Why do some stream urls begin with mms?
Depends on what format the station is using to stream and what server. mms: is usually Microsoft Windows media, and I believe stands for Microsoft Media Server. MP3 streams usually will be http: streaming
Why do some stations demand listener information or to join their club. Seems counter productive -- I would think most would not want to give personal information to listen to a radio program.
If a station is doing well, it can be a way of controlling costs, keeps the casual listener out but means they listeners they get, they know they who is listening, demographics etc.. and well, you know what they can do with that info!!!!. That said, the vast majority of stations don't do that!
Why do most music stations stream at 35kb and not 128kb?
Cost, plain and simple. Also, you can't just compare rates. 35k sounds best as AAC+, then Windows media and would suck at MP3. 128k streams are usually MP3.
Most listeners listen on moderate to poor speakers and when I started, I was 128k MP3 stereo, when I became more popular, I dropped to 64k mono, then finally 64k stereo. I got twice as many slots for the $, and no real complaints. Again, that said, goto shoutcast.com and most MP3 stations are 64k. AAC+ is popular at 32k and 48k.
Also, 35k Windows media doesn't sound that bad, 32k & 48k AAC+ sounds really good except very few players can handle it.
A good forum for streaming radio stations is
www.allinternetradio.com and many of us would do our chilling with our license provider, in my case it was loudcity.
[/quote]
