Streaming audio is a method of sending an audio
signal to the receiver's computer through Internet. It is different
from standard methods of receiving audio files through Internet, where
you have to download a .wav or .au file before hearing the audio files.
However, with streaming audio, you can hear the audio immediately as it
arrives on your PC. Thus, you need not wait for long minutes for the
entire download.
When the data arrives on your computer, it buffers for few moments and
playback begins. As the audio starts playing, more data streams
(arrives) on your PC. Therefore, you will hear the constant audio as
long as you receive the regular stream of data.
Sometimes, while receiving the data, stream may break down due to net
congestion and you receive a message as net congestion and rebuffering.
Benefits of Streaming Audio:
Streaming audio is an efficient mode of communicating when huge
spectators watch a live broadcasting on the Internet and listen to
opinions of unlimited participants. Participants can simply participate
in the discussions using web browsers. Streaming audio enables
individuals to increase the number of their spectators by archiving the
conferences so that individuals, who are unable to listen at that
moment, can listen to it later.
Individuals, who are listening to Streaming audio, may select the
method and time that they need to tune to a conference. It encourages
more participation rate at little cost. Individuals just need to tell
the time and provide details of the conference to other individuals.
Streaming audio is beneficial in case of an internal as well as
external purpose when conversing with analysts, investors, employees,
media, customers and public.
Streaming audio provides many fold broadcast options such as:
Live broadcast: Using this technology, you may conduct live broadcast
as discussed above.
Archived broadcast: People can listen to the participants of a live
broadcast any time they want.
Indexing: It allows individuals to gain an entry to the archived files
in an effective way by simply clicking link of the audio file, which
they wish to listen. This saves time, as individuals do not have to
listen to an entire audio file.
Hardware and Software Requirements:
You need to have following requirements in your system to listen to a
live broadcast or archived file.
1. A personal computer having 16 MB RAM, 28.8 Kbps (kilobytes per
second) modem, 16 bit of sound card and headphones or speakers.
2. Microsoft Internet explorer 3.0 or higher, a Java enabled web
browser, Real networks player or window media player.
About Internet Connection:
Some people say that they reactivate the Streaming audio at 14.4k but
do not opt for such slow connections. Minimum recommendation for good
quality audio file is 28.8k and for video, it is 56k. Moreover, this
also proves better if you wish to go for faster Internet speed.
If you have a fast modem, you need to note that certain problems may
disrupt your stream. Few problems may include noise in phone lines and
slowdown from ISP end.
How to Obtain Good Quality Streaming Audio:
First, you need to shut down all the unnecessary applications, which
are running on your PC. Simply keep the web browser and media player
open. If there is an adaptor on the wall jack to plug the regular phone
in the same outlet as in your computer, take it off when you are
streaming.
If you find lot of disruptions or noise on the phone lines, contact the
phone service provider. They will rectify the connection and this will
help you listen to the streaming audio file efficiently.
Article Source:
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