Discussion:
Roberts 93i - was 320 kbps - today 96 kbps
(too old to reply)
Roger
2021-06-02 07:15:15 UTC
Permalink
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
--
Roger
Brian Gaff (Sofa)
2021-06-02 08:12:14 UTC
Permalink
Does it not depend on the stream? Also I've not forgiven BBC from removing
their streams from tune in since now multroom music on than Amazon devices
will no longer work, since the sounds skill is not parsing back the command
to the devices as Tune in Does resulting in only one speaker playing it and
any on the same stream being out of sync. Bah humbug.

Brian
--
This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from...
The Sofa of Brian Gaff...
***@blueyonder.co.uk
Blind user, so no pictures please
Note this Signature is meaningless.!
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
--
Roger
charles
2021-06-02 08:22:33 UTC
Permalink
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
My R3 says 160k at the moment
--
from KT24 in Surrey, England
"I'd rather die of exhaustion than die of boredom" Thomas Carlyle
Tweed
2021-06-02 08:52:14 UTC
Permalink
Post by charles
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
My R3 says 160k at the moment
Just checked my Roberts 94i and Radios 2, 3, 4 and 5 are all streaming at
320kbps AAC. Times Radio 128 Kbps,MP3. Swiss Radio Classic 94 Kbps AAC.
BR-Klassik 192 kpbs MP3.

Looks like a clear win for the BBC.

Wonder why the 93i is different?
Roger
2021-06-02 10:58:03 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 2 Jun 2021 08:52:14 -0000 (UTC), Tweed
Post by Tweed
Post by charles
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
My R3 says 160k at the moment
Just checked my Roberts 94i and Radios 2, 3, 4 and 5 are all streaming at
320kbps AAC. Times Radio 128 Kbps,MP3. Swiss Radio Classic 94 Kbps AAC.
BR-Klassik 192 kpbs MP3.
BR-Klassik and Times Radio are as you wrote. I didn't try Swiss
Radio Classic..
Post by Tweed
Wonder why the 93i is different?
My 93i used to stream the BBC at 320 kbps. I moved the radio
closer to the router and tried with an ethernet cable; still
96 kbps.

The only change I've made recently is to update the firmware in
my modem/router. I can't imagine how that could cause the radio
to stream at a lower rate.

Oh, I've just checked my IP address in case it was switched to
something which didn't appear to be in the UK. It's not that.
It's the IP address I've had for years; 80.229.12.xxx (Plusnet).
(I believe that non-UK IP addresses can only receive the 96 and
48 kbps streams.)

