Rio's Digital Receiver Moves Music

By

(03/21/01, 05:35:01 PM EDT)

The Digital Audio Receiver from Rio uses existing phone lines to stream digital music from the home computer to the Receiver, located in any room, without interrupting Internet access, PC usability, or standard telephone service. Along with being able to use the Rio Receiver to remotely select music, each family member can listen to different music in different rooms at the same time.

The Receiver supports MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) formats, is programmable to support future technologies, and offers simple navigation through music files. It also features:

• Connectivity to existing home speakers and phone lines, and power via any electrical outlet. No additional computer or extra wiring is required; the unit's networking card is just snapped into place.

• Music management by searching a stored music collection via controls on the unit or with the supplied remote control. Tracks can be managed and organized by music genre, artist name, song name, album name, or playlist name.

• A large backlit screen displaying the track title, album, artist, and total playing time, which is customizable to match consumers' personal preferences.

• A 10-megabit connection to the PC -- a bandwidth that allows consumers to distribute large digital music files quickly from their PC to the Receiver.

• A built-in amplifier that allows the Rio Receiver to be a stand-alone component in any room or part of a larger stereo system, ensuring high-quality digital audio sound.

Pricing and Availability

The Rio Receiver is available for an estimated retail price of $349.95.