How I Started - I started listening to Internet radio this past summer. I have been listening to netradio.com for about half a year now. I like it so much more than conventional radio.
No Static - First, static is a thing of the past. It's all crystal clear CD quality music here. And, since my computer speaker system sounds better than my stereo system speakers, it's better sounding crystal clear music. It's better feeling too. I like the sub-woofer.
It's there all the time - Yup. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. On rare ocassion, it will go silent for a few minutes. I think the system gets out of whack and resets.
No DJs - Radio DJs rarely have anything to say that I want to hear and they are always talking over the beginning and ending of every song. Not a problem with Internet radio. There's no DJ at all - just recorded lead-ins and returns from the commercials.Limited Commercial Time - And, the commercial time is bearable. The main marketing angle, at least with netradio.com, is that a link to their online CD retail store comes up with each song played. Most of the advertising is on screen. The only advertising you hear is a 20 second spot every 20 minutes or so for the online CD retail store. I can live with that.
Hardware Needed - That's the only catch. With 28.8K or 56K modems and a dial-up connection, I think you'll have problems with the audio dropping out on you. With my 300K ADSL connection, the audio never drops. And, a cable modem is more than is even needed here.
Internet Radio Links - Here are some links to Internet radio sites. If you know of a site that is not listed here, let me know and I will add it to the list. If you have RealAudio G2 or later, there are preset links to radio sites in the Favorites list ready for you to use.
e-Radio Live - features live DJs if that's your thing
Music of Your Life - claissics form the likes of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and others
Netradio.com - Over 120 channels of music
Radio Sonicnet - Can be customized
Or, just go to your favorite search engine and look for Internet Radio. There are lots of stations out there.
The NetTable Forum - Click here to check out the NetTable message board. Discuss internet radio with other forum members.