Icecast Streaming Media Server

[mixtapemike@gmail.com]

I have many questions that need answering...

1) what is an IceCast Server??? (apologize stupid q, but have to know)

2) do u have to broadcast from your computer to an "IceCast Server" or can you use your own server & install icecast software on it?

For now, i would like to create a playlist(hosted) on my Linux server and have it play the mp3's i have on my server as well....(ie: My Linux Server -to- Listeners) is that possible???

if that's not possible (My Linux Server -to- IceCast Server -to- Listeners) is that possible? and how many listeners can an IceCast Server cater to at once at 128kb quality???

I would ultimately like to relay (My Computer -to- My Server -to- Listeners) is that at all possible???

if i must use (my own computer -to- icecast server -to- listeners).... what are some of the "BEST" internet broadcasting softwares???

3) Step By Step - how the flip do i install & set-up all this internet radio stuff...

exactly what software must be downloaded???

Server: Linux (courtesy of IXwebhosting.com - Gold Plan)
Server Transfer Rate: 800+mbps
File Type: MP3
Quality: 128kbs
Genre: Hip-Hop
Target Audience: Texas & Eventually Nation Wide
Live Relay: Eventually, so yes

Please Help Me:
Mixtape Mike
210.325.3579
mixtapemike@gmail.com
[url]hiphopmonthly.com[/url][/url]

[Guest]

I'm Willing To Pay a little bit of dough....

[Manuel Schneider]

1. An icecast server is the server which provides the streaming for the clients (listeners). Compare it with a webserver: You supply it with data, the clients can download and get it.

2. As icecast is just the software which does the above mentioned things you have to install your own one (or get a service provider which gives you access to use an icecast server).

When you play your playlists you need a source software (see in this forum in the source section about details) which connects to the icecast server (using a password) and streams the sound to the server.
The listeners then can connect to your server and hear it.

The server could deliver that streams to a nearly infinite number of listeners, limits are only cpu power and your network connection where the last one is the more likely.
It is a simple calculation: Divide the bandwidth which you can use for streaming through the bitrate of the stream you'd like to provide and subtract one stream for the source.

What to do:
Get an icecast server (your own or a rented one), get a source software (there are programs which can run directly on the server, just randomly playing files of a given playlist or plugins for Winamp and other player with mixing and mic capabilities). Then include the URL of your stream in your website and advertise it.[/quote]

[Anonymous]

Hello mixtapemike@gmail.com,

we're currently in the state of developing a service that may be exact what you're searching. Currently not open for the public we are searching for beta-testers. Maybe you are willing to test it, we would give you access to our website without charging you for it. We are just asking for Bug-Reports. If you are interestet just send me an email to thodek@ix-ipmedia.de or reply in the forum.

Greetings
THomas Hodek