TIVOLI NETWORKS GLOBAL RADIO
Everything you need to know about the new Tivoli Networks Global HD Radio
NetWorks is currently unavailable in NZ. An excellent alternative is to Bluetooth Internet radio stations to one of the new Tivoli Bluetooth models.
Stereo or Mono? Before Networks arrived, we thought that having the stereo speaker would be an absolute prerequisite. And there is no doubt that with the better sound quality and increased capacity that Networks has, a second speaker will make a terrific improvement. Yet there is a real elegance in the single unit, with just a power cable for connection. We don’t feel shortchanged and the sound is completely satisfying. So the choice can be one of aesthetics – the simplicity of a single speaker or the symmetry of stereo. There is only $200 difference so regardless of your choice at the time, you’ll not feel hard done by later.
There are so many things to like about Tivoli’s newest radio – the looks, the features, the ease of use. For us the most immediate and compelling aspect is simply the sound – the best yet by a good margin. And this is before we even start to go into the considerable depth of features.
So even if it just for listening to your favorite FM broadcast, this new Tivoli is it in no uncertain terms. Networks is bigger than the models One and Three, and this extra size delivers an unbeatable richness of tone and greater sound output. And that’s before we even consider the matching stereo speaker.
Even if sound quality is the number one attribute, the Tivoli Network’s Internet capabilities set it above anything else out there. Tivoli would have been one of the first companies off the block with an internet radio – in fact they had prototypes a couple of years ago. But there were a number of poorly conceived ‘Tivoli knock offs’ that popped up and you can safely assume that Tom DeVesto looked at these and promptly realized the only course was to produce something so unarguably better that it left all the imitators in the dust. So a lot more work and design has gone into this new radio than any previous model. Which, when you are a company as well resourced as Tivoli, means the end result will be not just better – it will be revolutionary.
The phrase – the future of music – has been used recently to describe new formats and products. Most of which really aren’t. Yet we listen to the new Tivoli Networks Global radio (to give its full name) and the only conclusion we can come to is that it is the future. Great sounding, Tivoli gives you access to an unlimited range of music, 24 hours a day. Any genre, any country – and with quality that is constantly improving with the rapid increase in bit –rates and developments including HD broadcasting and multicasting. This can all seem a bit daunting, so let’s take a couple of steps back and look at how the average listener is going to benefit from getting the new Tivoli Networks.
Assume you are a National Radio or Concert program listener – you may even own a Tivoli am/fm radio. The first thing you’d notice, even on normal broadcast, is that Networks is a step up – clearer, richer and with better reception. Now, you can easily move from FM to internet. You don’t actually need a computer. Just a modem and broadband connection. You can easily find both National Radio and Concert using just the display and little remote that comes with the Tivoli Networks – choose Internet radio, then stations, then choose local stations. And there on the list are the stations we want. A final quick button push and there you are (and you can easily save the station preset for instant access next time around.) The first thing you’ll find is the sound quality is better again – no background noise or interference. It will be hard to go back to FM now. Or TV for that matter.
That by itself would be pretty good. But this is Networks and Tivoli have many more tricks up their sleeve. You’ll also see on the display you have stepped through that Podcasts are an option. These are programs that have already played on the Radio – that you may well have missed or what to hear again – all listed on the easy to read display – news, music, features. Just press the button and whatever you have selected will play.
This is just the start. Imagine over 20,000 stations, many with podcasts, sorted by genre, country… You’ll be start to see the possibilities. If you want to indulge specialized or specific tastes, there will be more sources than you ever imagined possible. Quality entertainment, new music and favorites. Rather than relying on some third party to maintain a database, Tivoli have launched their own and its expanding rapidly – even if a station you want isn’t there you can just go to the Tivoli Networks Community site and get it added.
You’ve got quality options with the rapid adoption of higher bit –rate systems – Networks is compatible now and is set up to be easily upgradeable. Whenever upgrades to your Tivoli’s operating software become available, Networks will automatically tell you so you can stay right up to date.
So, Tivoli have the internet covered – what about your personal network? You can get music off any compatible computer or hard drive (there are a few rules you have to play by here) and likewise there is a USB slot in the back of Networks allowing you direct connection. The sound quality of this can be very close to CD.
The iPod is the most popular personal audio device in the world – and like every other Tivoli model, Networks will connect directly via the headphone output or a dock (which does sound better). Again, if you have recorded using either AAC or Apple own LossLess encoding, the sound quality is very, very good. Right now, it’s not possible to directly stream iTunes via Tivoli Networks (Apple are rightly protective of their own systems) but we do understand progress is being made in this direction – but remember we have that direct connection anyway and that’s always going to be a solid and reliable option. And why reinvent the wheel when we all know that the iPod is an intuitive and ergonomic masterpiece?
The easiest multi room system. While it isn’t difficult to move your Networks around the house, you may find that you aren’t the only one who wants to do this. But there is nothing to stop you having two, three or even more Tivoli Networks, all working in the same home – each can listen to stations independent of the other via the Wireless connection. All can access music on your computer or hard –drive. Plus FM stations and you can directly connect sources like iPods in each room. When you compare this with the logistics of installing speakers, cabling and amps, plus a control system, Networks can make a lot of sense. And if you move, it goes with you!
The Model 3 Clock radio is one of Tivoli‘s best sellers – the analogue clock face is just easier to understand and has a certain charm that digits can never have. So Tivoli have given us the option of and analogue clock face on the Networks Radio – and its actually better than the Model 3. You can set two different alarm times, it operates on a 24 hours cycle and the display has a more subtle backlighting but easier to see hands. The displays backlight and LCD contrast are controlled automatically by a sensor on the front panel. it’s also easy to turn this display off when complete darkness is required. While you can operate Networks by remote control, there are also controls at the rear allowing you to do pretty much everything should you misplace the remote.
While our emphasis has been on the wireless capabilities of Networks, there are a wealth of physical connections provided for. We’ve already mentioned the USB input, but if you look behind Networks, you’ll also find an Ethernet port, headphone output, auxiliary input (for CD player or iPod) Mix in (essentially another auxiliary) record out – which gives you fixed output ideal for using into a full –blown system. And both subwoofer and secondary speakers can be connected to further extend the abilities of our favorite Tivoli radio.
You even have 3 finish choices with Networks – Match it to your room decor or make a statement with the classic walnut, the popular cherry veneer. Or select a new rich dark timber finish – wenge (pronounced venga)
Whichever finish you choose, whatever stations you listen to, we think you’’l find the new Tivoli Networks is every bit as good as you’d hope if not better. We’ve been more than just pleased with Networks – we regard it as the best value for money product in our entire range, simply because it does so much and does it so well. And is still affordable – if we we forced to live with just one component, Networks would be it. As it is, we now listen to Networks for more hours than any other system in both the shop and home. But don’t just take our word for it – get one for yourself and start to explore the world of possibilities it offers.
Tivoli Networks Global Radio (with FM) NZ$999 including GST
Matching stereo speaker NZ$199
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