Just recently Sony have been the late arrivals at almost all the new
technology parties and we don't mean fashionably late, we mean very
late past the point where the food has run out and the good wine is
all but gone!
 Take
for example the new Digital network walkman, it doesn't get here for
a few months and even when it does it won't support the worldwide
standard MP3, Apple must be quaking in their Ipod white boots! But
at least Sony aren't trying to reinvent DAB radio with the release
of he XDR s1 radio, instead the unit expected in the UK this
September takes the full Sony Style and applies it to a rapidly
growing market.
The multiband XDR-S1 includes both band III and L band tuners
which should mean DAB reception across mainland Europe as it becomes
available, also Sony have made it backwards compatible by include FM
/ MW / AM which should also help fill in those areas without DAB
coverage.
Audio output is provided by the 2 x 2.3 watt speakers which are
hooked up to Sony's 4 mode audio electronics to provide different
listening experiences, which is fine if you want to hear the latest
track from the Red Stripes in a cave but we'll settle for normal
sound and perhaps even skip the mega bass option too.
Connecting the XDR S1 to other equipment is via analogue or
optical digital ports, these are essential as Sony has decided to
pass on the next big "option" for DAB radios the ability to record
live radio and delay it in a Sky+ fashion. A useful extra is the
ability to store data that is soften sent as part of the DAB data
stream, often this can be a website address, telephone number or
track, a simple push of the memo button stores this and up to 128
lines of data for later recall.
But those who buy Sony are often after form more than function
and the XDR S1 had plenty of form, clad in sleek and stylish
aluminium effect and with a well executed 2 X 20 character display
which access the 10 presets and main menu systems.
Sony have set an asking price of the XDR S1 DAB Radio
at just shy of £140, which is premium price in the DAB market, but
as 60% of new radio sales are DAB there is certain to be enough of a
demand for well made highly stylish radios.
More DAB Radio Reviews -
[ Up ] [ XFM DAB Radio ] [ Revo DAB ] [ Pure Bug DAB Radio ] [ Pure Evoke ] [ Sony XDR S1 DAB Radio ] [ Sharp DAB Portable Radio FVDB1ES ] [ Genus PR1I DAB ] |
