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Automatic downloads

C

Chuck

I am looking for a Windows based program that automates downloading and saving audio files from a web stream. Basically, I need to time shift a newscast that is available by download, by saving it in a file that our automation can play back later. It looks like Radio Spider will do it http://www.digitaljukebox.com/RadioSpider.htm . Has anyone had experience with the program? Is there a better/easier/cheaper way to accomplish this? Free or cheap is good.

Incidentally, our automation has no problem playing directly off a web stream, but our ISP (HughesNet) adds about a five second of latency to the process, which sometimes makes the silence sensor skip to the next event. Obviously, I could back off on the silence sensor, but I hate dead air. Five seconds sounds like an eternity to me. A faster responding ISP would be nice, but I don’t have that luxury at this time.
 
No doubt there is a better way to do it. Personally, after the mess I had with the Windows version of DJB (it caused me to find another system for at least two stations) I would steer clear of their products.

I don't know your particulars, but what about AutoFTP located here: http://www.primasoft.com/ftp.htm
 
We use a piece of software called Get Right from Headlight Software- Version 6.3E
Here is a link- http://getright.com/get.html
We do over a hundred traffic, weather and news/sports downloads 100% error free.
In conjunction with our Enco Dropbox software and Instatrim functions, we run completely
touch free on these downloads.

One note- first time setup is a little tricky but it is virtually bullet proof once set up.

Did I mention that this is a $30 shareware application.

Mark- WLOH Lancaster, OH
 
Another App I'd reccommend is "Second Copy" it's a handy duplication tool for network files, but also can automate ftp downloads. I haven't tried http files, and it's probably more Explorer than IE based (versus getright) but it's also a $30 option I'd buy twice.

The copy 'profiles' can be setup on any frequency, as well as checking for updated versions of files (or new files) in a directory, it can also be setup to run a program (or batch script to rename, etc) once it's completed the download.
 
Let me second the suggestion to use the "Second Copy" program. I've used it for about 2 years now and it's rock solid. This program does the following tasks for us: automatically uploads audio files to our server, automatically downloads files from various servers, uploads our podcasts, and even backs-up our audio library each night. The program cost only around $30. I'm going to order a second program to back up our office computers each night. Very nice program...

www.secondcopy.com
 
I've used Windows Task Scheduler to automate downloads with great success. I update my top of the hour news and weather with it. The only drawback is that the file you are downloading needs to have the same file name everytime it is downloaded.
 
Our way of doing it:
Recording various online streaming feeds: Total Recorder
Archiving from our live feed from our sound card: Total Recorder
Uploading (FTP) on a schedule our archives: Super Flexible Synchronizer
 
Chuck said:
Has anyone had experience with the program?
Click to expand...

In response to your question, Chuck -- yes, I've had experience with it -- mostly all good. It will work well for what you intend to do with it.

Barcus can be difficult to contact at times.... I'm not sure what the value is in one of his "support contracts", since it seems he's the only support person. He's not very good at returning phone calls, either -- It's kind of a one-man-band of a company. Nonetheless, when you do finally get him, the support is good, and his software is pretty good too.
 
rockradio1017 said:
Why not just use a batch file and Scheduled tasks? Simpler and it's free..
Click to expand...

First of all, it's not simpler for EVERYBODY. Try teaching the PD to write shell scripts and you'll see what I mean.

If you don't mind constantly being bugged by station personnel then I suppose you're right, but in the real world, finding everyday employees that can do that kind of thing is a rarity.

I suppose you could use batch files and task scheduler as a playout system too..... but you wouldn't. :D
 
The very first post mentioned Radio Spider. About a month ago I downloaded the demo version from DJB to get news, sports, and features from our news providers ftp site. A few minor hiccups setting up the downloads but now that it has been running for over a month, and I have purchased the license for it, I am very happy with it. RS downloads from the ftp site, renames the file, and places it in the correct folder for playback later. The renaming of the file seemed to be a big issue for some including me, so this feature alone is worth the price of admission. So one vote for Radio Spider.
 
PA_Tune said:
rockradio1017 said:
Why not just use a batch file and Scheduled tasks? Simpler and it's free..


First of all, it's not simpler for EVERYBODY. Try teaching the PD to write shell scripts and you'll see what I mean.

If you don't mind constantly being bugged by station personnel then I suppose you're right, but in the real world, finding everyday employees that can do that kind of thing is a rarity.

I suppose you could use batch files and task scheduler as a playout system too..... but you wouldn't. :D
Click to expand...

I automate the download of 10 agriculture reports a day and our weather too. It updates every day part. I'm just telling ya what works for me. If I can be any help.. lmk..
Click to expand...
 
Another vote for Radio Spider. New version works great. Written for radio. Renaming the file is critical to being able to let our automation import it. It can also email you if the download fails. 99% of the time when this happens, it's due to the provider forgetting or failing to post or upload the file. Nice feature to have on a weekend or something when nobody is around the station for long periods of time.
 
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