How to Best Record Internet Radio

Overview | Features | Recommendation | Comparison Chart | About

Recording Features to Look for:

Internet radio recorders use two different technologies: Stream Capture and Sound Card recording. The best recorders will have both. Here's a quick explanation:

Stream Capture records the exact bits and bytes that are sent to your PC from the radio stations server. The advantage of recording with stream capture technology is that you get perfect reproduction of the original audio, with no sounds from other applications ruining your recording. Your sound card is free to be used by any other application.

Sound Card Recording is more like having a tape recorder sitting next to your PC's speakers. Anything you hear is recorded. The advantage of this method is that any audio format is supported, even some not yet invented. The disadvantage is a loss of quality, and the possibility of system noises getting into your recording. Plus, Windows Vista users may not always be able to record using this method, depending upon their system and sound card drivers installed.

Here's some other things to look for:

Record a direct digital copy of any audio played on your PC with no loss of quality.
Save files in wav or mp3 format
Media Guide for radio shows and stations
Listen while you record streaming audio or save audio silently.
Support for popular stream formats - Windows Media Player, Real Audio, Shoutcast/MP3, Flash
Burn CDs
iPod/MP3 Player support.
Easy to install and use.

Next: Our Recommendation