We've all got pretty used to using a PVR to time shift, fast forward and rewind TV but we've never really done it with radio. We've seen PVR radio functionality on PCs but the place where we really love to listen to radio is in our cars.Now the European Space Agency (ESA) will be bringing PVR functionality to in-car radios. It will store recorded audio most likely on a solid state flash memory which can withstand the bumpy rides in your car, like when you might accidentally run over Celine Dion for example.
The ESA will be using a new satellite radio system that will require little changes to your car in order to receive it, while also allowing for PVR functionality. The satellite radio system will differ from existing satellite systems in that it will be a lot cheaper.
But would anyone actually use it? I'm not sure I would, especially in the days of podcasts.
1. I have been wanting to build this type of thing for a while now. I have a ReplayTV and every once in awhile I find myself ever so briefly reaching for a button on my radio that doesn't exist. Generally it's when I'm listening to a talk show and missed something they just said. I would think a minute of buffer space would be sufficient, and not all that difficult to incorporate (if you were the radio manufacturers)
Posted at 3:28PM on Jan 26th 2007 by Rob