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Knowledgebase

What is SHOUTcast?

SHOUTcast.com's Definition:

SHOUTcast is a free-of-charge audio homesteading solution. It permits anyone on the Internet to broadcast audio from their PC to listeners across the Internet or any other IP-based network (Office LANs, college campuses, etc.).

SHOUTcast's underlying technology for audio delivery is MPEG Layer 3, also known as MP3 technology. The SHOUTcast system can deliver audio in a live situation, or can deliver audio on-demand for archived broadcasts.

What this means:

SHOUTcast is a fantastic technology which allows literally anyone to broadcast themselves across the world to anyone tuned in. Online radio is easy to set up and use and you can be broadcasting to anyone with Internet access in just a few minutes!*

When you purchase a SHOUTcast streaming package from XDnet, your account will include the CentovaCast Control Panel, which essentially allows you to manage your SHOUTcast server.

To set up your SHOUTcast on your home PC, or SHOUTcast broadcasting server, enter the information of your XDnet SHOUTcast account and that is it! You're online to the world. (Click here for full tutorial)

Don't worry if the idea of setting up a "SHOUTcast broadcasting server" sounds like a daunting or complex task, it isn't and XDnet can guide you through every step of the process ensuring you get the very most out of your chosen package.

Why do I need a XDnet SHOUTcast account? Why not just broadcast from my own PC/server?

XDnet's SHOUTcast servers are housed in one of the best datacentres in the Europe and has high speed Internet connections with vast amounts of bandwidth. This allows you to broadcast to 1000's more listeners and have dramatically increased sound quality compared to most home/work Internet connections provided by standard ISP's.

Note: Users should note that most, if not all, ISP's do not allow servers and SHOUTcasting in it's terms of service. and if you broadcast in this manner without consent from your ISP you may find your contracted cancelled and possibly even fines for breaking the Terms of Service between you and your Internet Service Provider!

You can find more information about SHOUTcast, WHMsonic SHOUTcast Admin Pro and how to set up your SHOUTcast server in the SHOUTcast section of XDnet's ever expanding Knowledge Base.

* Our streaming services are usually set up as soon as your account has been activated, however it may take up to 48 hours for some advanced accounts to be set up. Please contact our Sales Deparment for details.