Shoutcast FAQ

[Marsman]

What is a "shoutcast"?

A shoutcast is an audio internet "broadcast" similar to a radio station broadcast.

What do I need to listen to a "shoutcast"?

The program "WinAmp" (http://www.winamp.com) is used to listen to a shoutcast. Shoutcast producers will provide a clickable link to the broadcast. This is usually in the form of a .PLS (winamp playlist). Example: http://127.123.123.1:8000/listen.pls When a user with Winamp clicks on this link, a "stream" is started on your WinAmp player. A "stream" is a term that means the media is played immediately after you click the link, feeding you the data as you listen to it, as opposed to a "download" where the entire file is first downloaded in it's entirety and then is played. For a "stream" you must have an internet connection capable of keeping up with the data transfer to avoid pauses or "buffering" to allow the data to catch up.

Is a "shoutcast" live?

For the most part yes. There is a small delay (usually 40 to 60 seconds) from time the caster sends the data to the shoutcast server, to the time it reaches the user due to the data buffer.

I clicked on the "shoutcast" link, but Winamp didn't open and start playing?

When "WinAmp" is installed, it usually associated files with a .PLS extension with the winamp program and automatically starts. If this association is not set or broken, you can manually start the Winamp program, Press Control-L (Open Location) and then enter the shoutcast link on the line.

Is there any way to hear the show at a later time?

Yes, if the caster records the show, it can be downloaded and played later. It's also possible to "stream" a recorded file just like a live show so that it doesn't have to be completely downloaded first.

Is there anything else I should know about "shoutcasts" ?

The "caster" (person producing the shoutcast) has their hands full during a cast juggling the shoutcast panel, music playlist, irc channel, etc... Please don't try to send the caster a bunch of PM's or DCC him your music files during the cast unless the caster says it's ok. There are usually operators on hand in the IRC channel to answer your questions.

[Squeeky]

Nice job mars, Should be helpful to some shoutcasting amateurs!

[Jaged]

Ok, I downloaded winamp, but I still cant figure out how to connect any server.

BTW, what time PST would this take place?

[�io]

5:30p PST - 6:30p MST - 7:30p CST - 8:30p EST - 1:30a GMT - 2:30a CET

And to add link you click once on + file then + URL at the top. Just connect to the IRC chat a bit before and the peeps there (perhaps myself) will make sure you're good to go.

[Sol]

Easy enough, thanks mars.

[FuLLxCLiP]

good job

[turqy]

hey marsman, u used to warm up mastergnr's show right? i'm a caster for IBN and i take care of the renegades matches. what gets casted as far as planetside is concerned?

[Marsman]

Yeah still do Turgy. As for Planetside, we hope to do a battlefield reporter type thing. With a never ending world, casting is going to be a bit different but I think still possible.
The AGN proposal can be found here.

[Hunter83]

Can you guys ensure that this shoutcast will be downloadable?
I know you had some problems with the last shoutcast that resulted in it not being saved. Or could you point us to a program that we could use to capture and save the streaming shoutcast?

[turqy]

yes, its very easy to create mp3 files of your cast.
btw, the names turQy (guess i haven't made as big a name for myself as i had hoped :-p)

i'm interested in AGN casting. i've got alot under my belt and full knowledge of the software, so if you need some casters hook me up.

[Kyonye]

it will be very helpful for me, a shoutcasting noobie.

[MasterGnr]

Since Marsman is doing the interview, I assume he will be connected to the server. Mars is a technical expert and can easily make sure it gets recorded. As a backup, I'll record it while I listen.

Mars, what rate you setting the server for?

I will be tuned and with the popcorn in hand. Lets all keep our fingers crossed that your ISP doesn't mess with you.

obtw, I noted 2 things in readin the site today. Hamma said you guys wont cover questions that may have previously been asked elsewhere. What about those of us who dont know the whole story? Got some "bring everyone next to the campfire" questions to warm us up? Also....

I read somewhere Sony was adding some team-based competition event to the game to attract teams. While I am sure that will be covered in the interview, try to get some idea of how that will affect AGN. You may find yourself modifying the "battlefield reporter" and have actual matches.



MG

[Marsman]

Thanks for the posting MasterGnr - rate will be 40kbps @22,050Hz
Well basically pulled the questions that have been answered in previous dev chats and things that are fairly well known. There are some questions we believe we know the answer to but are worth hearing again from the "horses mouth". Should be a fun time for all.

[Arshune]

Oh, so THAT's what a shoutcast is...I hadn't even heard of them till I started browsing this site. Thanks for posting a FAQ so people like me didn't end up missing the interview.

[RabidPlatypus]

I told you I was hardcore