Worldspace radio

[cnh]

I am going to be spending some time floating round the Baltic after retirement, and was wondering whether anyone had tried the Worldspace radios. Do they work? Do they need a sub? Do they broadcast BBC R3 and R4?

Nicholas Hill

www.channelpilot.info

 

[Uisteach]

We looked at these, but then (6 months ago) coverage was very limited outside North America, Africa and parts of Asia. You may find that it's still the same, that coverage in Europe is only in the very early stages of development (in some ways there's no need for it in smaller countries with national radio coverage).

We use a lap top for radio when we can get internet access. The BBC, for example, has a great range of programmes availble online - live broadcasts of each radio station, and a "listen again" section of things you might have missed. They also now have podcasts of a range of progs so you can download them onto your ipod and listen whenever.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/progs/listenagain.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/d/

So you don't have to have your web browser open all the time, a lot of stuff can be listened to with RealOne Player. Also, iTunes gives access to a wide range of online radio stations.

U

 

[cnh]

That assumes internet access! I thinking of whilst at sea.

 

[Gypsy]

I have been happily using a Worldspace Radio in the Med for 4 summers. Unfortunately the coverage does not stretch to the Baltic. You can see the satellite coverage maps on their website <www.worldspace.com>. There are more than 40 channels but most of the popular now require a subscription. There are 2 BBC World Service channels, one tailored for Africa the other more general but the reception of each is dependent upon your location as they are on different transponders. They DO NOT carry R3 or R4 much to the disappointment of many in the Med.
We use our WorldSpace Radio a lot and find the subsription is reasonable value for 6 months of music and news.
Ray

 

[cnh]

So the answer's 'no' on about four counts. But thanks anyway.

Nicholas

 

[Deleted member 478]

Things may have changed in the 15 months that I've been off the water, but I enjoyed a daily tune-in to worldspace and would buy another.

I found that the subscription requirements changed from month by month eg this month you had to subscribe to say CNN, next month it was free, but classical music now required a subscription. I found that irritating.

 

[chrisc]

No they do not carry BBC 3,4 programmes and one now has to subscribe to most of the other programmes. I can get World space in Gothenburg but it propobally does not go much further north.

 

[davidbains]

Reception can be tricky on a yacht unless someone has produced an omnidirectional antenna.

 

[Gypsy]

Not really if there is the least amount of breeze or tide or motion to keep you headed in the same direction. It can be annoying at anchor with no breeze but I find the supplied antenna of my Hitachi can cope with about 90deg movement (+-45deg). When sailing on a particular course it can cope with the normal movement of the boat once the antenna is pointed south.
Ray