM stations heard in Brasstown, 874 lifetime.  I really haven't done much DXing at all since 2003 when I moved from Brasstown.......it is nice to be back behind the dials again!

For those gear-heads out there, I am DXing tonight with a Drake R8 and a Kenwood R-5000.  I am using a combination of longwire and a KIWA loop antenna.  I might also fire the Drake SPR-4 up with the KIWA here in a bit.  A bit of interesting note for all of you DXers and readers of Monitoring TImes....I am borrowing the DX station of the one and only "Queen of Shortwave."  Yes, that's right, I am DXing from the same spot that my mother, Gayle Van Horn, pulls in elusive shortwave signals and continues to add to her impressive QSL totals.

There is more than six inches of snow on the ground here in Brasstown and it is still snowing.  Perfect "DXpedition" weather!!!!

One thing I have noticed is that streaming radio is a wonderful tool for the Mediumwave DXer!  I have been able to save a lot of time by pulling up streams to verify local stations that I am hearing.  Rather than a deterrent, streaming audio is actually helping me to enjoy DXing again!

If you notice from the photos, I might be the digital radio guy, but I am still a firm user of the old fashioned, handwritten logbooks.

So, if you are one of those that cry foul to the effect that streaming radio has on your DX enjoyment, ring your hands no more....there is still plenty to hear on the radio, and the digital age has even added additional tools to make it easier to tune in elusive signals!

Until next time, 73s and Merry Christmas!

Loyd
W4LVH

Streaming apps get an update in the App Store

More streaming apps are getting updates in the iTunes App Store:

iHeartRadio - Updated 12/21/10 - Version 3.0 - Clear Channel Management - Reinstalls version 3.0 of the app due to issues that iPhone/iTouch users were reporting.  Another update will follow once the problems are fixed.

Stitcher Radio - Version 4.2.0 - Updated 12/22/10 - improved search capability, bug fixes, and auto-bookmarking to remember where you left off when listening to on-demand audio.

Remote - Version 2.1 - Updated 12/22/10 - Apple, Inc. - Not a streaming app, but it does gives users the AirPlay functionality to interface their iTunes with an Apple TV, as well as have Internet radio control from the iOS remote.

73s

Loyd

Microsoft to Announce New Windows Platform

By DON CLARK And NICK WINGFIELD
Microsoft Corp., feeling pressure from hit products like Apple Inc.'s iPad, is crafting a new operating system that deviates from the software giant's heavy reliance on chip technology pioneered by Intel Corp., according to people briefed on Microsoft's plans.

The company next month plans to demonstrate a new version of its widely used Windows operating system that targets low-power devices and adds support for chips based on designs from ARM Holdings PLC as well as the x86 chip technology offered by Intel and Advanced Micro Devices Inc., these people said. Microsoft will discuss the software at the Consumer Electronics Show in early January, though it isn't expected to be available for two years, they added.

Additional story at: The Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704851204576034051605593000.html

Apple Bans WikiLeaks App From App Store

Apple has removed the controversial WikiLeaks application from the Mac App Store, citing it “violated our developer guidelines.” Apple claims the app could cause harm to a group or individual which is a direct violation of their terms. Will Apple ‘s website be the next victim of the Anonymous DoS attacks?
(Shelly Palmer tech Report)


Read the full tory at ZD Net: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/apple-bans-wikileaks-app-from-app-store/10746

'World's first' glasses -free 3D TV hits stores in Japan

Toshiba today launched in Japan what it calls the world’s first television that allows viewers to see 3D images without having to wear special glasses, amid intensifying competition in the market. But while curious shoppers stopped to test out the screen at an electronics store in central Tokyo as the 12-inch model of the Regza GL1 Series went on sale, there were doubts as to whether the technology will catch on. The new model with a liquid crystal display carries a price tag of 119,800 yen ($1,400), which may put off consumers accustomed to falling prices. A 20-inch model will be released on Saturday.

While other 3D-capable TVs require glasses that act as filters to separate images to each eye, creating the illusion of depth Toshiba’s new screens use processing technology to create depth-filled images. The Regza GL1 Series also allows users to switch between 2D and 3D on normal TV programmes.

Kazuhito Gunji, a public relations official at electronics retailer Bic Camera, said the company had received several inquiries from customers on when they can get their hands on the product. Electronics stores are hoping that the release of the latest technology will help offset declining sales as government incentives for purchasing environment-friendly home appliances were reduced this month.

The hugely competitive TV sector is a challenge for many electronics makers given that customers are increasingly accustomed to declining prices, making it difficult for the industry to generate profits. Sony said on Monday that it may fall short of its sales goal of 25 million liquid crystal display TV sets this fiscal year as it struggles to be profitable in the sector, and has also embraced 3D TV technology in a bid to diversify.

Many in the industry say 3D television demand is being held back by a consumer resistance to wearing glasses and most shoppers today were curious but also cautious about the new Toshiba device. “I want to watch on a big screen,” said a 47-year-old man who has a 37-inch TV at home. “I’ll wait for another year before buying,” he said. Another customer, 33, said: “It’s great that we don’t have to wear glasses, which is a nuisance. But I didn’t feel images were flying out of the screen on some programmes.”

Toshiba says images on the 12-inch screen are best viewed directly from the front and some 65 centimetres (26 inches) away, making the 3D capability less effective for families that would view together from different points around a room. “Customers currently think of 3D images as just an add-on function, but 3D is expected to become a standard eventually” with 3D films and video titles increasing, said Toshiba sales official Eiichi Matsuzawa.

