Topic: streaming audio for a radio station using a analogue feed

[chris burnat]

Many radio stations implement streaming of their radio program over the net.  The source material is usually analogue/mono.  This can be done with win2000 easely enough, can it be done using the sme server?   I have searched for a while now, but only found references to "jukebox" type applications using mp3 files or the like, not a live feed.  Any assistance appreciated. chris.

[arne]

"This can be done with win2000 easely enough" - How ??

Excuse me for a Windows question, but I have also just found this "jukebox prinsiple".

Some program has to "read" the analog signal and convert it to streaming media wether it is Linux or Windows.

Is there a good alternative for Windows ?

[arne]

Think I have something here. Have not tried ..

http://developer.apple.com/darwin/

http://mpeg4ip.sourceforge.net/documentation/encoding.htm

[arne]

http://mpeg4ip.sourceforge.net/

[chris burnat]

Thank you Arne for info.  It looks like SME will need some serious mods to stream live, integrate a sound card etc.  I do not think that I have the required level of knowledge - was hoping that someone had done it...  

The Darwin streamer seems to be the go, have found some additional info at:
http://www.streamingmedia.com/article.asp?id=7705
http://www.streamingmedia.com/tutorials/view.asp?tutorial_id=143

About streaming with WIN2000.  Not sure if it is appropriate to discuss this topic on this forum, so I will be short. Windows 2000 Server - 'custom install' - "Windows Media Encoder". Use the New Session Wizard to set up streaming with the Source Group set to 'live' and configured to use the 'Default Audio Device' (ie your sound card input). Hit START.  That's about it.   You can monitor traffic using an app found at: http://www.soft4ever.com/StatnPerf/En/index.html.  It will work well enough if you have a decent firewall to protect yourself from intruders, etc...  

The short of it is, it would make sense streaming direct from the SME server - peace of mind and elegance.  There should be some interest in this I am sure, many stations are streaming nowadays.  Any takers?
Regards
chris.

[arne]

Thanks for your Links about the Darwin server. Might be something to try out.

I have tried the Microsoft encoder approx one year ago, or something like that. I was not to impressed, because it vere very processor and resource intencive I think. It might have come newer and bether models ? (At the PC I was testing it on it was running with a processor load of 50 % or something like that.)

I agree that the SME server might not be the right platform for such a multimedia server.

I think a tandard Linux like Fedora or Mandrake would be a much bether choice.

By the way, there has come a new Linux that might be a interesting alternative. (Don't know, have never tried.)
http://www.sol-linux.com/Private/Documentation/

[sspfunk]

I believe Real and Winamp have software that will let you stream audio.
Check out:
http://www.shoutcast.com/download/serve.phtml

I think the real one is called helix, but could not find it on their website

steve

[chris burnat]

Thanks Steve,
Info about Helix are at:
http://www.infinigate.de/produkte/realnetworks/helixserver.htm
and:
http://www.intuitiv.net/real/products/producer_goverment.htm

This server appears to be bundled with RealAudio product at around $US200.  It can however support various formats. Shoutcast is free, but only supports Winamp client application.

Whichever way one goes, all streamers I know of have to be installed on a separate box, may it be Linux or Windows.  It would be very nice to be able to install a decent streamer supporting a variety of formats direct on the SME gateway-server.  Imagine, load SME 6.01, add a sound card, install a couple of rpms, connect the audio from the studio feed and bingo, you are on air using SME...