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01 December 2010
Despite what you may think, Jerk (our resident curmudgeon) is actually one of the nicest and thoughtful guys you’re likely to meet. Point in fact, back in early November, I posted a few articles pertaining to Internet radio in which I stated how much I enjoy listening to a variety of stations from around the world.
Well, when my birthday rolled around and I happened to be driving by his place – there he was, in his driveway, waiting for me with a box of Steamwhistle and a Vtech IS9181 Wireless Internet Radio Tuner Receiver. Doesn’t get much better than that! The first thing I did when I got back home was to sit down and start fiddling with my new Wireless Internet Digital Radio Receiver.
For those who may not know what a wireless Internet radio receiver is, it’s a stand alone device with integrated network capabilities that is able to stream Internet digital radio stations through your home network. While Vtech is mostly known for their cordless phones, I have to say that the VTech IS9181 WiFi Internet Radio Receiver is very easy to set up and use. Set up is linear and could probably be done without referring to the manual although it has comprehensive and clear instructions 
and there are a few things you will want to look up, such as how to configure your network share to be able to stream music files stored on personal computers in your house. I had mine up and playing in about 10 or 15 minutes after which I spent a couple of hours dialing in local FM stations, discovering new Internet digital radio stations and playing with the AccuWeather forecast settings.
For something roughly the size of a tissue box with a pair of 3W speakers and 10W subwoofer, I was expecting it to sound weak, flat or tinny. Quite the opposite. The sound comes through crisp, clean and powerful. This particular Internet radio receiver is fairly well built and has a big bright LCD display and responsive button/dial cluster on the top. The integrated WiFi 802.11 b/g card has a very good range off of my Wireless b/g/n router and was able to stream flawlessly, without lag or buffering, up to about 200ft away.
As for features, they are a plenty. The Vtech IS9181 INternet Radio Receiver has a built in clock (alarm clock) and displays up to 5 days of weather forecasts
that it pulls in from AccuWeather. It has a built in FM radio tuner, can play Internet digital radio streams from thousands of preconfigured and well categorized stations and allows you to add more via a Web interface. It can also stream music from your personal library on your home computer or from any device you plug in via the rear 1/8 inch jack. You can also push to external speakers or devices via a pair of RCA jacks. It can be powered by a 14V DC adapter (included) or 6 ‘AA"’ batteries for portability. Compatible with Windows Vista, XP, as well as MAC OSX 10.5 or earlier, it is able to handle MP3, WMA, ACC, RA, RM and RMVB audio file formats.
The pros? With an impressive feature list, big bright display, flawless streaming, access to over 11 000 Internet digital radio stations, impressive sound, ability to program 100 online favorites and 40 FM – all for less than $150.
The cons? The included remote is a bit flimsy. The battery bay is a bit shoddy as when I put the radio down with a light bump the batteries slid around and lost contact. Also, on battery power, even though the unit automatically reduces output by 25% to economize, it will only last about 4 or 5 hours. No ethernet port for hard wiring. Unable to stream Podcasts.
Bottom line? Let’s just say that I’ve been listening to my favorite Big Hair 80’s music and a variety of Talk Internet digital radio on my new VTech IS9181 Wireless Internet Radio Receiver with a huge smile on my face ever since I’ve had it. I love the sound, display and ease of use. For me, it’s like having Satellite radio without the monthly cost!
Now, if I could only figure out how to get a wireless internet receiver to work in my truck - I'd be a happy guy!
For more info and pricing for this and other Wireless Internet Radio Receivers, start by visiting:
Buy VTech IS9181 Wireless Internet Radio Receiver
VTech IS9181 Wireless Internet Radio Receiver (Manufacturers Website)
CNet Review - Wireless Internet Radio Receiver Roundup
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