Haruo Sato, analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Centre, said it was “a big advantage” that the new series does not require viewers to wear glasses. “That feature could help the product’s popularity,” he said. But he was cautious about whether the 3D market as a whole would see strong demand despite the fact that equipped TV sets usually attract a lot of interest at retail stores as consumers try out the devices. “It’s questionable that consumers want 3D TVs as much as manufacturers are pushing them. People may not be finding the extra value” that convinces them to purchase the relatively new technology, he said.

Rival Sharp earlier this year unveiled a small glasses-free LCD touchscreen that shows 3D images for use in mobile phones, digital cameras and games consoles such as Nintendo’s 3DS, which is set for release in Japan in February.
(Source: AFP/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

More info on Lookee TV

I wrote a brief piece recently on the blog about Lookee TV and their new device that would be hitting the market in 2011.  The Lookee TV device is of interest to streaming enthusiasts, not just because it will allow you to listen to radio streams, but also streaming television.  It sounds like an interesting product, one that I look forward to being able to test out for our readers.  Here is a little more information on Lookee TV to hold you over in the meantime:

Brand: Lookee TV

Product Name: 4.3” Portable Wi-Fi Internet TV and Radio Player

Availability Status: Ready to ship in January 2011.

Price: MSRP USD149.99.

Product features:

·      This cutting edge technology will allow you enjoy over 1000 TV channels and over 30000 radio stations and podcasts throughout the world.

·      No subscription fees! No monthly bills!! No PC required!!!

·      TV-out function will turn your home TV into an internet TV.

·      Could partner and work with any online sources of Video, Movie, Music and Picture.

·      Online upgradeable firmware and add-ons are available.

Main Functions:        

l     Stream over 1000 TV channels and over 30000 radio stations and podcasts throughout the world via Wi-Fi connection.

l     Browse channels by regions, genres, languages, keyword search, and my favorites lists.

l     TV-out function supports resolutions at 720 x 480 pixels.

l     Stream videos, music and pictures from your home or office PC by UPnP function.

l     Media player reads and plays videos, music and picture files from built-in memory and SD/MMC cards.

l     Digital picture frame slide show with background music option.

l     Supports video formats: AVI, FLV, MKV, WMV; Audio formats: MP3, AC3, FLAC, WAV, WMA; Photo Formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF

l     Built-in speaker and earphone jack for your shared or private listening. Enjoy music from built-in speakers and stereo earphones.

l     FM radio and dual alarm clock included.

l     Wake up to internet radio, FM radio, music or a buzzer.

l     Remote control, AV cable, FM antenna and AC adapter included.

Specifications:

l     Comes with 4.3” TFT high resolution 480 x 272 pixels, 16:9 LCD.

l     Supports WiFi IEEE 802.11b/g; WLAN Security: WEP, WPA, WPA2; Auto and Manual Search. 

l     Built-in Speaker and Stereo Earphone Jack

l     AV Out: CVBS and YpBpr

l     Power: 1600mAH rechargeable Li-Polymer battery for 4-6 hours TV or Video playing time.

l     Unit dimensions (W x H x D): 140 x 85 x 16mm

What is Lookee TV?

Lookee TV is actually a Wi-Fi connected Internet TV and radio Player. This cutting edge technology allows you to enjoy over 1,000 TV channels and over 30,000 radio stations and podcasts throughout the world. There have been internet radios on the market but our products have added IP-TV functions! You can play any of those TV channels and radio stations collected and directed from our server. Think about this: Do you want to listen to the latest in World Music? Check your hometown sports TV station to get updates on your team or get local news while you are away from home? Or just explore and find your own new favorites in TV News? Well, Lookee TV is here for you!

These products work through a Wi-Fi Internet connection so that you can watch TV, listen to your radio or enjoy a picture slide-show anywhere in your home, away from your computer, without paying monthly subscriptions or yearly plans. No contracts, no kidding. Yes, you just need these products.

Lookee TV is not only an internet TV and Radio Player but also an excellent media Player for your local media files. Furthermore, you can also stream video, music and pictures from your home or office PC by universal plug & play protocols (or UPnP). All our models come with a TV-out function. That means you can enjoy all internet TV channels, radio stations, and podcasts on your home TV and turn a regular home TV to a real Internet TV. And UPnP streaming can let you play all multimedia content from your PC to your big screen.

Our technology and products allow partnering with any online video, music or photo sources, and we are working to increase the number of add-ons going forward. You will be able to stream even more movies, hit TV shows and music from featured online sources in the future.

Our products offer thousands of TV channels and music radio stations totally free of charge, but more than that: our technology and products allow partnering with any online media source for music, videos, photos, and podcasts as a fully functional Cloud-based Internet Media Player. And you will get all of these add-ons through online Firmware upgrades. By the way, we welcome all TV channels, movie, video, music and photo online suppliers to contact us for partnership. In facts, there are many opportunities for our new technology and products to meet expectations within your projects or business. Clients have already come to us for many applications, such as

Promoting online-broadcast TV channels for their local TV stations and music Web sites;

The creation of a new terminal to promote movie streaming services;

Licensing to play online TV series and shows on the portable device;

A project with cable companies who want their TV On-The-Go...

There are unlimited opportunities to put this technology to work for you. Lookee TV cloud-based Internet players are there for all your future entertainment needs!

For more information about Lookee TV products or distribution, please visit  www.LookeeTV.com 

(SOURCE:  Lookee TV Media Relations)

Attention DXers: Radio Prague online WILL QSL!!