The next thing to try is a factory reset but I think I'll wait
to see if anybody else with a 93i responds with their bit rates.
--
Roger
Scott
2021-06-02 11:22:41 UTC
Permalink
Post by Roger
On Wed, 2 Jun 2021 08:52:14 -0000 (UTC), Tweed
Post by Tweed
Post by charles
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
My R3 says 160k at the moment
Just checked my Roberts 94i and Radios 2, 3, 4 and 5 are all streaming at
320kbps AAC. Times Radio 128 Kbps,MP3. Swiss Radio Classic 94 Kbps AAC.
BR-Klassik 192 kpbs MP3.
BR-Klassik and Times Radio are as you wrote. I didn't try Swiss
Radio Classic..
Post by Tweed
Wonder why the 93i is different?
My 93i used to stream the BBC at 320 kbps. I moved the radio
closer to the router and tried with an ethernet cable; still
96 kbps.
The only change I've made recently is to update the firmware in
my modem/router. I can't imagine how that could cause the radio
to stream at a lower rate.
Oh, I've just checked my IP address in case it was switched to
something which didn't appear to be in the UK. It's not that.
It's the IP address I've had for years; 80.229.12.xxx (Plusnet).
(I believe that non-UK IP addresses can only receive the 96 and
48 kbps streams.)
The next thing to try is a factory reset but I think I'll wait
to see if anybody else with a 93i responds with their bit rates.
As an aside, would it be worth me enabling 5 GHz on the router, as my
94i is capable of this?
jon
2021-06-02 11:39:33 UTC
Permalink
Post by Scott
Post by Tweed
Post by charles
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed that
BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they used to be
320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether this is a
permanent change or not? Are other internet radios also affected?
My R3 says 160k at the moment
Just checked my Roberts 94i and Radios 2, 3, 4 and 5 are all streaming
at 320kbps AAC. Times Radio 128 Kbps,MP3. Swiss Radio Classic 94 Kbps
AAC. BR-Klassik 192 kpbs MP3.
BR-Klassik and Times Radio are as you wrote. I didn't try Swiss Radio
Classic..
Post by Tweed
Wonder why the 93i is different?
My 93i used to stream the BBC at 320 kbps. I moved the radio closer to
the router and tried with an ethernet cable; still 96 kbps.
The only change I've made recently is to update the firmware in my
modem/router. I can't imagine how that could cause the radio to stream
at a lower rate.
Oh, I've just checked my IP address in case it was switched to something
which didn't appear to be in the UK. It's not that. It's the IP address
I've had for years; 80.229.12.xxx (Plusnet).
(I believe that non-UK IP addresses can only receive the 96 and 48 kbps
streams.)
The next thing to try is a factory reset but I think I'll wait to see if
anybody else with a 93i responds with their bit rates.
As an aside, would it be worth me enabling 5 GHz on the router, as my
94i is capable of this?
Give it a try, there is less crowding on 5GHz.
Scott
2021-06-02 11:58:24 UTC
Permalink
Post by jon
Post by Scott
Post by Tweed
Post by charles
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed that
BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they used to be
320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether this is a
permanent change or not? Are other internet radios also affected?
My R3 says 160k at the moment
Just checked my Roberts 94i and Radios 2, 3, 4 and 5 are all streaming
at 320kbps AAC. Times Radio 128 Kbps,MP3. Swiss Radio Classic 94 Kbps
AAC. BR-Klassik 192 kpbs MP3.
BR-Klassik and Times Radio are as you wrote. I didn't try Swiss Radio
Classic..
Post by Tweed
Wonder why the 93i is different?
My 93i used to stream the BBC at 320 kbps. I moved the radio closer to
the router and tried with an ethernet cable; still 96 kbps.
The only change I've made recently is to update the firmware in my
modem/router. I can't imagine how that could cause the radio to stream
at a lower rate.
Oh, I've just checked my IP address in case it was switched to something
which didn't appear to be in the UK. It's not that. It's the IP address
I've had for years; 80.229.12.xxx (Plusnet).
(I believe that non-UK IP addresses can only receive the 96 and 48 kbps
streams.)
The next thing to try is a factory reset but I think I'll wait to see if
anybody else with a 93i responds with their bit rates.
As an aside, would it be worth me enabling 5 GHz on the router, as my
94i is capable of this?
Give it a try, there is less crowding on 5GHz.
Thanks. Could you explain about the SSID as my level of competence
does not extend that far? I believe you can either set both networks
to the same SSID or set them up effectively as two networks. Which is
recommended? If I use the two networks approach, would the radio
still be able to use both or would I have to choose?
Tweed
2021-06-02 16:00:40 UTC
Permalink
Post by Scott
Post by jon
Post by Scott
Post by Tweed
Post by charles
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed that
BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they used to be
320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether this is a
permanent change or not? Are other internet radios also affected?
My R3 says 160k at the moment
Just checked my Roberts 94i and Radios 2, 3, 4 and 5 are all streaming
at 320kbps AAC. Times Radio 128 Kbps,MP3. Swiss Radio Classic 94 Kbps
AAC. BR-Klassik 192 kpbs MP3.
BR-Klassik and Times Radio are as you wrote. I didn't try Swiss Radio
Classic..
Post by Tweed
Wonder why the 93i is different?
My 93i used to stream the BBC at 320 kbps. I moved the radio closer to
the router and tried with an ethernet cable; still 96 kbps.
The only change I've made recently is to update the firmware in my
modem/router. I can't imagine how that could cause the radio to stream
at a lower rate.
Oh, I've just checked my IP address in case it was switched to something
which didn't appear to be in the UK. It's not that. It's the IP address
I've had for years; 80.229.12.xxx (Plusnet).
(I believe that non-UK IP addresses can only receive the 96 and 48 kbps
streams.)
The next thing to try is a factory reset but I think I'll wait to see if
anybody else with a 93i responds with their bit rates.
As an aside, would it be worth me enabling 5 GHz on the router, as my
94i is capable of this?
Give it a try, there is less crowding on 5GHz.
Thanks. Could you explain about the SSID as my level of competence
does not extend that far? I believe you can either set both networks
to the same SSID or set them up effectively as two networks. Which is
recommended? If I use the two networks approach, would the radio
still be able to use both or would I have to choose?
I’ve set my Wi-Fi up with different SSIDs for 2.4 and 5GHz. I associate my
94i to the 5 GHz SSID, thus giving it no opportunity to jump down to
2.4GHz. The problem with 2.4GHz is there is potentially a lot of other
stuff there, not just Wi-Fi. For example, the throughput on 2.4 GHz
measurably drops when the microwave oven is on. 5 GHz is more easily
blocked within a building, so if you have a single Wi-Fi access point you
might find more dead zones than 2.4GHz. I solve this by having three mesh
router units (Linksys Velop) which essentially flood the house with 5 GHz
signal. So providing your 94i receives a decent 5GHz signal in its location
it is more likely to keep receiving that signal and nit be interfered with.


