How Internet Radio Works

There are 3 main parts to stream over the internet:

PART 1 - Produce your show

This is done on your Automation PC using your console & automation software.

PART 2 - Send audio to your streaming service

The only way to get multiple listeners for your station is to have a streaming service. These streaming services typically provide an encoder software that sends the audio feed from your Streaming PC to their streaming service server farm.

PART 3 - Streaming service distributes your feed to your listeners

Now that your streaming service has your audio feed getting sent to them, they will now distribute the audio feed to your listeners. You will need to put their player on your website for your listeners.

TO GET STARTED:

STEP 1 - Purchase Automation Software / PC / Wiring

-The first step is to find an automation software that meets the needs for your

station. Check the Comparison Chart to see which automation best fits your needs.

-It is also critical to purchase a PC that meets the specs for the automation. You may purchase a fully configured PC from us. Or make sure that if you purchase a PC, that it meets these specs:

1) Windows 7 Pro

2) 3GB of RAM or more

3) 2.6 GHz processor or faster. No Atom Processors

4) Purchase from major retailers such as Dell, Walmart, Best Buy, ect... These PC's tend to be more reliable than custom PC's built at custom PC stores

-Wiring may be purchased direct from us in one of our install kits. Check out our Install Kits to see what will work best for you.

STEP 2 - Purchase Console

If you plan on doing a Live show at your station, then a console will be necessary in order to make your station sound professional. Choosing the type of console will depend on what you will want to do. Such as how many host/guest microphones you want, call in shows, and other equipment that you will want to use. Go to our Console section to see which board will work the best for you and your station.

Since our automation software will work with any console, and if you already own a board, then it is likely that you will not need to replace it. Check with our sales staff to see if it may be time to upgrade your board.

STEP 3 - Purchase other equipment

If you are going to do a live show, you will likely need other equipment. This equipment may include, and is not limited to:

-Microphones

-Headphones

-Microphone processors

-Telephone Hybrid

-Microphone splitters

-Speakers

ect...

To purchase this equipment, you will want to speak with one of our dealers who can help you find what equipment will work best for you.

STEP 4 - Sign up for a Streaming Service

If you are planning on streaming your audio over the internet to more than 10 listeners, then you will need a streaming service. These streaming services provide you a server farm that allows you to broadcast to many listeners. They also provide you an encoder software that will get your audio to their server farm. There are many different providers and each have their own pricing structures. You will want to research which will work the best for your needs. Our automation software will work with any streaming service, but it may be a matter of getting their software to recognize our Title & Artist information. Contact our sales department to ask about a specific streaming service compatibility.

The current streaming companies that we are 'Title & Artist' compatible with are:

-SecureNet

-SurferNetwork

-Live365

-BE TRE

-Liquid Compass

This list is expanding regularily, so please contact us if you want to use a different streaming service.

STEP 5 - Get On Air!

Once you have the equipment, software and streaming service, you are ready to go ON AIR! If you purchased one of our consoles, we will assist you with the wiring and setup. We will also assist you with getting started with the software as well. After that, it is time to make money and sell your product!