One of the aspects of the explosion of the Internet Radio and streaming audio industry that has been met with some trepidation is the loss of the QSL.  For decades, hobbyists would sit in front of their radios and tune in distant signals in search of the elusive QSL card, a verification of reception.  With Internet Radio stealing many of the international broadcasters away from shortwave radio, and even most mediumwave radio stations streaming their signals online, the thrill of the hunt seemed to decline.

This announcement from Radio Prague, coming to us from the Shortwave Central Blog, should help at least rekindle some of those flickering flames of QSL magic that may still yet linger in the hearts of the DXer!

73s

Loyd

Radio Prague will verify Internet broadcast

With the recent announcement that Radio Prague will cease shortwave on December 31, 2010, the following announcement has been released by Radio Prague.
Gayle

According to Radio Prague’s Mailboxprogram of 19 December: “Some of our listeners might be wondering what will happen with reception reports and QSL cards after Radio Prague goes off the air [on shortwave]. After February 1st, Radio Prague will still verify your reception over the internet. There is a new set of cards featuring Bohemian and Moravian castles which will soon appear on our website.”
(Source: Radio Prague/Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

RNW Classical apps available

RNW Classical presents a new way of listening: on your smartphone. You can now enjoy our music programme whenever and wherever you are, as long as you have a smartphone with an internet connection.
(Andy Sennitt/Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

There are special RNW Classical apps available for the iPhone and Android telephones. Just visit the app store on your phone and search for ‘rnw’. You can download and install it free of charge. Once installed, you will be able to listen to our high (192 kbps) and low (64 kbps) quality streams and at the same time follow the world’s latest independent news headlines, provided by Radio Netherlands Worldwide.

Of course, you can also listen to RNW Classical using the player on our website or with stand-alone media players by entering one of the following URLs in your player:

MP3 192 kbps:
http://shoutcast.omroep.nl:8236/listen.pls

MP3 64 kbps:
http://shoutcast.omroep.nl:8308/listen.pls

AAC+ 48 Kbps
http://shoutcast.omroep.nl:8312/listen.pls

Happy listening!


*please note that in some cases the data generated by listening to webradio on mobile devices is not included in your telephone contract and charged separately by your provider. Please check your provider when in doubt!

**the app stores for the different platforms have different names:
iPhone – AppStore
Android Market

***a Spanish version of the RWN Classical site is available at http://www.rnwclassical.nl and a Chinese version at http://www.rnw.nl/chinese/dossier/yinyue
(Radio Netherlands http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/rnw-classical-apps-available )

GlobalNetCast for week of 12-19-10 is up!

The new podcast for the week of December 19 is up and ready for downloading.  You can find the podcast on my podcast site, or you can subscribe through iTunes, you can find the Podcast at this link.

This week, we take a look ahead for 2011 for the Internet Radio industry.  Also, we highlight our stream of the week, this one submitted by one of our readers:  Kelly, AE4FG in Raleigh, NC.  Kelly sends us down under once again for a New Zealand Christmas courtesy of NewsTalk ZB.

Check out the podcast and don't forget to submit your picks for the Stream of the Week by emailing me at loyd@globalnetmt.com or hit me up on Twitter:  @GlobalNetMT.

Until next time, 73s

Loyd

LiveATC App gets update....

Fans of the LiveATC Air Radio App have a new update available in the iTunes App Store. 

APP - DEVELOPER - VERSION - NEW FEATURES

LiveATC - Dave Pascoe - 7.1 - Fixed broken 'Edit Favorites' sort capability, Fixed WiFi network detection issue.

In addition, the NASA App, which features video and other information straight from NASA has an update.  Version 1.34 addressed a few fix issues. 

All Apps can be updated either directly from an iOS enabled device through the App Store, or my updating the version on your Mac or PC, which will update the App during the next sync.

More information about the LiveATC Air Radio App can be found at the iTunes Web site link here.

Apple's Mac App Store Coming Soon

Apple announced that their Mac App Store will launch on January 6th and will act just like its mobile brethren, featuring free and paid apps including Apple’s own software. Apple hopes to cash in on the mobile App Store success by offering full feature software developers a distribution outlet and 70% of the profit. This new way to consume desktop programs has us asking the question, “What’s in an app?”
(Shelly Palmer/Digital Living)


Additional story at: NY Times http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/16/apple-plans-mac-store-opening-in-early-january/

Internet Radio Apps ready for updates on iTunes

All of you iOS users with Internet Radio apps, listen up.  Several apps now have updates waiting on iTunes.

APP - DEVELOPER - VERSION - NEW UPDATES
Scanner Radio - Intersect World, LLC - Version 5.0 - Directory database update

iHeartRadio - Clear Channel Broadcasting - Version 3.0 - Search for stations by location or name, store favorite stations and access them on mobile and online, press and hold on a station name to preview what is playing, view history of stations/songs played, features stations and exclusive videos on the home screen, share stations via email and Facebook, featured videos with thumbnail image preview, 'Surprise Me' feature will select a random station, multitasking enabled.

TuneIn Radio  - Synsion Radio Technologies - Version 1.7.1 - Add browse alternative to map view on iPad, fix local stations not updating with current location on iPad, support stations using MMS/TCP stream protocol, fixes for various stream issues, additional bug fixes.

These updates are now available through iTunes.  You can either update the apps directly from your iOS device (recommend WiFi for larger apps) or through iTunes on your PC or Mac for syncing later.

73s
Loyd
W4LVH

Finding music online for the ho-ho-holidays!

(Courtesy of the Shortwave Central blog)

BRS Media's Web-Radio, the leading portal for "tuning in" Radio on the Internet, will once again ring in the holiday season by highlighting "Christmas Radio Stations" Online!

