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.