| SHOUTcast | |
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| Developer | Nullsoft |
| Latest release | 1.9.8 / February 28, 2007 |
| OS | Cross-platform |
| Genre | Streaming media server |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | www.shoutcast.com |
SHOUTcast is a multiplatform freeware digital audio streaming technology developed by Nullsoft. It allows 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/Web radio networks. SHOUTcast consists of a client-server model, with each component communicating via a network protocol that intermingles audio data with metadata such as song titles and the station name. It uses HTTP as a transport protocol, although multicast is another option. SHOUTcast servers and clients are available for Palm OS, Microsoft Windows, FreeBSD, Linux, Mac OS X, and Solaris. Client-only versions exist on Windows Mobile, Series 60 and the PlayStation Portable (PSPradio). The output format is supported by multiple clients, including Nullsoft's own Winamp, VLC media player, Amarok, XMMS, Zinf and Apple iTunes.
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Uses
The most common use of SHOUTcast is for creating or listening to Internet audio broadcasts. SHOUTcast makes it possible to inexpensively set up an Internet broadcasting station, so hobbyists and large radio network owners alike can use it to set up their own broadcasting network for a fraction of the cost of a traditional AM broadcasting or FM radio station. Some traditional radio stations use SHOUTcast to extend their presence onto the Web.
Trivia
SHOUTcast's streaming protocol uses metadata tags and responses that all start with ICY, which stands for "I Can Yell", the original name of the protocol. A cybersquatter registered the associated icanyell.com/.net/.org domains before Nullsoft, so Nullsoft changed the protocol's name from I Can Yell to SHOUTcast. Despite the name change, the ICY prefix persists in the protocol spec.
See also
| Radio Portal |
- Icecast
- Internet radio
- List of Internet stations
- List of streaming media systems
- Winamp Alternative
- Nullsoft Streaming Video
- Streaming media
- VLC media player