For the 15th year Web-Radio (http://www.web-radio.fm/ ) will feature Christmas stations and holiday Internet radio streaming Online. Listeners can "Tune-In" a growing list of online webcasts and sites that broadcast Christmas music from around the world. Already over 70 online radio stations are webcasting holiday music worldwide.


"The Christmas section of Web-Radio is always one of our most popular features." remarked George T. Bundy, Chairman & CEO of BRS Media, "Internet Radio listeners now have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of stations streaming holiday cheer. Whether at Work, at Home, or Shopping Online listeners can get in the holiday spirit from a worldwide list of great Christmas stations from Web-Radio.FM"


The Web-Radio - Christmas section is available at: www.web-radio.fm/christmas/ and the Web-Radio Christmas Player Widget at:http://kl.am/xmas


BRS Media launched the radio directory with two stations in the fall of 1995. Today, Web-Radio features nearly Twelve Thousand (12,000) radio station web sites, with over Nine Thousand (9,000) stations webcasting On-Line. Visitors to Web-Radio can search for their favorite station by call letters (KI-KJ, WA-WB), format (Kids/Preteen, Adult Contemporary), state, country and Internet-only. In addition, the Web-Radio Tool Bar includes a long list of preinstalled stations dedicated to a variety of music genres, including holiday favorites. The Web-Radio Toolbar is available for Windows Internet Explorer or Mozilla's Firefox at: www.web-radio.fm/toolbar/


About BRS Media Inc:
Based in the South of Market district (SoMa) of San Francisco CA, BRS Media (http://www.brsmedia.fm/ ) is a member of the National Association of Broadcasters, the International Webcasting Association and the Webcaster Alliance. Listed as one of the fastest growing privately held companies by the SF Business Times and Inc. Magazine, its portfolio of Online properties includes: dotFM® & dotAM®, domain registrar of premium multimedia .FM and .AM domains; dotRadio?, the new .RADIO top level domain for the On Air and Online Community; iDotz.Net domain registrar of all gTLD domains (.com, .net, .org), as well as, boutique domains (.tv .la, .im, .vc & .mn); @Radio.FM & @Radio.AM, free Web based email services and the ever-popular Web-Radio, the leading portal for "tuning in" Radio on the Internet. dotFM, dotAM and dotRadio are either registered trademarks or trademarks of BRS Media, Inc.
(Source: BRS Media's Web-Radio to feature Christmas Radio Stations Online http://bit.ly/95dSKg )
(Yimber Gaviria, Colombia)

GlobalNetCast now available on iTunes!!!

Exciting news for us today!  The weekly GlobalNetCast podcast has been approved and is now on iTunes!  You can find the podcast by clicking in this link, or by a search on iTunes.  

Each week, I am going to be highlighting a Stream of the Week, as well as news and information from the Internet Radio field!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast (it's FREE!).  You can also find a feed of podcasts on this blog in the GlobalNetCast feed at the top of the page.

The blog is really starting to attract some attention, thanks to all of you for your support!

73s

Loyd

W4LVH

PURE radios hit the U.S. market

In the December issue of Monitoring Times magazine, I reviewed the PURE Evoke Flow WiFi radio.  I was taken aback by the styling of the radio, but a bit dissappointed in the interface and amount of U.S. streams that were available.

Still, I found the Evoke Flow to be a pretty good WiFi radio for the money. 

Now, just in time for the holidays, the radios are on the U.S. market and ready to go head-to-head with Logitech, Sangean and other WiFi radio manufacturers.

For a more in-depth review of the Evoke Flow, head on over to Monitoring Times and get the latest edition of MT Express! 

Radio France International audio available via new app

"Extending its broadcast to new media platforms, RFI launches a multiplatform mobile application enabling people to listen news bulletins and programs from RFI and its subsidiaries Monte Carlo Doualiya, and RFIRomânia, live and on-demand. Powered by Mobiclip™, the service enables users to stay informed all over the world in 13 languages: French, English, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, Persian, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Romanian, Hausa and Kiswahili. The application can be downloaded for free on all connected mobile devices running Apple iOS, Android, Symbian, Windows-Mobile and soon Bada operating systems. RFI and its subsidiaries are now available for almost all smartphone users." -- Interesting that this press release never spells out "Radio France International." Monte Carlo Doualiya, formerly known as Radio Monte Carlo, broadcasts in Arabic from a medium wave transmitter in Cyprus and via FM outlets in several Arab countries. RFIRomânia is RFI's extensive Romanian programming and network of FM affiliates in Romania. So how many people will actually listen by this means? (Mobiclip press release/Kim Elliott http://www.kimandrewelliott.com/)

Radio New Zealand releases iPhone App

Radio New Zealand has launched its first iPhone application, allowing iPhone users to listen to recent audio from Radio New Zealand programmes anytime and anywhere they choose. The new application means iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users now have Radio New Zealand programmes at their fingertips.

Provision of the Radio New Zealand application for iPhone lets users easily browse featured content and listen to the most recent items from their favourite programmes, including Morning Report, Nine to Noon, Afternoons, Nights, Saturday Morning, This Way Up, Sunday Morning and The Arts on Sunday.

Featured content is updated weekly and users will be able to quickly find the most recently aired items on Radio New Zealand to create their own customised playlists. Once the application is downloaded the programme library will continue to build for up to six months of content. Live streaming will be added to the application in 2011 and Radio New Zealand is working towards development of a platform neutral solution for other smartphones.

