![]() FM radio reception is better than average. I find the degraded audio quality acceptable because the radioSHARK is so much easier to use than my old setup. The recordings have a little background static, but it isn't too bad. In my current setup - using an extra long USB cable - the AM reception is average. If anyone plans on using the radioSHARK, then I suggest purchasing an extra long USB cable extender so that you can locate the radioSHARK as far from your computer as possible. This is potentially a big problem because the radioSHARK interfaces with the Mac via USB. The radioSHARK also seems to be more sensitive than other AM radios to interference from other electrical equipment. PERFORMANCE: The CCRadio Plus is still the standard for clear, crisp, long range AM radio reception. A similar conventional setup (CCRadio Plus & VersaCorder) costs at least $250 + the cost of cassette tapes. PRICE: The Griffin radioSHARK is a virtual steal at $70. I use an external Maxtor OneTouch firewire hard drive for backup. The only archival work that you have to do is make sure that you backup the original copies. Finally, the radioSHARK solves the archival problem because it makes a digital copy of the radio broadcast. It is also a completely wireless solution. The iTrip is a great solution that doesn't require batteries and will work with any stereo capable of receiving FM radio broadcasts. I bought a small, easy to use, iPod FM transmitter - the Griffin iTrip - to transmit my digital music through my car stereo. ![]() My primary medium for listening to radioSHARK recording is my iPod. I will no longer need to carry my 1/4 speed cassette player with me in order to listen to my favorite talk radio shows. MP3 files will play on any computer or digital music player. The radioSHARK converts the radio feed to MP3 or AAC format as it records to your hard drive. This will also save me money in the long term because I don't have to continually purchase new cassette tapes for recording. This solved the problems involved with using 110 minute cassette tapes. The radioSHARK records radio programming onto your Mac's hard drive. The Griffin radioSHARK promised to address all of these limitations. They degrade over time and are sensitive to damage from temperature and humidity. The fourth and final limitation is that cassette tapes are not a good archival medium. The third limitation is that there is no easy way to transmit the 1/4 speed cassette player audio through your car stereo. ![]() 1/4 speed cassette players are extremely rare. The tapes can only be replayed in a 1/4 speed cassette player. The second limitation is that, in order to fit a full 3 hour show onto a 110 minute cassette, the VersaCorder records at 1/4 speed. The supply of 110 minute cassette tapes are dwindling and they are becoming increasingly harder to find in stores. The first limitation is that the system uses 110 minute cassette tapes for recording. My current setup works wonderfully, but there are some serious limitations. I purchased the Griffin radioSHARK because it is a high tech replacement for my CCRadio Plus and VersaCorder. I've been using the product for almost 2 months now, so I feel comfortable giving a "yea" or "nay" recommendation. In my January 8th, 2005 blog entry, I promised a review of the Griffin radioSHARK.
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