Welcome to our FAQ

We welcome and value your questions to help build a knowledge base of information for all our customers and provide excellent service. If your question was not addressed in our FAQ, please contact us.

Media Streaming

What is SHOUTcast Streaming?
SHOUTcast by Radio Solution is a streaming solution which permits anyone to broadcast audio to listeners across the internet. You basically become your own radio station, but instead of broadcasting through radio waves, you broadcast through the internet. Your listeners can tune in through any supported media player, such as Windows Media Player, Winamp, iTunes, RealPlayer etc. Our SHOUTcast service uses MP3 format and can deliver audio in a live situation, or can deliver audio on-demand for archived broadcasts.

Why should I have a hosted server for my media streaming?
Due to our easy to use web-based interface, no prior knowledge on the working internals of SHOUTcast is necessary. Also, streaming audio takes up a lot of bandwidth, often much more than you can support off your home internet connection. Our stable servers and high capacity bandwidth take over this strain and enable you to broadcast at a high quality and support more listeners. We offer an inexpensive solution for DJ's, radiostations or bands who want to get their music out to the world and gain attention.

What is Live Event Streaming?
Live Event Streaming allows a user to broadcast a live audio or video event in real time on the Internet through Streaming Media. Not only is the very concept of doing a live webcast an exciting and often perfect solution, it is also relatively easy to do: webcasting live can be accomplished by simply having a webcam or digital camera, a laptop or home computer, appropriate cabling, some free software, and a modest broadband connection. Put all the elements together, and you are online live! At the other extreme, professional productions such as major music or sporting events can be broadcast to tens of thousands of viewers via their web browsers.

If I need a player, how do I get one?
Download the player you desire using the links below! Remember, you only need the basic, free version of each player to enjoy streaming content. All of these companies sell upgraded versions with more features, but all supply a basic, free version too. They usually hide the free one, so don't buy the upgraded version unless you want to. Once you've downloaded the player, it will usually install itself. You may need to reset your browser preferences to use a new player.

    • Download Windows Media Player
    • Download Real Player
    • Download QuickTime Player
    • Download Shockwave Player
    • Download Winamp Player
Are there downsides to streaming?
There are some potential problems and our suggestions to avoid or minimize them:

- Traffic Jams.
Streaming requires an Internet connection that's free of bottlenecks or "traffic jams." Streamed content passes through many other computers on its way to your computer via your ISP. If any one of them is carrying too much other traffic, the streamed content may be interrupted and pause. Streamed content is "buffered" to help avoid this, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Usually the delay only lasts a few seconds, and the audio picks up where it stopped. Video is more sensitive to such interruptions.

- A Slow Computer.
Even with a fast computer, if you have too many applications open, it could slow down your media streaming. If you notice things are sluggish, close all unnecessary applications and windows running on your computer. Just keep your Web browser and your media player open. (If you're just listening or watching, you can even close your browser.) In any case, speedy computers are better.

- Noisy Phone Lines.
If you have a phone line that isn't free of noise (humming, crackling), that's not good for streaming (or Web browsing). Disconnect any phones that cause a buzz or hum. Have your phone company check your line to get rid of humming or other line noise. Of course, a cable modem or DSL connection is best for streaming media.

I Dont See Any Video Or Hear Any Sound.
1. Make sure that you have the most current version of the apropriate Media player installed.
2. Make sure that you are connected to the Internet or your local network.
3. If it is a Live Webcast, make sure that it has started.
4. Are you behind a firewall? If so, please reference the next question.

What Do I Do If I Am Behind A Firewall?
A firewall is used to block unwanted traffic from your network and computer. Check with your Network Administrator or ISP to make sure that they have your firewall configured to allow streaming media content to be viewed. Tell them that you need port 80 open and if possible UDP ports 4040 and 7007.

The Media Player Is Installed; I Dont Have Firewall Issues, But Still Dont See The Stream?
If you have previously connected to the stream but are currently experiencing problems, try clearing your History and Cache in your browser.

How Do I Choose My Connection Speed?
The information below can help you determine your correct connection speed.
· 28k Dial-Up connection - Choose the 28k connection or Low Multibitrate stream
· 56k Dial-Up Connection - Choose the 56k connection or Low Multibitrate stream
· DSL - Choose 300k connection or high Multibitrate stream if available
· Cable - Choose 300k connection or high Multibitrate stream if available
· T-1, T-3, DS-3, OC-3, - Choose the highest connection available

Audio Production

What is On Hold Messaging?
On Hold Messaging is NOT an answering machine, but a marketing tool. It will provide valuable information and should activate the listeners to take action. On Hold Messaging will increase sales, reduce custoemrs to hang up and enhance your professional image. Please read more here.

More Questions?

If your question was not addressed in our FAQ, please send us an email.

You can also visit our helpdesk and submit a ticket if you have more questions. And you are welcome to try our LIVE Online Help you will find at the top of the side menu on each webpage and speak to one of our available online assistants.