ReQuest Adds Internet Radio to Multiroom Media Servers

ReQuest, a pioneer in media servers, continues to take the lead in streaming media, adding Internet radio to its offerings.

The company's F.Series servers will be get access to 50,000 free music stations, which users can easily navigate via ReQuest's famed user interface.

Stations can be searched by name, genre or bit rate on the system's Web server, and favorite stations can be added to a station list for quick and easy access from any control panel in the house.

Once added, stations can be renamed and given custom cover art using the same tools already available for ReQuest's hard-drive music library.

Among the manufacturers of whole-house media servers, ReQuest is one of the more progressive.

The company offers Hulu, YouTube and Netflix through its media servers. And now … Internet radio.

Each of the independent audio outputs on a ReQuest server can seamlessly switch back and forth between hard drive music libraries and streaming radio, allowing listeners in one part of the home to choose either source without interrupting listeners elsewhere in the home, and all without needing to dedicate a zone to streaming radio. F.Series servers are available with either two- or four-zone audio outputs.

The new Internet radio feature was engineered with third-party control systems in mind.

Pre-built modules will be available for download, allowing installers to integrate feature with Crestron, AMX, and other third-party control systems.

System owners will also be able to control station selection from the free ReQuest iPhone/iPod Touch application.

ReQuest expects to launch Internet radio in October. It will be a free software upgrade for all V5 F.Series and all iQ systems with streaming outputs. Older F and N.Series systems can be upgraded for $150 MSRP.