Commenting on the launch Radio New Zealand CEO, Peter Cavanagh, emphasised the importance of the latest step in Radio New Zealand’s continuing development as a platform-neutral, on-demand media organisation. “In recent years the Radio New Zealand website has allowed listeners both here and all over the world to replay the vast majority of our programmes at any time of their choosing. Each year millions of programmes are now being replayed online by listeners who couldn’t listen to the original radio broadcast.

“Our new mobile application will now provide even greater flexibility for people when they’re on the move away from home and work. Once the application has been downloaded the programme library will build over time to provide more than 1200 hours of on-demand programme content at their fingertips.

“The new application will also allow our many thousands of listeners overseas, who can’t listen to traditional radio broadcasts, to tune into Radio New Zealand at the touch of a button – wherever they happen to be.”
(Source: Radio New Zealand/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

HD Sound available for UK listeners

HD Sound available for all live BBC Radio 3 programmes online - but for UK only

December 13th, 2010 - 17:10 UTC by Andy Sennitt.

Following a successful trial during this year’s BBC Proms, UK listeners will be able to enjoy HD Sound – an extra high-quality audio stream for live online listening – on all BBC Radio 3 programmes from Tuesday 14 December at bbc.co.uk/radio3. HD Sound uses improved encoding and higher bit rates to offer the BBC’s highest audio quality broadcast to date. It also offers a wider dynamic range, accentuating the difference in volume between quiet and loud sounds.

In the first 12 days of January, from midday on 1 January, Radio 3 is devoting its entire schedule to Mozart, one of the greatest ever composers. From his piano concertos and string quartets to his operas and symphonies, the station will play every note that Mozart wrote, all available in HD Sound via the Radio 3 website.

Radio 3 Controller Roger Wright says: “It’s wonderful that Radio 3 listeners can now experience all our programmes in even better sound quality when listening online. I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to experience our Mozart season in the New Year and our Christmas output including the King’s College Cambridge Nine Lessons and Carols service and carols from the BBC Singers and enjoy the enhanced audio quality of HD Sound.”

Tim Davie, Director of BBC Audio and Music, says: “We are excited to be driving innovation in the radio industry. I expect Radio 3 to the be first of an overall industry drive to keep improving the quality of audio for listeners.”

HD Sound will also be available for special events on other BBC Radio networks, such as BBC Radio 2’s trial of the technology for Elton John’s Electric Proms performance in October. Appreciation of the improved sound quality will depend on the equipment used – those using small speakers built into a laptop may not notice a big difference, but listeners with a computer connected to a good-quality sound system or high-quality headphones should be able to appreciate the extra clarity and detail in the sound.

Initially, the stream will only be available for live programmes (not on demand) for UK listeners only. It will be available through pages on radio networks’ websites and special event sites, although the ambition is to integrate HD Sound into iPlayer and Radioplayer as the technology develops.
(Source: BBC Press Office/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

swissinfo.ch launches new iPad app

swissinfo.ch is breaking new ground with the launch of a multilingual iPad application. This mobile, handy application will present a non-cliched image of Switzerland in German, French, Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese and Arabic.

You can enjoy swissinfo.ch on the iPad with a “touch and feel” experience. The presentation and design are unique; they were developed specifically with the iPad in mind and differ greatly from the internet platform. Navigation is carried out intuitively by touchscreen. It is easy for the user, even on the move, to scroll or tap on selected news and information about Switzerland. The articles can also be read offline - in the plane, train or bus.

“With this application developed in-house, swissinfo.ch is at the cutting edge of technology. The multilingual app is a first and we can be proud of it,” comments Pascal Dreer, head of Information Technology at swissinfo.ch.

Apart from daily information, the app offers a look at the past week’s main Swiss events in a clearly-laid out way. The articles are accompanied by photo galleries, videos, podcasts and audio slideshows - all in outstanding quality.
http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/services/ipad.html?cid=28928468
(Source: swissinfo.ch/Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

National Capitol Region Interop Feed

During any emergency the National Interoperability frequencies can be the most fascinating and useful frequencies to monitor. Now there is a feed of all the interop frequencies in the Washington, DC area.

This feed uses a Uniden BCD996T monitoring NIFOG (National Interoperability Field Operations Guide), MWCOG (Metropolitan Washington Council of Givernments) PMARS (Police Mutual Aid Radio System), and MWCOG RINS channels. The antenna site for the radio feed receiver is located at the northern most point in Farifax County, Virginia. Keep this link handy the next time things heat up in the DC area.

NCR Interoperability Streaming Audio Feed

Lancaster Fire Radio Online

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Fire and EMS have a website up with streaming audio and a incident ticker that updates every two minutes.

You can monitor their streaming audio at Lancaster PA Fire Radio.

New Podcast is up.....Stream of the Week too

I am proud to introduce to you GlobalNetCast, the podcast version of the GlobalNet blog.  Each week I am going to highlight Internet Radio news and information, gadget reviews and of course, the Stream of the Week.

This week, our stream of the week comes to us from New Zealand: 95BFM.  This University of Auckland, student run radio station features a variety of contemporary music, talk and even a surf report.  95BFM's Web site has more information about the station and programming content.

What better way to warm up in bitter, frigid cold and snow than with a dose of New Zealand summer?

You can find a RSS feed for the podcast on the top, right column of this blog.  

On the Podcast, I am including audio samples of programming from our highlighted streams each week.  If you want to submit your favorite stream for highlight, send me an email:  globalnetmt@gmail.com

Until next time, 73s.....and stay safe and warm!

