“Better than FM”. That’s the sale pitch that these guys used, but I guess its spot on. Beaming radio from satellite sounded too imaginary, but hold it there, see it to actually believe this. What floored me first off was , the sound quality. Its miles ahead of your magnetic tapes and a touch short of CD quality digital sound. But still its right up there with the best. Plug this stuff to a good quality amplifier, and there you are with your 24 hour versatile music library.
When I say versatile, I’m not making any tall claims. The music is not at all repetitive and all you need to do is think of the kind of music u wana listen to and its there, playing on air. It has a great collection of ROCK & POP music from the 70’s and 80’s and also JAZZ. Its got a unique collection of 68 channels currently and this consists of every other kinda music that u could think of. It even plays regional channels, like Tamil, Malyalam etc. Wat more u got a 24 hr CNN, BBC news networks on it. Apart from all this it also allows you to listen to your conventional FM/AM stuff.
The most important thing about this product is the sound. Its digital sound and is very clear, without the hiss or crackling or for that matter even the minutest distortion. Its easy to use, all u need to do is plug this device to a power point. Wire up the patch antenna, facing it towards east or west outside ur window, balcony or terrace and there you r ready to listen to your favorite music. Facing the antenna east would give u access to 24 channels and facing the antenna west would give an access to 44 channels. That makes it 68 channels. Now I’m sure u can’t ask for more. It’s a portable music station, which even runs on battery. U can carry it around anywhere in this country and get access to your favorite music, but remember u need to b stationery. The receivers cost anything between Rs.4990/- to a meaty 11, 990/-. But I suggest the 4990/- Hitachi one should serve the purpose if u got a good amplifier @ home. Though the device looks a li’l boxy, but it does a lota things for you. Its got a good 3 layer LCD Digital display for ease of Channel selection.
It even allows you to store ur favorite channels in a memory, making the operation a single button mechanism. And the most important thing, these guys actually come home and show you how to use the product and also provide you with a 1-year replacement warranty on your receiver. The marketing ploy used to promote this product, I thot is excellent and has worked well. They first looked @ popularizing the product thru a hype at various music oulets, coffe shops, fast food corners etc. They have xclusively tied up with Barista to promote this product. At Barista they have placed placards which reads “ you r listening to worldspace music.”, which obviously is creating a lota interest. And ofcourse they have their regular road shows going @ key areas.
Industry sources say these geeks have already managed to sell 500 units of these receivers even b4 the launch. And I must say their after sales support is worth all the money u spend on the product. There is a buzz in the market that, these guys r coming up with a receiver for cars too. Boy, doesn’t that sound xciting. Sources say, that the prices may further go down. But I suggest, if my review has tickled your excitement even one bit, then I guess u grab ur receiver right away. And trust me, u wont repent. Ur finicky dad may probably give u a pat on ur back for making ur first right decision in life.
There’s a word of caution I’d like to sound b4 I conclude, make sure u don’t buy a receiver from abroad as those receivers don’t work in India. Receivers that come in to India come along with a special serial number. When u buy a receiver, u need to call up their call center. The representative will then ask u for your product serial number. Once u give him/her that, u’d b given a password pertaining to the number, which needs to b keyed into ur receiver to actually start receiving your favorite music. The product is not available in the grey market, so pls don’t waste ur time hunting for good bargains.
So friends, I suggest u take a look at this product and then put ur comments on my review. And lemme know if I’ve gone astray even one bit in reviewing this product. Looking forward to hear from u guys soon.
Arios. Elegant Destroyer.