[access-uk] Internet Radio latest
- From: "Jackie Cairns" <cairnsplace@xxxxxxx>
- To: "Access UK Mailing List" <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:44:00 -0000
Hi Listers
I promised to report back to the group when I had something new to tell you
about the saga of Internet radio, and more specifically, the device I was
hoping to allow TNAUK, or Sound Talking, to let me try out.
Well the Orion Webbox arrived yesterday for me to try out. I have it on the
basis I can write a review, which Ted Davis needs to sanction before it is
published. Nevertheless, I certainly intend to make it fair and honest, as
always.
But my initial thoughts are these. The box itself is flat, with a speaker on
the top and five small round buttons, as well as a rotary volume/pause
control. All the relevant sockets, including mains, phonos and RJ45 connection
are on the back.
When you turn on the Webbox, the lady from Solutions Radio, where the box is
manufactured in Holland, announces the unit and offers a menu. This menu is
full of TNAUK, RNIB, Calibre and other publication choices, but also local
radio stations and national radio stations. Of course, I made a beeline for
these. On this trial unit, there are lots of national BBC stations that you
would expect to find on DAB or FM/MW, but some extras. Local radio stations
include a selection from around the country. To be honest, if I was buying the
radio, I would want its memory filled to capacity with as many stations as
possible.
The radio, in simple terms, is easy to operate. You go into menus, select what
you want, and press the back key to get out of them and return to the previous
layer.
Based on what I've seen so far, there is an awful lot of work still to do.
It's very TNAUK/RNIB/Calibre oriented, and that does worry me considerably. I
can see why a lot of people would like to have the entire collection of
subscription titles from TNAUK on there, as well as a variety of RNIB or
Calibre books. But I think the radio side of it - which is my primary interest
- will lag behind. Firstly, all stations are tagged, and we know what that
means in terms of future-proof continuity. If you want a station included, Ted
has assured me it can be added, but I have grave reservations about that in the
long term.
So folks, while I'm still exploring, and want to write something fair and
constructive for publication, my advice is hang onto your dosh for now if you
want more of a radio than a DAISY player full of books and magazines.
Jackie
Email: cairnsplace@xxxxxxx
Skype Name: Cairnsplace
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