Internet radio ends signal chasing, offers global variety

Internet radio ends signal chasing, offers global variety

FANTASTIC article from Allan Maurer at Tech Journal South about how Internet radio has taken propagation and atmospheric conditions out of listening to radio stations. The Coleman Insights survey results were especially surprising to see.

Definitely a great article to share with any one that is new to Internet Radio.

Until next time, 73s

Loyd

Streaming radio from the major snowstorm

A major snow storm is making its way across the upper Midwest and Great Lakes area.  You can read more about the snow storm at AccuWeather.

For those wanting to listen to news coverage from inside the 'strike zone' of this major early-winter storm, the following streaming links should help.  I have also tried to include both local emergency responder links as well as NOAA Weather Radio stations if possible:

Illinois

720 WGN – Chicago - http://www.wgnradio.com

780 WBBM - Chicago - http://chicago.cbslocal.com/

Chicago Police - From the RadioTime Web site

Chicago Fire Department - From the RadioTime Web site

Chicago NOAA Weather Radio - KWO39 - From the RadioTime Web site

Indiana

1190 WOWO - Ft. Wayne - http://www.wowo.com/

1430 WXNT - Indianapolis - http://www.newstalk1430.com/

Indianapolis NOAA Weather Radio - KEC74 - From the RadioTime Web site

Michigan

760 WJR - Detroit - http://www.760wjr.com/

950 WWJ - Detroit - http://detroit.cbslocal.com/

Detroit NOAA Weather Radio - KEC63 - From the RadioTime Web site

Detroit Police - Via RadioReference

Detroit EMS Dispatch - Via RadioReference

Minnesota

830 WCCO – Minneapolis - http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/

Minneapolis Police/Fire - From the RadioTime Website, via RadioReference

Minneapolis NOAA Weather Radio - KEC65 - From WeatherUnderground

New York

930 WBEN - Buffalo - http://www.wben.com/

Ohio

610 WTVN - Columbus - http://www.610wtvn.com/main.html

700 WLW - Cincinnati - http://www.700wlw.com/main.html

1100 WTAM - Cleveland - http://www.wtam.com/main.html

Cleveland NOAA Weather Radio - KHB59 - From the RadioTime web site

Cleveland Police/EMS - From the RadioTime Web site

Columbus NOAA Weather Radio - KIG86 - From the RadioTime Web site

Pennsylvania

1020 KDKA - Pittsburgh - http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/

Pittsburgh NOAA Weather Radio - KIH35 - From the RadioTime Web site

Pittsburgh Total Traffic Network - From the RadioTime Web site

Wisconsin

620 WTMJ – Milwaukee - http://www.620wtmj.com/

1330 WIBA - Madison - http://www.wiba.com/main.html

Milwaukee NOAA Weather Radio - KEC60 - From RadioTime via WeatherUnderground

City of Milwaukee Fire Department - From RadioReference

Green Bay / Brown County Police/EMS - Via RadioReference

Ontario

580 CFNA - Ottawa - http://www.cfra.com/

1010 CFRB - Toronto - http://www.newstalk1010.com/

Check for updates for additional streams over the weekend.  I may post stream links for flooding in Washington and potential weather in the Northeast as well.

Everyone in the path of this storm, please be safe and stay off the roads unless you absolutely have to get out.

73s and until next time

Loyd

GlobalNet Stream of the Week - Radio 1 - French Polynesia

This week's GlobalNet stream of the week is Radio 1 - 100.0 FM - La Grande Radio in Papeete, French Polynesia.

The stream for Radio 1 can be found at this link, in addition to a listing of other radio stations in French Polynesia.  The Radio 1 Web site can be found here (it is in French, but can be translated through Google, although much of the text is in images, which cannot be translated).

The station plays a variety of music, which during my listening session seemed to be club/dance music in a program I believe to be called Club Coll.

For those in the Northern Hemisphere suffering through brutal cold temperatures, mountains of snow and are dreaming of warm sandy beaches, take a trip to French Polynesia with Radio 1 - La Grande!

A little bit about French Polynesia, from the U.S. State Department information at State.Gov:

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: French Polynesia is a French overseas territory located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of several groups of islands, the largest and most populated of which is Tahiti. Tourist facilities are well developed and are available on the major islands. For more information visit Tahiti’s web site.

January issue of MT

Hey everyone!

We are fast approaching the release of the January issue of Monitoring Times magazine.  In this issue, in addition my monthly column, I have a review of the C.Crane WiFi Radio....so make sure you check it out!

Not a subscriber?  You should be!  There are two great options for you to check out!  You can have a printed edition mailed to you each month, or, you can received our electronic edition:  MT Express!  In MT express, you will have quicker access to all of the information in MT, less clutter around your home, a much lower price, and information you can't find in the print edition.

Interested?  Check out more details about MT Express here!

73s, all!

Loyd, W4LVH

Have a favorite radio stream?

Check out my discussion topic on my Facebook fan page!  Each week, I am going to be highlighting a stream of the week here on the blog.  Then, each month in my column in MT, I am going to be highlighting a Stream of the Month.

Entries that appear on the Facebook fan page discussion will be considered for both Stream of the Week and Stream of the Month!

YOUR stream could end up spotlighted in the pages of Monitoring Times!

So, let's hear what your favorite streams are!

Make your own cheap WiFi radio!

In this video tutorial from Geek.com, learn how to make your own cheap WiFi radio at home!  Have your own homebrew-WiFi radio project?  Let me know! Shoot me an email here!

Lookee TV could bring Internet Radio and IPTV to your pocket!

