Well I found (typically daft) workaround to get the HTC HD to play live streaming BBC World Service radio.
This workaround uses the Windows Internet Explorer(IE) + Media Player rather than Opera + Streaming Player combo I was expecting.
Oh well here goes....
Bookmark :
www.windowsmedia.com/mobile/default.asp
In Windows Internet Explorer (or Opera) click on the GotRadio link and this will open up a stream of American RnB / droning teen rock BUT it does work and open up a functioning 'live' stream In Windows Media Player.
This takes about 30 seconds to get audio.
Next open up your bookmarked link to BBC World Service in IE :
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/c...nbram=1&nbwm=1
this will show an error page saying you don't have the correct plug ins. So click on the Launch in Stand Alone Player and it will launch in Windows Media Player.
Make sure you connect using WIFI or you'll get a massive data bill. Also when you play without earphones the speaker is on the back of the unit so place the phone face down for extra volume.
If you have problems with the BBC site you may need to go to the BBC site go to preferences and make Desktop Connection and Windows Media Player as your IE browser's default settings.
I'm sure there's an easier method (go and replace your HTC phone with a Nokia that does radio streaming of BBC radio effortlessly) but I just figured this out and thought I'd pass it on.
Just found a website with rtsp:// live (partial delay) radio station links that seem to work with Real One Player (not the basic Streaming Player):
Radio4:
rtsp://rmlive.bbc.co.uk/bbc-rbs/rmlive/ev7/live24/radio4/live/r4_dsat_g2.ra
Others:
http://ukbouldering.com/board/index....ic=8781.0;wap2
I'd be interested to hear if anyone else has found ways to play genuine live radio stations on the HD including how it was acheived using which apps and browser.
Anyone know where I can get a better list of radio stations using a rtsp:// format URL ? This is the only format accepted by Real One Player (and the not so reliable Streaming Media for Pocket PC).