Wireless Internet Radio without a PC
Cambridge start up Reciva has developed a next generation radio. The sound is as clear as a DAB radio, but the choice of stations ranges from 10,000 – 75,000 if you believe the claims on sites like www.radiotower.com , or www.virtualtuner.com.  Reciva delivers internet radio and archived programming on a device that doesn’t require a PC.

Plug and play
When I got the radio home, I plugged it in and put it on a shelf in the kitchen. I expected to need to get out the user manual to go through a series of elaborate configurations, but after a couple of seconds it picked up a signal from my BT Voyager ADSL modem and 2 of my neighbours’! Then by using the tuner I was able to scroll through a variety of choices, by genre, geography, name, etc. It also has the ability to support the listen again feature so if I want to listen to an episode of “Dead Ringers” on Radio 4, I can listen to it at my leisure and not at 18:30 on a Friday. I settled on an American station and listened to an all 80’s station (loudly) much to the chagrin of my husband.

What it can do that my PC or traditional radio can’t?
As an early adopter of internet radio (I bought into Real Audio and broadcast.com from the start) I was keen to give Reciva a try. Pre-wireless I had to sit in the study if I wanted to listen to anything, plus the sound on my PC was poor and the volume controls were weak. Reciva solves all of these problems. I was able to use it in every room of the house, plus I was able to get better quality on Radio 4 than I get on my 2 conventional radios or on my DAB radio. For the record, I was able to get a signal on the radio in one room where I couldn’t get a signal for my PC.

Downsides
Not commercially available
The unit I reviewed was a prototype. The company is currently working with mass market producers to bring the unit to market. I will be first in line to buy the moment they become available.

Tuner configurations are currently facilitated centrally
At the moment the choice of radio stations are managed by the engineering team at Reciva. I understand from Reciva that going forward, there will be comprehensive flexibility in setting up the radio to reflect my tastes and interests.

The Digital Home
I am constantly on the look out for new technology that leverages the wireless home. If you come across anything in your travels, please send me the information to: diana@ariadnecapital.com