Application 6: Listening to Internet Radio

Application #6: Listening to Internet Radio

Although most music lovers use the Internet to download digital audio files, there's another good source of music online real-time audio "Webcasts," commonly referred to as Internet radio.

Many real-world radio stations broadcast over the Internet using a technology called streaming audio. Streaming audio is different from downloading an audio file. When you download an MP3 or WMA file, you can't start playing that file until it is completely downloaded to your PC; with streaming audio, however, playback can start before an entire file is downloaded. This also enables live broadcasts both of traditional radio stations and made-for-the-Web stations to be sent from the broadcast site to your PC.

The two most popular players for streaming audio are Windows Media Player and RealOne Player. These programs play back streaming audio recorded in competing formats, so you might need to have both players installed on your PC. In addition, you'll need a fast and persistent Internet connection; dial-up connections don't work very well for this application, so you'll want a broadband connection of some sort.

The following checklist details my recommended upgrades for listening to Internet radio.

Upgrade Checklist for Internet Radio

Broadband Internet connection (see Chapter 15, "Connect the Dots: Upgrading to a Wired or Wireless Network")

High-quality speakers, preferably with a separate subwoofer (see Chapter 10)

Streaming media player software, such as Windows Media Player or RealOne Player