How do I set up an XP-Pro install to broadcast a streaming radio station to be listed in the global iTunes radio directory?

February 20, 2008 10:32 AM

How do I set up an XP-Pro install to broadcast a streaming radio station to be listed in the global iTunes radio directory?

This question is for a client, but since he has asked me I've become personally interested as well. The stream is currently being output in WMA format, and is accessible and successfully streams via the Windows Media plugin on a page that he controls and owns.

He would like to expand the reach of this station, which plays Spanish-language music of a particular genre.

I've searched AskMe and Google but I can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

Please note, I know how to add a radio station to the list so it appears on his machine. He would like it to be added to the global list. Also, portions of the daily stream are broadcast on XM & Sirius both, so this isn't a fly-by-night type of deal.

If the current URL or genre type would be useful, MeFi mail or email is in profile.

Thanks!

posted by Roach to computers & internet (2 comments total)

I'm not sure if the WMA will make a difference, so they may need to set up another process by which they stream in mp3. I suggest icecast for this. I can't find any specific directions for getting listed in the iTunes store, but there's plenty of people on Google who seem to be doing the same thing.
posted by rhizome at 11:14 AM on February 20, 2008

The stream is currently being output in WMA format, and is accessible and successfully streams via the Windows Media plugin on a page that he controls and owns.

Well, to start, you should start outputting a stream in a format that iTunes can play. MP3 would be a wise choice, as it is probably the most compatible format for streaming audio. Since you are playing music, don't be cheap about the bitrate either... 64kbps would be a bare minimum for listenable MP3 radio, but if you want your station to sound good, you really need to be running a 128kb/sec stream.

Once you've got your stream up and stable, announce its presence on the shoutcast.com yp directory. Apple crawls this (among other places) to find new radio stations for iTunes. Setting up a relay on live365 would help bring you to their attention as well.
posted by toxic at 12:53 PM on February 20, 2008