Types of USB Radio Tuners

Many artists, celebrities and other personalities continue to market and use the radio as a medium for entertaining and communicating with the public. However, consumers are drastically moving to alternative technologies that meet all entertainment needs. In particular, many individuals use a desktop or laptop PC to do just about everything, including work, learn, and watch TV. USB radio tuners are helping consumers move away from stand-alone stereos and boomboxes.

Radio-Only

These tuners resemble USB flash storage drives in size and shape. However, most USB tuners have an internal antenna that picks up radio broadcasts in the area. The retail package usually includes an installation CD that includes the device driver and the on-screen user interface. When you open the application, the tuner in the USB port initiates, too. You change the station by pressing the "up" or "down" arrows on the interface or you can type in a specific station's numerical frequency. Additional software features include the ability to record radio broadcasts and create a favorite station list. FM produces better sound, which may be a reason why many USB radio tuners do not offer AM capabilities.

TV-Tuner with FM

Some USB TV tuners include FM capabilities as an added feature. For cable TV programming, modern TV tuners are compatible with over-the-air digital TV as well as coaxial cable TV technology. These tuners can have more parts, to support both TV and radio functionality, and some are too large or heavy to rest in the USB port. Instead, a USB extension cable may connect the freestanding tuner to the PC. After installing the drivers and application software, users switch between watching TV or listening to the radio. The FM antenna may lie on the inside or outside of the tuner.

Internet-Dependent Radio Tuner

FM radio signals are limited over distances. However, you can use the Internet to access nearly any radio station in the world. On the radio station end, companies use software that digitally uploads the broadcast to the Internet. On your end, a radio tuner with Internet capabilities can retrieve hundreds, to maybe thousands of global radio stations. The benefit to you is that you can store your favorite stations in the USB radio tuner and tune in from other PCs.