The poor propagation of 5GHz is as much an advantage as a disadvantage -
you are much less likely to be getting interfering signals from your
neighbours.
MB
2021-06-02 16:06:56 UTC
Permalink
Post by Scott
Thanks. Could you explain about the SSID as my level of competence
does not extend that far? I believe you can either set both networks
to the same SSID or set them up effectively as two networks. Which is
recommended? If I use the two networks approach, would the radio
still be able to use both or would I have to choose?
Why not just temporarily connect on an Ethernet cable to eliminate the
radio path.
Scott
2021-06-02 20:22:30 UTC
Permalink
Post by MB
Post by Scott
Thanks. Could you explain about the SSID as my level of competence
does not extend that far? I believe you can either set both networks
to the same SSID or set them up effectively as two networks. Which is
recommended? If I use the two networks approach, would the radio
still be able to use both or would I have to choose?
Why not just temporarily connect on an Ethernet cable to eliminate the
radio path.
Not sure what you mean. This is a 'permanent' arrangement with
router and Internet radio in different rooms.
Roderick Stewart
2021-06-02 17:40:06 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 02 Jun 2021 12:58:24 +0100, Scott
Post by Scott
Thanks. Could you explain about the SSID as my level of competence
does not extend that far? I believe you can either set both networks
to the same SSID or set them up effectively as two networks. Which is
recommended? If I use the two networks approach, would the radio
still be able to use both or would I have to choose?
Try it and see. Whatever works for you works for you. I have the same
SSID on both wavebands and let all equipment decide for itself what to
use. I have a Draytek modem/router in the hallway at the front of the
house and my Roberts 93i radio is in a bedroom upstairs at the back of
the house and it works perfectly.

For what it's worth, I've done speed tests on most wireless devices
around the house with and without the microwave running and found no
effects whatsoever.

Rod.
Andy Burns
2021-06-02 14:43:51 UTC
Permalink
Post by Scott
As an aside, would it be worth me enabling 5 GHz on the router, as my
94i is capable of this?
Unlikely to make any difference, if it's working on 2.4GHz., at worst
could reduce your range from router to "radio".
Roger
2021-06-02 10:08:41 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 02 Jun 2021 09:22:33 +0100, charles
Post by charles
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
My R3 says 160k at the moment
Very odd. I wonder where that is coming from. AFAIK the BBC
streams are 320, 128, 96, or 48.
--
Roger
Scott
2021-06-02 10:36:39 UTC
Permalink
Post by Roger
On Wed, 02 Jun 2021 09:22:33 +0100, charles
Post by charles
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
My R3 says 160k at the moment
Very odd. I wonder where that is coming from. AFAIK the BBC
streams are 320, 128, 96, or 48.
Could there be confusion with DAB (when there is cricket on)?
Scott
2021-06-02 10:41:59 UTC
Permalink
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
On my 94i Radio Devon is showing as 319 kbps. Personally, I prefer
320 kbps but I am willing to compromise :-)
Andy Burns
2021-06-02 14:41:59 UTC
Permalink
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps.
Thought you meant 320kbps on DAB for one crazy moment. AAC/ADTS streams
still available online, e.g.

