Squeezebox and Internet Radio

[schnuffi]

I'm considering the SB3 and have searched the threads here. What would the quality of radio streams over a 1Mb internet connection be? I listen to to internet radio through my pc but the quality generally doen't compare to DAB/FM. I think the fastest connection speed I can get where I am is 2.5Mb.

[brookheather]

Most streams are in MP3 format around 128-192 Kpbs so your 1MB connection will be fine. I think the SB3 makes a good job of making these streams sound OK - certainly much better than listening to them on a PC.

- Simon.

[schnuffi]

Simon, many thanks for that. It will help to get the missus on-side which will not be a trivial exercise.

[iSix]

Originally Posted by schnuffi

Simon, many thanks for that. It will help to get the missus on-side which will not be a trivial exercise.

Just tell her it looks cute, and when it's not in use it'll tell her the news, weather or anything else she'd like it to tell her.

The fact my missus can get a weather report by just glancing at the pictures on the squeezebox when deciding what to wear in the morning won her over

[Black20VT]

Originally Posted by brookheather

Most streams are in MP3 format around 128-192 Kpbs so your 1MB connection will be fine. I think the SB3 makes a good job of making these streams sound OK - certainly much better than listening to them on a PC.

How does it compare to listening to Radio 1 using Sky?

[Black20VT]

Originally Posted by Black20VT

How does it compare to listening to Radio 1 using Sky?

Sorry, not greatly clear. I meant in terms of sound quality. Sky box is connected to AMP by digital optical, as will the squeezebox, but wonder if the squeezebox and internet radio will be any clearer/better than than Sky?

[Autopilot]

Originally Posted by brookheather

Most streams are in MP3 format around 128-192 Kpbs so your 1MB connection will be fine. I think the SB3 makes a good job of making these streams sound OK - certainly much better than listening to them on a PC.

- Simon.

Yep, many are even at 256 now and i have even seen a 320. Better than DAB and a lot more choice. Even 320 would not be a problem on a decent 2mg connection.

Thats all great, but just wait until you discover Last.FM

[Black20VT]

Originally Posted by Black20VT

Sorry, not greatly clear. I meant in terms of sound quality. Sky box is connected to AMP by digital optical, as will the squeezebox, but wonder if the squeezebox and internet radio will be any clearer/better than than Sky?

Well, I've got myself a Squeezebox 3 now and can confirm that although internet radio is good, it's not as clear at listening to it through Sky.

Love the Squeezebox though, great device! I've also got the 'SqueezeFox' plugin for FireFox, which is a nice little add on.

I'm sure I'll be back with more questions as I play with it more though