Using the iRadio

If you are reading this on a PC you have installed yourself, you will most likely not find the setup process a challenge, it is straight forward and the build in config-wizard is self explanatory. Most important setting is connectivity, where you set up how the iRadio will communicate with your network, either through Ethernet/RJ45 wired, or through WLAN wireless.

Since streaming audio doesn’t use a lot of local bandwidth a 11Mbit wireless network will largely suffice to use the iRadio successfully. When you happen to have both wireless and wired network hooked up, the iRadio will use the fastest network (wired) by default.

As you could see in the specifications, WEP, WPA, WPA2 wireless data encryption methods are supported, ideal for setting up the device in your WLAN without sacrificing security.



We tested the NOXON iRadio with WLAN and Wired network, it worked flawlessly, switching between profiles after a quick power cycle.

We prepared a small movie showing you the menus and general usage, but it turns out TerraTec was one step ahead, as they have their own demo movie which basically sums up all the possibilities, and what’s more, the commentary track is much more enjoyable ;)



They don’t mention that the remote control offers more control than the front panel buttons allow, a closer look at the remote control reveals more functions:



The numeric pad works a bit like the keypad of the cellular phone, if you are using internet radio or local music database, you can use the numeric pad to search for keywords and get the genre/artist you want, without having to scroll through all the names.

When you are at the main menu, the numbers can be programmed to directly access a certain song/internet radio, the iRadio front panel gives you 5 presets, with the remote you get an extra 4! The other extra buttons give you shortcuts to the configuration screen, adding/removing favorites, and the small “i” button at the bottom switches the LCD screen info, either time of the song and title, the title in large font, the name of the device (you can customize this).

The volume control on the remote works separately from the one on the iRadio, so you can fine tune to the exact level you want using both. Using Infrared, the included 2xAAA batteries are set to last you a while.

Software setup, power usage, conclusive thoughts next ->