There are two main options for running a radio server with us and these are using an Icecast server or a Shoutcast server. This FAQ will explain the pro’s and con’s of each.
Firstly its worth mentioning that both server types are very similar in what they do but there are some subtle differences you might want to be aware of when choosing your server type.
SHOUTcast Pro's :
Your station is listed on Free Internet Radio - SHOUTcast Radio - Thousands of Free Online Radio Stationsand are syndicated out to many other radio directories. This gives you excellent exposure and will likely lead to getting more listeners than you would on an IceCast server. There are many compatible web flash players.This is a very simple stream to set up.
SHOUTcast Con's :
If you plan on using the Auto DJ with your radio server, you will have to hit the "deactivate source" button when you are ready to go live. And then hit the "activate source" button when you have finished streaming live and are ready to go back to the autoDJ mode..You can only stream one feed at a time.You can't edit the SHOUTcast DNAS Page.
IceCast Pro's :
Icecast has mountpoints meaning it automatically transfers listeners from the Auto DJ to the Live stream and back again without needing to manually turn anything on or off. So when you connect all of your listeners are transferred from the autodj to the live stream and then back again when you are finished.You can stream up to 3 different feeds on the same port. Example a 128 kbps mp3 stream, 64 kbps aac stream and 32 kbps mp3 all at the same time off the same server. (single feed when streaming with the autoD) You can edit the IceCast page.
IceCast Con's :
You are listed on Streaming directory -- streams & radiosinstead of shoutcast.com which gets fewer listeners tuning in than a shoutcast server would.Has fewer web flash players compatible with it.
Conclusion :
SHOUTcast is recommended for beginners because it's a simple setup and you will get listed on SHOUTcast.Com to bring listeners to your station. If you already have listeners tuning in, IceCast is recommended because it is more versatile than SHOUTcast.
- shoutcast, icecast, internet radio, streaming
- 2 Users Found This Useful