It looks like Lookee's newest tech gadget could bring access to Internet TV as well as Internet Radio to a  pocket-friendly device in 2011!

The Lookee TV's 4.3 inch screen and no-subscription service could put streaming radio and television into an entirely new level of mobility.

The article linked a the beginning of this post mentions the device will give users access to 1.000 streamed stations and more than 30,000 streaming television stations.  It will be interesting to see what streaming database these will access.  In my experience, devices that use Reciva or RadioTime for their stream access tend to have a much higher amount, and better quality streams available to users.

Stay tuned to the GlobalNet blog, as well as my column in Monitoring Times for more details as they come!

Logitech Squeezebox Radio - GlobalNet Review

The following GlobalNet review first appeared in the April 2010 issue of Monitoring Times magazine.

Logitech Squeezebox Radio

By Loyd Van Horn, W4LVH

Ahhh, the WiFi radio.  Truly a marvel of modern technology and design, this simple device allows users to tune in radio stations from around the world – regardless of propagation conditions.

In recent months, with the explosion of Internet Radio led mainly by the efforts of services such as Pandora and Slacker, we have seen an equally impressive explosion in the WiFi radio market.  With so many choices, it can be hard to sort through the forest to see the few standout trees of the lot.

Heed these words, the Logitech Squeezebox Radio is one of those standout trees.

This device combines beauty and functionality in a way that few WiFi radios can claim.  Simple, intuitive and effective, the Squeezebox Radio has certainly raised the bar for all other WiFi radio developers to strive for in their own efforts.

Most striking upon first glance is the full color LCD display.  This enables stations that are packing graphics with their stream to display station logo, photos of Djs, etc. 

But the beauty isn't only skin deep, as the Squeezebox  Radio packs plenty of features to give it functionality and an impressive sound from it's lone speaker.  Digging into this radio was a definite delight.

OUT OF THE BOX

The second you take the Squeezebox Radio out of it's packaging, you know you are dealing with something a bit different.  It's sleek, black styling and intuitive button layout makes in an attractive unit whether bedside, in the office or even in your living room.  The Squeezebox also comes in red, for those who want something a little more bold.

The Squeezebox comes from the factory well packaged.  The box includes the radio, ac adapter, an cable for connecting devices to the auxiliary input and a brief bit of documentation to help with setup, although those with any experience with WiFi radios likely won't even need it.  If you are new to WiFi, it could be worth a glance.

A quick run through of the buttons will give you an idea of what can be done with the Squeezebox.   The main control you will be working with is the large push-button knob that allows for scrolling when entering WiFi encryption keys, browsing through menus and more.  It does require a little bit of a push when using the knob to make selections, so you may want to use your other arm to stabilize the radio.

 

Secondly, you will notice six silver buttons, three on each side of the LCD screen.  These are for storing presets and are really the easiest way to navigate through your favorite stations.  I was surprised to find only six stations could be saved as presets, but there is a way to store your favorite stations through the Squeezebox web site, which I will cover later.

A note about using the preset buttons for Internet radio.  In order for the radio to tune in those stations, you must be in the Internet Radio mode.  Otherwise, it won't attempt to tune in those streams.

You will also find several other buttons that are helpful when navigating.  The 'home' button (conveniently decorated with a graphic of a house) will take you back to the main menu screen.  This can be helpful upon start up to quickly change modes from Internet Radio, to auxiliary, to any applications you have installed on your radio.  You will also find two buttons (one on each side of the main scrolling knob) which will allow you either backtrack one screen (the button on the left) or to resume paused streams (the play button, to the right of the knob).

The included AC adapter is not a large wall-wart, but as with most WiFi radios, it is a wall-wart nonetheless.  I did like how the plug for the outlet was on a separate, removable adapter, which means that when traveling overseas, you can easily match the outlets with other adapters from Logitech.

The included documentation is a simple, fold-out that shows button layout, connecting the radio to a WiFi network, and even has a troubleshooter (which I found handy later).

PERFORMANCE TEST

Looks are nice, but how does the Squeezebox perform?  After turning the radio on the first time, it required to install a few updates.  It took about 5-10 minutes, so I grabbed a cup of coffee and returned to find it was ready to go. 

The Squeezebox had no troubles finding my Linksys Wireless-G router.  I purposely when reviewing WiFi radios will go to the opposite end of my apartment (through several concrete walls) to see if there is any signal loss.  Amazingly, the Squeezebox seems to have the strongest reception of any radio I have tried to date.  The documentation included with the radio says it is also compatible with 802.11n and 802.11b networks.  No wireless router?  No problem.  The Squeezebox includes a 10/100 mbps Ethernet interface as well with Auto MDX.

I found that entering data on this unit was a bit easier than on other WiFi radios I have tried in the past.  The knob seemed to be easier to control when scrolling quickly and if you made a mistake, the back button just to the left of the knob made it easy to correct it.  I have seen other WiFi radios where the backspace was actually another selection that you had to scroll to, which could be time consuming if you are clumsy like I am entering WEP keys.

The first station I tuned in was WWL-870 AM in New Orleans, LA.  After a short buffering period (maybe 5 seconds, tops) I was listening to rich, full audio from the Big Easy.  Adjusting the volume on the Squeezebox is handled by a separate knob just to the left and below the main knob.  One feature of the volume control I absolutely loved was the push-button mute.  Rather than a separate button or something only found on a remote control, pushing the volume button mutes the audio on the Squeezebox.  This is particularly handy when you get a phone call or an irritating commercial comes up.

