Media Streaming Buyers Guide
Knowing what to select for your streaming activities is important. This section will walk you through the different solutions and packages we have available and explain some of the terminology used.
SHOUTcast Buyers Guide
Is SHOUTcast right for me?
SHOUTcast is right for you, If you need a solution to broadcast live internet radio it can easily be integrated onto any existing website. You can broadcast as little or as much as you like, you can also have DJs connect to broadcast from multiple locations if you wish.
Which SHOUTcast Package Should I Pick?
We have 2 types of SHOUTcast server available; Firstly, Our standard servers have no limit on bandwidth, and you are only limited by the number of total simultaneous listener slots you may have and the bitrate you can broadcast at. These servers are ideal for most busy internet radio stations and are suited to stations who know they have a steady audience - or are looking to start small and work up.
Alternatively, the 'Freedom' bandwidth limited servers have a much higher listener capacity and are ideal for stations who want to give off the right impression to advertisers. It will allow you to have hundreds or thousands of listeners for a fraction of the cost, on the basis that your radio station has 'peaks and troughs' so for example during peak shows - you expect a lot more listeners than the rest of the time.
What are listener slots?
Servers priced on this basis are ideal for radio stations that know their audience and have a consistent number of listeners. Remember, listeners won't always listen for hours and hours. 'Listener slots' refers to the maximum number of people who can listen at one time. So if your average listener only tunes in to your station for 1 hour - then over a 24 hour period you could have anything upto 1200 listeners on a server with only 50 listener slots.
What is bitrate (Eg 128kbps)?
Bitrate refers to the quality of the stream. The industry standard is 128kbps which is a high 'CD stereo' quality stream. 64kbps is more like FM radio and 32kbps is more like telephone quality. If you're playing music, we recommend 128k - but for voice only, 64k. Lower quality streams at 32k are more useful if you expect a lot of listeners with poor quality internet, such as dialup or 3G (mobile).
View SHOUTcastAuto DJ Buyers Guide
Is Auto DJ right for me?
Auto DJ is right for you, If you want to broadcast 24/7 without being on you computer, Maybe you dont have the time or energy to live broadcast all the time, After a long day at the office im sure broadcasting is the last thing you can bring yourself to do. Auto DJ is an Add-On for any existing SHOUTcast Server. To use Auto DJ, you'll also need SHOUTcast - however, to use SHOUTcast live - you don't need Auto DJ.
Auto DJ is right for you, If you want to broadcast 24/7 without being on you computer, Auto DJ is an Add-On for your SHOUTcast Server
What's FTP?
FTP is most commonly used to upload and download your files too and from a server using the Internet (e.g., uploading Your MP3's to Auto DJ) You just download some free software, watch our tutorial and enter some details into a few boxes, all with complete video support. It is a breeze! If you need any video help or knowledge base articles on anything like this just check out the resources section!
What's a Playlist?
A playlist is a list of all your uploaded recorded songs or pieces of music chosen to be broadcast on your radio station or by a particular radio station. These can be created to play your music to your audience using our very simple and easy to navigate Auto DJ by way of the control panel Wavepanel!
Do I need SHOUTcast?
Yes, Auto DJ is a sort of "add-on" to your SHOUTcast server... If you want to use Auto DJ you will need a SHOUTcast Server, you just request it and we just plug it in to your SHOUTcast server, this then uses your SHOUTcast server to play your uploaded tracks to!!
What Is Wavepanel?
Wavepanel® is our custom built Control Panel. Inside this control-panel where you can manage and administrate your Auto DJ, you create your playlistshere and view songs you have uploaded. You can also access and configure SHOUTcast. Our Wavepanel system, is available 24/7 and you can access from anywhere! Simply upload and walk away! Its as easy as that.
View Auto DJRadio Packages Buyers Guide
Are the bundles right for me?
So whats all this talk about bundles? Well, We have upgraded our bundles for the old website, we now have 2 options, Core Bundles and Bundles With Extras. depending on what you want to do is based on which bundle choose you use(see below). Bundles are very popular as you get everything at once at a discount price. These are very popular and we suggest if you are a beginner, like complete packages, all in one radio, easy set up, go for a bundle package.
Core Bundles
So, The core packages start from $29/month. This will include a SHOUTcast Server and an Auto DJ Server. These range upto about $60.00, they include SHOUTcast Server, `auto DJ Server and a website with a domain, An all in one solution to start a successful radio station. But If you are new to online radio, and haven't got a clue about setting up or even where to start, then I suggest you go for a bundle with extras!
Bundles With Extras
So you want an online radio station, in a complete package with everything included to be successful, but one downfall, you don't have a clue where to start, well in this bundle from $49.00 You can get a bundle with a walk-through video course which will guide you through step by step, how to set up your radio station, Auto DJ, and a Basic Website! Some of the higher priced bundles come with our custom Pro Player Suite and our very successful Listener Magnet course which will guide you through grabbing your listeners.
I'm Confused?
We understand this can be confusing. So a basic rundown. If you know what to do with online radio, and you want an all in one package, select a core packages. If you want to run a radio station with success, but have know knowledge or clue about where to start, choose a package with extras.Still confused. Open a ticket, we will be happy to help.
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