<http://stream.live.vc.bbcmedia.co.uk/bbc_radio_fourfm>

can you manually give the Roberts a URL to play from?
Roger
2021-06-08 18:36:46 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 02 Jun 2021 08:15:15 +0100, Roger
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
Again, I don't know how long ago it happened but someone,
somewhere has adjusted something and my Roberts 93i is back
at 320 kbps for the above three stations.
--
Roger
Scott
2021-06-08 18:56:52 UTC
Permalink
Post by Roger
On Wed, 02 Jun 2021 08:15:15 +0100, Roger
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
Again, I don't know how long ago it happened but someone,
somewhere has adjusted something and my Roberts 93i is back
at 320 kbps for the above three stations.
Could it be that the top quality stream was unavailable for some
reason and your radio defaulted to the next best? Or could there have
been a problem with your Internet connection and would the radio then
automatically adjust to a lower bitrate (as I believe Zoom does)?
Roger
2021-06-08 21:16:10 UTC
Permalink
On Tue, 08 Jun 2021 19:56:52 +0100, Scott
Post by Scott
Post by Roger
On Wed, 02 Jun 2021 08:15:15 +0100, Roger
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
Again, I don't know how long ago it happened but someone,
somewhere has adjusted something and my Roberts 93i is back
at 320 kbps for the above three stations.
Could it be that the top quality stream was unavailable for some
reason and your radio defaulted to the next best? Or could there have
been a problem with your Internet connection and would the radio then
automatically adjust to a lower bitrate (as I believe Zoom does)?
Internet connection is 40/10 Mbps FTTC. I had no trouble getting
the 320 kbps streams on my computer and still use the internet
for other things.

I suspect that the radio doesn't get its streams direct from the
BBC URLs; rather via a third party and that is where something
went wrong (from my perspective). I'm confident that the lowered
bits rates were caused by something external and am glad that
the higher rates have been restored.
--
Roger
MB
2021-06-08 21:24:53 UTC
Permalink
At the moment R1, R2, R3 and 6 Music are 128 kbps

R4 is 80 kbps Mono
R5 is 64 kbps Mono
Scott
2021-06-08 21:33:31 UTC
Permalink
Post by MB
At the moment R1, R2, R3 and 6 Music are 128 kbps
R4 is 80 kbps Mono
R5 is 64 kbps Mono
Is that DAB or online? OP is talking about streaming online..
tony sayer
2021-06-09 10:26:18 UTC
Permalink
Post by Roger
On Tue, 08 Jun 2021 19:56:52 +0100, Scott
Post by Scott
Post by Roger
On Wed, 02 Jun 2021 08:15:15 +0100, Roger
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
Again, I don't know how long ago it happened but someone,
somewhere has adjusted something and my Roberts 93i is back
at 320 kbps for the above three stations.
Could it be that the top quality stream was unavailable for some
reason and your radio defaulted to the next best? Or could there have
been a problem with your Internet connection and would the radio then
automatically adjust to a lower bitrate (as I believe Zoom does)?
Internet connection is 40/10 Mbps FTTC. I had no trouble getting
the 320 kbps streams on my computer and still use the internet
for other things.
I suspect that the radio doesn't get its streams direct from the
BBC URLs; rather via a third party and that is where something
went wrong (from my perspective). I'm confident that the lowered
bits rates were caused by something external and am glad that
the higher rates have been restored.
There was a large net connectivity problem a few days ago, might have
had something to do with it perhaps?..
--
Tony Sayer


Man is least himself when he talks in his own person.

Give him a keyboard, and he will reveal himself.
Roger
2021-06-09 12:12:24 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 9 Jun 2021 11:26:18 +0100, tony sayer
Post by tony sayer
Post by Roger
On Tue, 08 Jun 2021 19:56:52 +0100, Scott
Post by Scott
Post by Roger
On Wed, 02 Jun 2021 08:15:15 +0100, Roger
Post by Roger
I don't know how long it's been like this but today I noticed
that BBC radios 3, 4, and 4 extra are at 96 kbps whereas they
used to be 320 kbps. Has anybody any knowledge as to whether
this is a permanent change or not? Are other internet radios
also affected?
Again, I don't know how long ago it happened but someone,
somewhere has adjusted something and my Roberts 93i is back
at 320 kbps for the above three stations.
Could it be that the top quality stream was unavailable for some
reason and your radio defaulted to the next best? Or could there have
been a problem with your Internet connection and would the radio then
automatically adjust to a lower bitrate (as I believe Zoom does)?
Internet connection is 40/10 Mbps FTTC. I had no trouble getting
the 320 kbps streams on my computer and still use the internet
for other things.
I suspect that the radio doesn't get its streams direct from the
BBC URLs; rather via a third party and that is where something
went wrong (from my perspective). I'm confident that the lowered
bits rates were caused by something external and am glad that
the higher rates have been restored.
There was a large net connectivity problem a few days ago, might have
had something to do with it perhaps?..
I wondered that. As I don't know where the radio gets the BBC
streams from... who knows.

The streams from:

http://a.files.bbci.co.uk/media/live/manifesto/audio/simulcast/hls/uk/[etc]

were unaffected. Using my computer I could get the 320 kbps
streams okay.
--
Roger
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