Since pretty much anyone can purchase a wireless-router nowadays and set up a home Wi-Fi Internet connection, it's becoming quite clear that wireless Internet radio receivers might soon be a lot more popular than their classic counterparts. For this reason, VTech has decided to tackle this field early and launched at CES 2009 the IS9181, a Wi-Fi Internet radio receiver that combines relatively mainstream features with a very affordable price point.

Practically, the IS9181 offers the same level of functionality as most other similar devices on the market. Thus, the product from VTech connects to the Internet via the built-in 802.11 b/g module and allows users to either tune into Internet radio stations or stream music stored onto their own home network (either on computers or NAS devices), as long as we're talking about MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and Real file types.

Furthermore, if your Internet connection happens to be faulty or down, you can always connect your MP3 or CD player to the IS9181, since the radio also comes equipped with an auxiliary audio cable. Plus, for easier operation, the Wi-Fi radio is accompanied by a handy remote control, as well as a large, full-color display, for easy viewing of the radio stations, weather and horoscope text updates based on zip code.

As far as the audio quality is concerned, the IS9181 is actually pretty good, since it's been equipped with 2.1-channel, 3W front-firing stereo speakers, accompanied by a 10W subwoofer with class D amplifiers for powerful bass response.

Although no precise availability date has been provided, VTech does point out the fact that the IS9181 will arrive in stores at some point over the course of Spring 2009, while its price tag will be quite an OK one, of just under 200 US dollars.


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