What is Internet Radio?
Internet radio is an audio broadcasting
system operating and reaching its audience via the Internet.
This type of broadcasting where the Internet is the medium
of transmission is usually referred to as webcasting.
This is because whatever content aired is delivered or
broadcasted over the Internet.
The usual scenario for Internet Radio stations is that
they have a normal, FM counterpart. This normal radio
will be aired or launched first and later, the same station
and content will be broadcasted via the Internet. These
radio stations are broadcasted via normal means by modulation
of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those
of visible light. This is one of the unique characteristic
that sets iRadio OUM apart from other Internet radio station,
iRadio OUM is the only online radio station that does
not have a ‘normal radio station’ counterpart,
it goes on air via the Internet, reaching millions of
people worldwide. Internet Radio does not necessarily
require the listeners to download anything. In some cases,
listeners may have to download appropriate audio or music
player software to listen to the radio, but most of the
time, many of the Internet radio stations are compatible
with the basic audio player in a normal desktop or personal
computer.
Internet radio "stations" are usually accessible
from anywhere in the world, iRadio OUM itself has recorded
visits from listeners as far as Fiji and the Middle East.
This makes Internet radio the ultimate communication tool,
as it is borderless and accessible to all.
How Does Internet Radio
Broadcast Its Programmes?
One of the most common ways to distribute internet radio
is via streaming technology using a lossy audio codec.
The MP3 format is most popular and the bits are "streamed"
(transported) over the network in TCP or UDP packets,
then reassembled and played within about 2-10 seconds,
depending on server characteristics. This delay is referred
to as lag time.
There are three major components to an audio stream:
1. Audio stream source.
2. Audio stream repeater (server).
3. Audio stream playback.
