If music is your thing, and you have a collection made of CDs, MP3s, and other downloaded audio, but like to listen to Internet and AM/FM radio as well, that's a pretty tall order for a single device to fill. But the iRAD-S from AudioRamp is a device that can do it all.

The iRAD-S combines Internet streaming and downloadable audio with AM/FM and CD capabilities. Users can download, assemble, and manage a personal music library derived from AM/FM broadcasts, online music sites, CDs, or Internet streaming braodcasts. Playback for this music is easy: the Shuttle Button -- a single touch point -- will have you rockin' till the break of dawn. Even distributing the music to other devices is made easy using the Personal Audio Network Manager (iPANManager), which relies on IntelligentAudio technology.

As with the component iRAD-C, IntelligentAudio is the complimentary audio technology. The software and hardware components for this technology are incorporated in the MyAudioRamp Website and embedded in the AudioRamp devices. It is this technology that allows the player to learn each user's preferences. Also, while listening to music, the iRAD ActionButton can be activated, and IntelligentAudio will then take a digital footprint of the song and reveal all of its information, including artist name, song title, album name, and label on the 3 x 5 inch LCD.

The iRAD-S acts independently, without using a PC. It connects to the Internet via a 56k modem, Ethernet, or HomePNA connection. This comes in handy not only for downloading new music, but for connecting to the AudioRamp server for software upgrades. The iRAD-S can also transfer the audio and music to MP3 players through a standard USB port. A multi-function CD player plays MP3 and standard CDs, and records CDs to the iRAD's 8.4GB internal hard drive, which will hold more than 3,000 songs.

An egronomically designed remote control will let you play what you want, when you want, all the way from across the room. And powerful bookshelf speakers will ensure that you will be able to hear whatever you are playing. The iRAD-S measures 9.7 x 7.6 x 10.8 in.

Pricing and Availability

The iRAD-S will be sold by different manufacturers, so the price point has not been set.

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