Internet radio through a PC

PiperUK:

I'm interested by internet radio - although I thought instead of spending £zillion on a portable player, can I get the same experience through my actual PC with a decent pair of speakers?

I had a quick Google for software, and had a look at Live365 but it seeems that u have to pay for the majority of the stations.

Most of the stations on live365 are free, though some do require you to buy the VIP package. The easiest way to tell is to look at the play button - yellow means it's free and gold with VIP underneath it isn't free.

If your listening for free the broadcasts contain adverts promoting live365 and a few other US products. I believe they are cut out on the VIP account

I have live 365 set up to stream through winamp to take advantage of the asio plugin I use but it does have a stand alone player.

There's also Auntie Beeb who probably offers one of the best services on the 'net full stop.

the record spot:

There's also Auntie Beeb who probably offers one of the best services on the 'net full stop.

I agree

http://www.shoutcast.com/

http://www.radiostations.co.uk/

http://www.radiofeeds.co.uk/

Also try:

www.reciva.com

designed for reciva radio users but works perfectly ok as a pc radio player via Real Player.

no bells or whistles its just straight forward and works!

do any of these providers offer higher bitrates - i currently use my squeezebox for radio but some of the stations quality is rubbish

I use Radiopaq which is very good and has stations i don`t normally get.