Internet radio?
Internet radio (also web radio , net
radio, streaming radio, e-radio webcasting) is
an audio service transmitted via the Internet.
Internet radio involves streaming media
presenting listeners with a continuous stream of
audio that cannot be paused or replayed, much
like traditional broadcast media; in this respect, it
is distinct from on-demand file serving.
How it is different from
podcasting?
Internet radio is also distinct from podcasting which
involves downloading rather than streaming. Many
Internet radio services are associated with a
corresponding traditional (terrestrial) radio station.
Internet radio services are usually accessible from
anywhere in the world—for example, one could listen
to an Australian station from Europe. Some major
networks restrict listening to in country because of
music licensing and advertising concerns
Advantages
Traditional radio station broadcasts are limited by
two factors:
1. the power of the station’s transmitter (typically 100
miles)
2. the available broadcast spectrum (you might get a
couple of dozen radio stations locally)
Advantages
Internet radio has no geographic limitations, The
potential for Internet radio is as vast as cyberspace
itself.
Internet radio is not limited to audio. An Internet
radio broadcast can be accompanied by photos or
graphics, text and links, as well as interactivity, such
as message boards and chat rooms. This advancement
allows a listener to do more than listen.
Advantages
The cost of getting “on the air” is less for an
Internet broadcaster.
Internet radio can appeal to “micro-communities”
of listeners focused on special music or interests.
Disadvantage
Since all of these radio stations are visited by
listeners looking for free music or entertainment, they
do not necessarily contribute to the revenues of the
station. Barring a few successful Internet radio
stations, no one has had considerable success with
advertising generated revenues
Internet Crashes
How it works????
There are two ways to deliver audio over the Internet:
downloads or streaming media. In downloads, an
audio file is stored on the user’s computer.
Compressed formats like MP3 are the most popular
form of audio downloads, but any type of audio file
can be delivered through a Web or FTP
site. Streaming audio is not stored, but only played.
How it works?????
The audio enters the Internet broadcaster’s encoding
computer through a sound card.
The encoder system translates the audio from the sound
card into streaming format. The encoder samples the
incoming audio and compresses the information so it can
be sent over the Internet.
The compressed audio is sent to the server, which has a
high bandwidth connection to the Internet.
The server sends the audio data stream over the Internet
to the player software or plug-in on the listener’s
computer. The plug-in translates the audio data stream
from the server and translates it into the sound heard by
the listener.
Creating an Internet Radio Station
CD player
Ripper software (copies audio tracks from a CD onto a
computer’s hard drive)
Assorted recording and editing software
Microphones
Audio mixer
Outboard audio gear (equalizer, compressor, etc.)
Digital audio card
Dedicated computer with encoder software
Streaming media server
Scenario in India
Internationally, many of the offline radio players have
understood the power of this medium and have live
or recorded Internet streaming available. In India,
with its numerous music copyright regulations and
issues, this phenomenon has not been duplicated.
Some radio stations, though, have put up the
clippings of their programmes on the Internet for free
download.
Internet radio in Kerala
Radiojoyalukkas.com is the world's first 24 hour
global radio in Malayalam.It symbolises a pioneering
new chapter in Malayalam entertainment. And now, it
represents the foot-tapping music throughout the day
Internet radio in Kerala
•www.radiograpes.com - The 24 hour Online
Malayalam Internet Radio celebrates the "Malayalee
Music". radiograpes.com, within a short span of time,
has achieved international popularity especially
among malayalees living and working abroad.
Internet radio in Kerala
live365.com is a NON-Profit radio station, plays
Malayalam Christian Radio program
Radio in Mobile
Tata Indicom now offers a unique combination of
Internet and radio on mobile devices. The company
will offer this service through ‘Brew’, an application
that connects to a bouquet of 41 international and
local radio stations. It will also enable users to
download music and ring tones from the Internet.
Example
Sify Technologies Ltd has tied up with Radio City 91.1
FM by integrating PlanetRadiocity’s web radio to
launch Radio on Sify. This tie-up enable visitors to
Sify.com to enjoy Bollywood, Indi-Pop and other
genres of music 24x7.