There are two ways to deliver audio over the Internet. The easiest way is simply to make audio files available for download. Compressed formats such as MP3 are the most popular, but any type of audio file can be delivered through a Web site or an FTP site, allowing users to store the file on their own system, and do with it what they will.
A more complex way to deliver audio (or video) over the Internet is called streaming. Streaming media flows from the Internet directly to a user's sound card. It isn't stored on the user's computer, but only played. Streaming makes it possible to deliver a continuous broadcast over the Internet, and is thus the basis of an Internet "radio station".
The streaming model has several advantages over the downloading model. First, it allows for a program of any length, or even a live broadcast. Second, it makes piracy easier to control, since users only listen to a piece of music, rather than storing it on their hard drives. Third, it's simpler for users. Why bother with storing files on your own machine if you can stream music on demand?
Guru-host offer streaming media services through SHOUTcast.
SHOUTcast is a free-of-charge audio homesteading solution. It permits anyone on the internet to broadcast audio from their PC to listeners across the Internet or any other IP-based network (Office LANs, college campuses, etc.).
SHOUTcast's underlying technology for audio delivery is MPEG Layer 3, also known as MP3 technology. The SHOUTcast system can deliver audio in a live situation, or can deliver audio on-demand for archived broadcasts.
How SHOUTcast works...
The SHOUTcast audio homesteading system is comprised of three simple components.
They are explained in detail below.
LISTENING
Listeners tune in to SHOUTcast broadcasts by using a player compatible with streaming MP3 audio. Users can visit the SHOUTcast directory to locate a stream they'd like to listen to. Recommended players are listed below:
* Windows users should use Winamp.
* Mac users should use iTunes.
* Linux/X Windows users should use XMMS.
BROADCASTING
Persons wanting to broadcast will need to run their own server, as per the instructions below, or find someone willing to run one for them. Once a server's located, broadcasters use Winamp and a plug-in called the SHOUTcast Source for Winamp Plug-In to send audio from Winamp to the SHOUTcast server.
RUNNING A SERVER
The magic of the SHOUTcast system happens inside the SHOUTcast Distributed Network Audio Server (DNAS). This software runs on a server attached to an IP network with lots of bandwidth, and is responsible for receiving audio from a broadcaster, updating the SHOUTcast directory with information about what the broadcaster is sending, and sending the broadcast out to listeners.
HOW TO BUY
Simply by buying any dedicated server and letting us know that you will need to setup that server with SHOUTcast and leave the rest to us. If for any reason you are not sure about which dedicated server to choose, please send us an email and we will be more than happy to help you selecting the best server for your needs.
References: SHOUTcast web site (http://www.shoutcast.com)