Cell Phones Bring Audio Portability Like Transistor Radios a Generation Ago
How to Listen to WHAV on the Latest Cell Phones

Today’s cell phones are not unlike the transistor radios of 40 years ago — a lightweight and portable listening experience.  The differences are greatly improved sound quality and larger numbers of available listening choices in high-fidelity stereo.

For those looking for a high definition listening experience, many of the latest cell phones allow you to listen to WHAV virtually anywhere in CD quality. Here’s a sampling of how to benefit from the latest technology.

You need at least a 3G (third generation) cell phone such as an Apple iPhone, HTC Droid Incredible or other phones to listen to WHAV’s cell-optimized, 32Kbps aacPlus streams.  However, newer 4G phones offer the promise of allowing listeners to hear WHAV’s standard 128kbps MP3 streams. You’ll probably also want an unlimited data plan at a fixed price so you don’t have any surprises when you receive your monthly phone bill.

Apple iPhone 3GS - 32GB - black (AT&T)

Out of the box, Apple’s iPhone enables quick and easy access to WHAV. Simply use the built-in Safari Web browser to visit WHAV’s cell phone page at www.WHAV.mobi and click on the appropriate link. QuickTime will then play the streams.

For additional features such as a variety of skins and ability to record, try PocketTunes, available on sale from the Apple app store for $4.99. For more information, visit http://www.normsoft.com/products/iphone/pockettunes/

HTC Droid Incredible (Verizon) & HTC Evo 4G (Sprint)

Droid phones have recently exploded in popularity. With rising popularity come a number of options for radio listeners.

XiiaLive Radio App (formerly DroidLive) is an android application that allows streaming of multiple audio formats, aacPlus, M3U, PLS, MP3, MP4, MP4A and MPEG through Android phones. You can purchase the app for a low introductory price of $3.99 at http://www.xiialive.com/

Cherry Rplayer also tunes in stations and provides lyrics if available.  It’s free and available at http://cherryrplayer.leadapps.com/home.

RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700 (T-Mobile)

The ubiquitous BlackBerry hasn’t always been Internet radio savvy, but third party software is changing that. RadioBee is only $4.99 and touts the ability to work in background and Bluetooth audio streaming to your car or home audio. Learn more at http://www.radiobee.com/.

The Mobiola xPlayer offers more than you probably need at $19.95, but you can try it free for seven days. The player is described as “a multimedia player for all major audio and video formats with Live Radio support.” Adding new stations is a bit more complicated than other players listed and may require you to enter WHAV’s raw URL (http://shoutatme.com:17282/listen.pls). Learn more at http://www.mobiola.com/mobiola-xplayer.

Then there is the free Yourmuze.FM (formerly Moodio) — not an application, per se, but rather a special Web site. As one commenter notes, “Just works. No bells or whistles. You have to log in to a PC and register and then set up your streaming radio playlist.” Once you register and select WHAV from the search feature, you can then log in from your BlackBerry at m.yourmuze.fm.

Using Other Mobile Devices

If your 3G or 4G cell phone isn’t listed, there are probably still applications you can use to listen to WHAV. There are versions of PocketTunes for Palm Treo and Windows Mobile devices. You can use Google to search for options. Generally, you’ll want to find players that support “Shoutcast” and “AAC” if you use a 3G phone, and “Shoutcast” and “MP3” for 4G.

Getting the Best Sound

If you can help it, don’t rely on your phone’s built-in mini speaker. For best sound, use your stereo ear buds, powered speakers or a patch cord to connect between the earphone output of your phone directly to your car or home audio system. Many new car models are already equipped with input jacks or Bluetooth wireless connectivity for this purpose.

Alternatively, you can use one of those car FM transmitters to take the sound from your phone and broadcast it to an empty spot on your FM dial. Look online or at your local Radio Shack for any cables or adapters you need to connect the devices.

Sportscaster Bob Cosgrove Tonight on the Open Mike Show
In-Studio Guest Describes His Lengthy Career

Sportscaster Bob Cosgrove, who has enjoyed several radio and television stints during his long career, is scheduled to appear on WHAV’s Open Mike Show at 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 21.

Besides Cosgrove, host Jack Bevelaqua opens the microphones to listeners for discussion of wide ranging topics. 

As always, listeners are invited to compete for free gifts such as fresh-baked cakes from Emily’s Bakery or a one-year subscription to Merrimack Valley Magazine. First-time callers are also eligible to receive free stereo earbuds and bumper stickers during the two-hour live program.

The on-air call-in line is (978) 374-1900. Repeats of the show air at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, and 1:30 a.m., Friday.

The WHAV call letters have been associated with local broadcasting since 1947. For more than six years, the WHAV call has been heard on the Internet at WHAV.net and a number of public access cable television stations in Andover, Haverhill and Methuen, and Plaistow and Sandown, N.H. The station is also heard over low-power AM 1640 and may be seen at WHAV.TV. To listen, or for more information, visit www.whav.net.