If you are interested in getting your own internet broadcast up and running, I hope the following information will be helpful to you. I have been doing internet broadcasts since 1999 and have some general knowledge I will be sharing with you in this article. Ready? OK!

The Equipment:

First you need to decide what you will need for equipment, depending on your plans for the broadcast. I cannot stress enough to make sure your computer has the necessary RAM and processor to handle the task. Second, Will you be playing CD’s, records, mp3’s? Will you be doing any talking on the mic? Let’s look at a couple scenarios:

1) Live DJ Set-up: For this you will need everything you would normally use as a DJ. Turntables, CD Players, mixer…whatever. Hook everything up to the mixer like you normally would. Next, run the out put from the mixer to the “line in” on the back of your computer using a RCA to male 1/8” adapter. If you require a microphone, hook it up to the DJ Mixer as well. Now you are set up to get your audio to the PC. In the next section, I will cover how to get your audio from your PC to the internet.

2) Software / Prerecorded / Automated: I guess the first step would be to copy all the audio you plan to broadcast to your PC. Obviously the higher quality audio is preferred such as 320k mp3 or WAV files. Once you have done that, you can find whatever software you want to play your files on to stream them to the broadcast. The most common software is Winamp at winamp.com. You can load all your files into it and even set a crossfade point to make it a smooth flowing broadcast. Alternate software can be iTunes or Musicmatch.  If you want to look into some really great and advanced software, I recommend SAM Broadcaster found at http://www.spacialaudio.com/products/sambroadcaster.

The Stream:

Now that you have your equipment ready to go, let’s get your stream going. I recommend Shoutcast. It has been around as long as I can remember and it is free. It is made by the same folks who make Winamp, so naturally they work hand in hand. You can find the latest downloads at http://www.shoutcast.com/download.

Broadcasting requires a server to pick up your stream and send it out, much like regular radio requires a transmitter. If you do not have a server yet and you think your computer can handle the load of being it’s own server, then click on “Be a server” and download an install the required software. Make sure you pay attention during the set up to be sure everything is correct. It is recommended that you find someone who is already set up to be a Shoutcast server.

If you have the sever set up or already have someone to be your server, then click on “Be a DJ”. Download and install the software and make sure you set it up using the same information that has been assigned to the server. Make sure your server is running and click “Connect” from the Shoutcast software. If you get any problems during connection, then something is not set up right. Go back and recheck everything making it all is correct. When it is correct, you will not experience and delays in connecting. It will jump right on and send anything you play to the server, and then to the internet.

If you and ANY problems you cannot figure out, Shoutcast has a wealth of information at the following links:

• http://www.shoutcast.com/download/broadcast.phtml
• http://www.shoutcast.com/download/serve.phtml
• http://forums.winamp.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=140

Once all that is set up, run a test broadcast to check levels and make sure everything is good. If the audio is too loud, you will be sending out a distorted signal and if it is too low, you will be sending out a very hard to hear signal. Neither is good. Luckily, the Shoutcast software has a level indicator to show you where you are. 

The listen stream is typically something like “yourdomain.com:8500/listen.pls” but it is different for everybody depending on how you have the server setup. My point is this: know that address and post that everywhere to get your audience.

The Listeners:

Now that you have a spectacular broadcast worthy of the highest accolades, it’s up to you to get your listeners to tune in and spread the word about your groundbreaking broadcasting skillz, yo.

In conclusion, there is a lot more to streaming regarding legal issues and techie issues, but take what I have told you and do some other research. Decide what is the best route for you. Build a solid, legal internet broadcast. Have fun!

Chris Salisbury has a weekly internet broadcast on oneliferadio.com. You can find the show’s website at http://theblend.dj404.com