Sanyo Rolls Out R227 Hybrid Internet/FM Stereo Radio

Given the fact that the popularity of Interned radio stations has grown so much over the past few years (after all, anyone can set up their own stations in a matter of minutes), there's also an increased level of interest among consumers regarding Internet radios, which allow users to listen to their favorite online stations even in the absence of a computer. And that's exactly the type of product Sanyo's Canadian branch has just launched, namely the R227 Internet/FM Stereo Radio, a device that, as its name says it, can be used for listening to "classical" and "modern" radios.

In order to access Internet radio stations, the R227 sports an easy network key entry when used on secured wireless networks. It enables search by country or genre, with eight Internet station presets. It also has an FM stereo digital tuner with eight station presets. Loaded with clock radio functionality, including wake-to-internet or FM radio, the R227 boasts good stereo audio with dual speakers. Plus, it works with a wide variety of file formats, including here AAC, AIFF, MP3, RM, WAV, WMA and playlists (M3V), which can be streamed from a networked computer.

Besides the Wi-Fi module, the R227 also sports an Ethernet socket, input for MP3/WMA players, headphone jack, and output to connect to an external audio system. Plus, it can be controlled from a distance via the remote control provided in the package and won't even occupy too much space around the house, since it measures 215 x 140 x 110 mm.

The Sanyo R227 will be available, at least for starters, in a black wood gloss finish and has a MSRP of around 220 Canadian dollars (173 US dollars), which is actually quite an OK price point, given the extended level of functionality the device can provide.