Internet+Radio

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History of Internet Radio
Carl Malamud was the creator of the first Internet radio station, //Internet Talk Radio//, in 1993. Although many radio station include online versions, many originate on the Internet and thereby are categorized as Internet radio stations. This form of communication is widespread; anyone can access a radio station anywhere in the world with the help of the Internet, thus providing a global reach. Resultantly, internet radio has become known as "e-radio" (Wikipedia, 2006).

Lev Manovich discussed new media is his summary article//, New Media from Borges to HTML//. I believe that internet radio is a relevant example of new media as it resembles a historical cultural object enhanced by digital technology; music can now be accessed on a global level (Manovich, 2002).

How Does it Work?
There are four requirements that are required before one can establish an Internet radio station. They are as follows: (1) source audio, either audio files or live audio, (2) audio encoder and streamer, (3) streaming server, and (4) a player such as Windows Media Player or WinAmp. Firstly, the audio encoder is responsible for taking the source audio and encoding it into a continuous stream of audio information; this is sent to the streaming server. This server aids in the sending of data to the audience, hence taking on the responsibility of a broading antennae.

In order for listeners to access the audio files, they will need to own a form of audio player that will be able to receive the stream of information from the streaming server. In this way, they will be able to hear the data over the speakers. This data is occassionally compressed in order to ease the flow of data over the Internet; it is also very cost effective. Popular audio formats include MP3, mp3PRO, Windows Media and [|Ogg] (Spacial Audio Solutions, LLC, 2004).

Internet Radio Technology
>
 * Podcasting (iPOD broadCAST)
 * Audio broadcast converted in an MP3 file in order to playback on a computer or a digital music player (PC Mag, 2006)
 * Streaming
 * Portalcasting

Internet Radio Stations
>> >
 * Radio HK
 * [|Canadia Kicks Ass (CKA)]
 * Members of the CKA are able to take turns DJing by arranging personal schedules in tandem with others (CKA, 2006)
 * [|CRIK FM - The Lynx Internet Radio Network]
 * WXYC
 * KPIG
 * WREK FM

Advantages
> >
 * All that is needed is a computer, an internet connection, the pertinent software, and material to broadcast. Since most people already posses a computer and internet connection, the startup costs are non-existent.
 * Can reach people from all over the world
 * Can be operated from the convenience of your home
 * Many different ways in which revenue can be generated to support your station (Spacial Audio Solutions, LLC, 2004)

Related Wiki Links

 * Radio
 * Podcasting

Resources
"Advantages of Internet Radio." __Spacial Audio Solutions, LLC__. 2004. 26 Nov. 2006 <[|http://www.spacialaudio.com/products/sambroadcaster/help/sambroadcaster/Advantages_of_Internet_Radio.htm>.]

"CKA Radio." 2006. 24 Nov 2006. <[|http://www.canadaka.net/modules.php?name=radio>.]

"Internet Radio." __Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia__. 17 Nov. 2006. 19 Nov. 2006 <[|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_radio>.]

Manovich, Lev. "New Media Field: a Short Institutional History." 2002. The MIT Press.

"Podcast." __PC Mag__. 200. 19 Nov. 2006 <[|http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=podcast&i=49433,00.asp>.]

Image Sources
__CKA Radio__. 2006. 24 Nov. 2006 <[|http://www.canadaka.net/modules.php?name=radio>.]