I am interested in streaming audio files over the internet. I have legal bootlegs that I'm getting permission to use (by the artist), and would like to stream it like those internet radio stations.

I was wondering how the whole thing worked. The only one I've really used is the one at www.rilokiley.net which appears to be run with Shoutcast. I looked into that, and it appeals to me, except that I don't like having to stream it from my desktop computer. Is there a solution that will work from my web server? How much bandwidth does that take up? How much for each additional person listening?

Thanks for any help.

Is there a solution that will work from my web server?

I've used icecast successfully in the past.

I'm sure there is a solution you can run from your web server. What OS is it running?

It'll take up as much bandwidth as the stream per user. If you're running a 128kbps stream, it'll use 128 kilobits per second (plus a little TCP/IP overhead) for each user listening.

There are services, though, that'll allow you to stream to them and they'll multiply it, though, so you only use up one stream's worth of bandwidth, and your users go to their server to listen. But all of them will cost actual money, as far as I know. Live365 comes to mind.

You can install Shoutcast Server on your web server. The formula they suggest you use to determine the bandwidth needed is:

Bitrate x (# of users) x 1.1 (should that then be divided by 8 for bytes?)

So if you want to stream at 128kbps and you had 2 concurrent listeners, you'd need roughly 35KB/s upstream.

streamsicle has always been my favorite. It has a built in web interface to allow queueing and all kinds of fun stuff. Really easy to setup too. But if you want to have a lot of people listening in, i'd go with Live365 as they'll provide the bandwidth... you send your signal to them and it's split up from there.

should that then be divided by 8 for bytes?

Most network bandwidths are measured in multiples of bits per second.

Thanks, guys. I think I'm confused, though (what's new?). These solutions seem to be for installing on your own personal server running from your house or something. I was wondering about installing it on the server of a hosting company. I wasn't sure if they'd let you do it.

I could set up a machine at my home, but I'd have to get a solution for my dynamic ip, and last time I checked there weren't many graceful free solutions for that (if any). It's a bit too much hassle.

Oh well, this give me ideas for it in the future. I'm still putting my site together, so I'm not even sure yet how I'll set it up.

Thanks again.

I'd have to get a solution for my dynamic ip, and last time I checked there weren't many graceful free solutions for that (if any).

Try DynDNS.

As far as using a hosted server, it'll depend on the hosting company's policies and available services.

Try DynDNS.

Seconded. Been using DynDNS for a few years now and have nothing but great things to say about their service. I sent them a one-time $20 donation at one point. I think they might ask for more donations for certain "premium" services, but I just use them for basic dynamic DNS service.

I was wondering about installing it on the server of a hosting company.

I'd definitely go with something like live365 rather than installing a streaming server on a shared hosting account. Going over your allotted bandwidth with a hosting company is a lot like going over your minutes on a cell phone. You get raped on the overage fees.

- trs

Okay, after looking at the $7.45 per month setup fee for live365, I'll have to think about going with my own server. Might be a good opportunity to finally start exploring Linux.

I just hope my roommates don't mind the bandwidth usage Oh well, I own the place