Searching for stations is relatively painless.  The menus on the Squeezebox are unlike most of those found on WiFi radios and those that use Reciva-based systems will find it familiar, yet a different interface from what you are used to. 

There is even a selection on the Internet Radio menu that will bring up every local radio station that streams online.  Upon finding this, I didn't even care anymore that the Squeezebox didn't include an FM receiver for normal listening purposes, although I would still suggest this as a required feature for all WiFi radios.  This way, even when the power goes out or the net goes down, users can still be using their WiFi radios as a means of obtaining local information.  Just a thought.

In short amount of time, I had already set up my six preset stations.  I switched over to a music station (RTE Chill, which would give me a good idea of the low end the unit can crank out) and was blown away.  The unit comes with both a ¾-inch soft-dome tweeter and a 3-inch woofer, for impressive response to both highs and lows.  I was worried the audio would come out a bit boxy, but I was relieved when I heard true-to-sound highs, rumbling lows and even crisp mids. The audio reproduction from the tweeter and woofer were surprisingly authentic.

I found that turning the volume up halfway was more than adequate to fill my entire office-area with sound.  I turned the volume to 100% and noticed little, if any, audio quality loss or distortion.  The unit only has the one main speaker system, so audio is not in full-stereo, but this is a minor inconvenience, and one that only true audiophiles would even notice.

Need to listen a bit more privately or trying not to disturb others?  The Squeezebox has a 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack on the side.  This also could be a handy way to hook your Squeezebox up to a larger stereo system for more audio punch.

To truly test the functionality of the unit, I decided to try it out over several weeks in various settings.  These included in a home office for background music, bedside both as an alarm and as a sleep aid, and in a living room as a featured entertainment device.

In the office, I put the radio about two arms-lengths away on a bookshelf and set the volume at about 30 percent.  This seemed to be ideal for providing background music or for quietly listening to talk-radio content without disturbing others in the room and still enabling conversations at normal speaking volume.

Bedside, I have grown to love the Squeezebox even more.  Not only is it a fantastic sleep aid, but a terrific alarm clock too.

It took me a bit of getting used to setting the volume settings to a comfortable level at night that wouldn't keep me awake.  Once I did though, I was falling asleep each night to the sounds of George Noory and the nightly Coast-to-Coast AM audience.  A built in sleep-timer can be used to turn the unit off after a specific amount of time, which after waking up in the middle of the night the first few nights because of loud commercials, I realized how helpful this feature was. 

My favorite feature of the Squeezebox for bedtime use is the auto-dimming display.  Turn the lights on, the screen brightens for easier reading.  Turn the lights off, the screen dims so that you don't essentially have a night light keeping you awake at night.  There are also a large assortment of preset alarms, including nature sounds, so you never have to awaken to an intrusive air-raid siren again. 

In the living room, I tested the radio out for listening to sports programming in a room full of talkative people.  The Squeezebox more than adequately provided clear audio without having to be turned to intrusive volume levels.  It also has served as a great interface in the living room for my iPod when cleaning the house or just relaxing on a weekend and listening to some music.

Where other WiFi radios have come up short, the Squeezebox has come through with features that make this an indispensable unit in the home.

There is a compartment on the underside of the radio that allows for use of an optional rechargeable battery pack.  This means the Squeezebox can be taken outdoors and with weather warming in the Northern Hemisphere, the Squeezebox could be the perfect compliment to outdoor barbecues, backyard football games and even near the pool.  Mind you, the Squeezebox is NOT weather-proof, so just make sure you bring it indoors and keep it out of the water.  A recessed handle in the top of the unit makes carrying the Squeezebox between the backyard and back inside a little more comfortable.

One thing I didn't like about the Squeezebox is that the remote control for the unit is a separate (and therefore additional cost) option.  Almost every other WiFi radio on the market has made this a standard feature and would have made this the perfect radio, but for those who wouldn't use the remote control, this is a minor issue.  Still, it is one feature I would have like to have seen included with the unit.

The expandability of the Squeezebox is another big plus for this unit.  You can go to the Squeezebox web site and set up your favorite radio stations on your account, which is linked to your radio.  That means, while you can only have six radio stations preset to the unit's buttons, you can have just about any other station you want just a few clicks away. 

Another big feature of the Squeezebox is it's app integration.  Yes, everything these days is jumping on the app bandwagon.  You can download apps for Facebook, Rhapsody, Amazon and more. 

You can also stream music directly from your home computer through your Squeezebox.  This has become a standard feature on most WiFi radios these days, but it helps turn your entire home into a wireless jukebox.

THE FINAL WORD

I love this radio.  The audio is rich, full and booming and doesn't require turning it to 100 percent to hear, it is perfect to have bedside, but equally holds its own in louder environments as well.  It is attractive, has a great set of features, and it is easy to use. 

This is a great introductory unit for those looking to get into WiFi radio, but those of use who are already experienced with it, can still find much to like about the Squeezebox.

Short of including the optional remote control with the unit from the factory, I cannot think of much else I would improve upon in either the design, the interface or in the electronics.  If you have been holding out and waiting for the perfect WiFi radio to come along, wait no further, this is it.

The Squeezebox retails for $199.99 and can be ordered directly from Logitech as well as various Internet sources.

Ratings
Audio Quality – 4.5 out of 5 stars (would love for the audio to have been in stereo)

Performance – 5 out of 5 stars

Features – 4 out of 5 stars (the optional remote would have been great included with the unit)

Design/Appearance – 5 out of 5 stars

Overall Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars

Web sites:

Logitech web site:  www.logitech.com

Squeezebox:  www.mysqueezebox.com