KZION LDS Internet Radio

[john]

One of the biggest barriers and inconveniences of listening to KZION is that you have to be at the computer to listen to the music. Some listeners have their computer sound transmitted to their home stereo via blue tooth or FM transmitter. I have tried both of those methods and they're cumbersome and ofttimes don't work properly.

Recently I ran across a Network Music Player & Internet Radio made by Roku called SoundBridge. I have passed this information onto several others including Carl Watkins who produces the Sounds of Sunday show for KZION. Carl purchased two of these players and is extremely happy with them.

The SoundBridge does not require a computer, only a wireless or wired network connection. You will need a computer to add KZION to the presets but once you add the URL for KZION and KZION Sacred to the radio, you will not need a computer again.

If you have wireless Internet you can place the SoundBridge in any room and listen to KZION or KZION Sacred without having to use your computer . It operates much like your AM/FM radio. You will need to connect speakers to the unit though.

I just purchased one myself after I saw that model M1001 was on sale for $149. Regular price $199. I'll report back once I receive it.

[john]

I received my Soundbridge Roku M1000 today and was way excited to get it up and running.

I pulled it out of the package and immediately plugged it in. It takes about 9 seconds for the Roku message to come up on the screen so it's a little intimidating to not see anything for 9 seconds. Once it was done initializing it was a breeze to enter my network information via the included remote control.

I had a little difficulty because I control my wireless network with MAC Addresses and I struggled a little to get the MAC Address off the Roku. Once I did I was able to see the Roku listed in Network Places on one of my PC's. I right clicked on the Soundbridge icon and selected view in webpage.

Once I brought up the webpage I entered the URL for KZION and KZION Sacred and gave them each a unique name. I saved the presets and closed the browser window.

I then set the Roku up in my bedroom and attached some speakers. I used the remote control to get to my list of favorite stations and KZION and KZION Sacred were right at the top. I selected KZION and within a few seconds the music began to play and it sounded absolutely awesome!

The Roku is attractive and fairly easy to set up. You do need to understand your wireless network and how to connect to it. This could give some users a headache. But overall I would recommend this unit to anyone who wants to get away from their computer but still listen to KZION.

[dsscheibe]

The cheapest method I have found is the Soundcast AudioCast transmitter and receivers. The transmitter has two input jacks and will play anything you can plug into it from your PC to your MP3 Player. It broadcasts at 2.4Ghz and does not interfere with my WIFI connection and is as clear as the sources is. The receiver has phono plug outputs but they come with all kinds of cables to connect it to about anything you'd want. One transmitter will support 2 receivers.

http://www.soundcastsystems.com/prod-audiocast.htm

It isn't quite as cool as a WIFI radio but if you have an existing stereo system it is a great solution. I've been using it about a month and have been very pleased. I have two stereo systems, one in the living room and one in the master bedroom so it has been perfect for me. I have tried a couple of other products and they aren't as simple and clear as these.

Scott