Entered CNET Catalog: 06/11/2008
SKU: 0831623007547
Manufacturer: Tivoli Audio
Manufacturer description
Accessing DAB and FM stations via a Wi-Fi or Ethernet broadband connection, NetWorks connects to thousands of free radio stations worldwide. It easily searches for stations by country, genre, or a station's call letters. It is also one of the first audio products to be user-upgradeable, so your advanced radio can keep pace with rapidly changing technology. NetWorks comes with five pre-sets, but through its exclusive Global Portal can add an unlimited number of Internet stations that are stored to a 'Favorites' list. These would include many HD Multi-cast and DAB stations, previously only available from expensive HD or dedicated DAB receivers. NetWorks is available with or without a digital FM tuner with RDS (where available) to provide continual service when Internet service is unavailable.User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2out of 2 user reviews
IR Stereo w/FM Radio -- Much better than reviews I read
Pros: Streaming excellent without Super-Buffer, available IR Stations cover most of my interests. Setup was incredibly simple to my Airport Extreme and signal reception is excellent throughout my apartment - absolutely love the Cherry Wood construction!!
Cons: It is a little bit pricey
As this is my second Tivoli Radio (PAL was 1st) and in-spite of the original defective unit -- I am a more dedicated Tivoli fan now that I have an IR Stereo w/FM - IR audio quality is excellent considering the source and my ISP (DSL) in-spite of low IR bit rates. FM is as good as it gets from WAMU Prairie Home Companion, Classical WETA, WJZW Oldies to news on WTOP - and set up was a breeze. FM reception is great without even extending antenna.
The Tivoli IR w/FM has even gotten me away from watching TV - almost a miracle in itself!
out of 2 user reviews
By Far The Best Wifi Radio on the Market
Pros: Beautiful Finish, Superior Sounds, Easy to Setup and Use
Cons: Need ability to set unlimited number of alarms
Traded it for the Networks. The unit is beautifully made. The fact that the jacks are underneath is no problem. The cords easily fold and come out in just on place helpig to minimize cord clutter.
The controls on the back could be a pain if you don't use the handy remote control, which I assume that everyone will do, so the editor was extremely unfair ahout this feature.
On to setup. Setup was a breeze. Within 5 minutes the unit was up and running without even looking at the manual. Five funky stations come pre-set on the remote. I perform a search and find one of my favorite New Orleans music stations. It comes in clearly and in 128kb per second. Then I search for a podcast and find it right away. Set it for pre-set 5. Comes in clearly and perfect sound. Unfortunately you can't pause it or go backward. However, if you shut the unit off it will come back on when you turn it back on.
Set up WM11 on my notebook and start playing my full music libary over the Networks. It was easy and painless.
It is fairly easy to search for radio stations and podcasts. Look for Tech5 with Dvorak, found. Look for Twit, got it. Look for Diggnation, again its there. Find a Flamenco station in Spain and a Reggae in Jamica. It all works very well.
I have had a number of wifi radios including, Squeezebox 3, Logitech Duet and the Chumby. I have tested a number of others and this is by far the best from an ease of use standpoint and a sound quality viewpoint.
What's missing. I want to be able to control the unit from my PC just like I can with my Squeezebox. I want to set an unlimited number of custom alarms so I can get up everyday to different music at different times. I want a backup alarm tone if the wifi is down or the station is out. I want a failsafe alarm so that even if it can't pick anything up, it still awakens me.
I would like open source to download applets like I can for the Squeezebox. And how bout an adjustable brightness control for the read out. Right now I can either have it on or off.
Haven't tested iPod integration yet but will do so soon.
Overall, Tivoli has made the wifi radio almost as simple to use as my first transistor radio that only had a volume dial and a station knob. However, now I can get thousands of stations at the push of button. This unit brings the wifi radio state of the art several notches higher. With a few small upgrades and additional feature, this could become the gold standard.