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Suggestions for a stream host

earshot

earshot

Hi all,

We're a reading service for the blind and are about to launch a radio station. We're going to stream for those who may be able to operate a computer but the biggest reason for the stream is to feed the audio to a local FM which is putting our service on its subcarrier. We've got the Barix boxes for our end and the station's end and a Sidekick SCA to feed the transmitter.

I'd like to ask for advice from your experiences on stream hosts. I've heard about Stream Guys. Live365 is not an option because it's not user friendly for the blind using JAWS (software that speaks to allow the blind to use the computer).

Our stuff will be primarily spoken word and mono.

Since it's an ongoing expense, cost will be somewhat of a factor but decent tech support also goes a long way.

Thanks for your input!
 
Loudcaster, a spinoff of LoudCity, is promising some great social media features in addition to optional circulation on set top boxes like Roku and mobile devices like iPad. Their service comes bundled with music licensing compliant with DMCA and SoundExchange. With a present listener cap of 100, it seems targeted toward serious hobbyists.

For standalone stream hosts: I had an OK experience with ViaStreaming, and a really poor one involving the CSR's at ServerRoom.us.
 
I have no idea if it will meet your needs, but you can do excellent audio streaming with ustream.tv fed with Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder.
 
Sounds as if you'll really only need a single stream to the FM station, so you don't need a large server with lots of listener slots. Since it's pretty much voice only, you can go with a Shoutcast server at only 32kbps and at the rate, mono will actually sound better than stereo. I use Wavestreaming for my internet talk radio station and they've proven very reliable with zero downtime in the nine months that I've been with them. They are based in the U.K., but my Shoutcast server is actually located in Virginia, just outside Washington D.C. . They also have very competitive pricing.
 
Check http://www.cloudbroadcaster.com, they give folks a free 25 listener slot shoutcast server. They also sell larger services but this is pretty killer. (plus you could allegedly sign up for multiple free accounts, allegedly).
 
Well I won't say they are the best but I have been doing testing for Shout Radio Automation and if you are looking to get a station up and running with a minimum of expense on software bandwidth and things then these guys hands down have it wired....

http://www.shoutautomation.com/

Please jump out and take their tour and see how their system works, I have to say they are proactively making things better each and every day.
 
I jjust switched to http://www.fastcast4u.com/ They have the best prices on the market if you dont need a control panel or auto dj. i pay 7.99 monthly for 100 slots at 128k. I monitor the stream 24/7 on another PC,, so far no buffers or drop outs and no downtime. So far im pleased.. There is no way you can beat that price.. I have no clue how they stay in bussiness. Also if you want a free server with 40 slots.. No auto DJ or control Panel ..at any bitrate you want,, and multiple streams if you want go to http://www.radio.ipip.cz/ and translate it into english Ive used this server alot and didnt have a single problem with it except if you shut yoru stream down,, you will get a different port when you come back,, Ive used their streams at even 320k without a single glitch.
 
Mid West Clubber said:
I have no clue how they stay in bussiness.
Click to expand...

Well as somebody who has owned a hosting company for over 10 years I can tell you for the most part it is smoke and mirrors....

They can say unlimited bandwidth and all kinds of things because in all honesty nobody ever uses a fraction of what they think they need... Most web sites are very small yet people need UNLIMITED space???

I imagine that these guys provide people with large inexpensive packages because they know most stations will never more than a handful of users on at one time....

Companies that offers packages like this though can get themselves in trouble fast if just one station because seriously popular and begins to tap the limits...

It is kind of like deep sea fishing you put your line out and hope that you don't catch a Shark...
 
earshot said:
Hi all,

We're a reading service for the blind and are about to launch a radio station. We're going to stream for those who may be able to operate a computer but the biggest reason for the stream is to feed the audio to a local FM which is putting our service on its subcarrier. We've got the Barix boxes for our end and the station's end and a Sidekick SCA to feed the transmitter.

I'd like to ask for advice from your experiences on stream hosts. I've heard about Stream Guys. Live365 is not an option because it's not user friendly for the blind using JAWS (software that speaks to allow the blind to use the computer).

Our stuff will be primarily spoken word and mono.

Since it's an ongoing expense, cost will be somewhat of a factor but decent tech support also goes a long way.

Thanks for your input!
Click to expand...
FWIW to you, I've posted a message on the Live365 Message Board in the Feedback Thread (The URL takes you to the page where my post is). Look for a guy named leftyconservative on there (That's me :D ).

Only problem is, the section of the forum where it could be posted is only accessible to broadcasters. That means you won't be able to see it unless you purchase broadcasting from them (Other parts of the board are open to non-broadcasters though but they don't have a feedback thread).

But the main thing is Live365 will be able to see it though.

In my post there, I included a link to this thread & a quote of most of your message with an emphasis on your comments on Live365 in bold text (Hope you don't mind). Hopefully someone who actually works at Live365 will look at this thread & take it to heart. I also reminded them that VISITORS MEANS $$$ TO THEM which helps in paying their salaries as well ;)

Anyway.....Good Luck in finding hosting.....

Cheers :D
 
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