RadioBanter - View Single Post - Is shortwave a good alternative to cable TV?

February 12th 04, 03:48 AM

In article ,
says...

Im thinking of dumping my cable TV. That will leave me with only two
local TV stations to get via an antenna.

OK.

Im considering buying a shortwave receiver that I can listen to while
doing things around the house.

I'd think listening to AM/FM might be better for general
entertainment...

Is there interesting programming available via shortwave? Is my idea
sound? What good receivers are worth looking at?

Yes, there is a lot of interesting, informative programming
via shortwave. Not so much in the domestic market, which
is dominated by Holy Rollers / Conspiratists / Hate-mongers;
but by tuning into foreign broadcasts you can get music,
news, and opinions you'd never hear from the mainstream
media.

However.

Shortwave is not like TV. Some stations only broadcast for
a few hours a day, or switch frequencies on the hour for a
variety of reasons. Reception can vary from crystal clear
to lousy from day to day for no obvious reason. And when
the sun belches, you can wind up not getting anything...

If you can get streaming audio on your computer, you might
want to use it to listen to shortwave. It can be more
dependable.

On the other hand, if you like hunting elusive things,
and hearing broadcasts to make you wonder if you might
have acciodently tuned into Mars, shortwave is a GREAT
hobby...

FW