Icyshout.com

Details about Icecast streaming server.

Icecast is a streaming media project released as free software maintained by the Xiph.org Foundation. It also refers specifically to the server program which is part of the project. Icecast was created in December 1998/January 1999 by Jack Moffitt and Barath Raghavan to provide an open source audio streaming server that anyone could modify, use, and tinker with.[1] Version 2 was started in 2001, a ground-up rewrite aimed at multi-format support (initially targeting Ogg Vorbis) and scalability.

The Icecast server is capable of streaming content as Vorbis over standard HTTP, Theora over HTTP, MP3 over the protocol used by SHOUTcast, AAC, and NSV over the SHOUTcast protocol. (Theora, AAC, and NSV are only supported in version 2.2.0 and newer.) It uses external programs, called “source clients”, to originate the streams, and the Icecast project includes a source client program known as IceS. The source runs typically in the place where the audio is generated (e. g. a studio) and the Icecast server in a place where a lot of bandwidth is available (e. g., a colocation).
It has similar functionality to the proprietary media server program SHOUTcast, by Nullsoft.

Details about Shoutcast DNAS

SHOUTcast is server software for streaming media developed by Nullsoft. It allows digital audio content, primarily in MP3 or HE-AAC format, to be broadcast to and from media player software, enabling hobbyists and professionals to create Internet radio networks. At least one GPL’d compatible streaming system also exists, Icecast.

SHOUTcast is cross-platform, and freeware.

A feature of SHOUTcast servers is the ability to optionally publish server information, including the current number of listeners, in a directory of stations that Nullsoft maintains on the SHOUTcast website. Site visitors can pick a station to listen to and download a playlist file for use in their own SHOUTcast-capable media player.

In September 2008, Nullsoft redesigned the SHOUTcast website[3], which had been roughly the same since 2000. As part of the redesign, the directory and services were rebranded as “SHOUTcast Radio”, rather than “SHOUTcast Streaming Technology.” The redesign included a fully functional option to view the site and directory with the old layout.

So basically getting down to the nittly gritty of the SHOUTcast vs Icecast debate.  It all basically boils down to being able to be listed on the SHOUTcast directory.  If you need that functionality then you should go with SHOUTcast.  But if you want more features including getting the ID3 tags to your website then Icecast is the better choice.  There are alot of technical details as to why Icecast is better but I wont bore you with those.  Suffice it to say Icecast is better all around.  The only thing that Icecast doesnt do is post your radio station on the SHOUTcast directory.  However Icecast has several directories that it posts to while not as popular as the SHoutcast directory.

If you’ve got the Iphone 3gs you might want to check out the new shoutcast radio app. I haven’t personally tested it out but it looks like it supports the shoutcast directory so you can find the music that you like. If you want to get the most out of your radio streaming experience your going to have to enable “high bandwidth” in the settings and here are some steps on how to do that.

NOTE: If you would like to play high quality station streams (ie. 128k MP3) on your iPhone or iPod Touch through the SHOUTcast Radio App, then you will need to enable high bandwidth streams by going into your Settings. You will only have to do this once.

Enabling high quality streams in the shoutcast radio app.

1. First you need to install the app from the Itunes store

2. Navigate to the ’settings’ icon

3. Flick down to the “SHOUTcast” settings. Tap on the “SHOUTcast” Menu

4. Flip the toggle for “Allow hi-bit streams” to ON

5. Exit out of the Settings screen by tapping on your Home button

That does it… If you did that correctly you should be able to stream 128kbps over 3g or WIFI networks.

After we get some feedback about the application I’ll post the information.

It’s too bad they were listening to Nickleback when they did their screenshot.