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Broadcaster Requirements for Live Streaming
Download a PDF of this information.
Content
Acquire the audio or video and be responsible for copyright and royalty-related compliance. See our page on Digital Rights Compliance for Internet Broadcasting.
A Dedicated PC
- Pentium IV or better running at at least 2.8 GHz
- 512 MB of RAM memory or more for audio OR 2GB or more for video
- Windows 2000 or Windows XP (XP Pro recommended for archiving or ad replacement)
- Currently we do not support Windows Vista operating systems for streaming
- We recommend anti-virus software
- If you will be archiving, we recommend at least an 80GB hard drive
- If you would like to use an add-in sound card to improve sound quality, we recommend a sound card that has been approved by Microsoft.
Internet Connection
- We recommend that you have a dedicated high speed internet connection for streaming such as Cable, DSL, or T1. NOTE: If you would like a higher bit rate or cannot provide a dedicated connection, please contact us for the minimum speed needed
- For audio at a standard bit rate, each stream will need at least 128kbps upload speed
- For video at a standard bit rate, each stream will need at least 512kbps upload speed
Automation Connection
If you will be doing Sound Exchange reporting or Ad Replacement, please keep in mind that the automation system will need to be connected to the streaming computer. Scott Studios SS32, BE Audio Vault, and Media Touch are all able to connect via TCP. SmartCaster and Computer Concepts Maestro will need to be connected serially by a null modem cable. (These need to be less than 50’ long so keep that in mind when selecting a location for your streaming computer.) Please contact your automation system vendor if you have Enco, Simian, or Pristine to find out if your version needs to connect via TCP or serial cable.
Remote Access
- The remote access program we typically use is UltraVNC. We go through the installation of this program with you during your scheduled setup.
- If you would like to install on your own, you can download and install UltraVNC from ftp.surfernetwork.com/UltraVNC. Use the file called UltraVNCSetup.exe. PLEASE NOTE: This program needs a few specific items checked during installation so please be sure to check “How to Install UltraVNC.doc” document which is in the same folder.
IP Addresses
- It is preferred that you have a static external IP address. If you cannot get a static external IP address, we can set you up with a No-IP account free of charge. Please see www.no-ip.com for more information.
- Each computer will need a static internal IP address on your network
Port Forwarding (if there is a router)
- Each separate computer will need a port forwarded to it starting with 5900. (Second computer would be 5901 and so on.) This will allow for remote access.
- Each station will need its own port forwarded starting with 8080 for the stream itself. (This means if a computer has two stations, it will need two ports forwarded to it, 8080 and 8081, one for each stream.)
- Please keep a list of each computer's stations, its internal IP Address, and the specific ports forwarded to it. This will make the setup and any future maintenance much easier.
- If there is any reason why port forwarding cannot be setup, please let the tech know.
User Accounts
- Please be sure the streaming setup is done on the computer’s Administrator account
- If you will be doing RIAA reporting that requires us to collect logs from you, the Administrator account MUST have a password on it
Your Website
- Put a “Listen Live” button on your web site – we give you the code for the button – it’s very easy to set up
- You may want to include a link to playerinfo @ surfernetwork.com. This email account is for listeners that are having trouble with the stream. This will also help us track any recurring problems.