UK and Irish Radio Stations broadcasting on the Internet

RadioFeeds Website Info » Frequently Asked Questions
 

Q. What are the recommended players for this website for the Windows PC?

A. - RealPlayer version 8. This is less bulkier than the newer versions such as RealOne and RealPlayer 10, and has support for all the RealPlayer streams currently on this website.
- Windows Media Player version 6.4. Again, this is less bulkier than the latest ones available to download, and can already be found on virtually all installations of Windows ME/2000 and above. You can find this hidden player by clicking on Start->Run, typing in mplayer2.exe and hitting OK. You can also set this as the default player for all your Windows Media streams. However, versions 9 and above will support the newer multi-bitrate streams, which is handy if you'd like to make full use of your broadband internet connection.
- Winamp version 5. This is the most popular mp3 player, which also supports the streaming mp3 format. As a bonus, version 5 also plays the new aacPlus stream format, which is set to revolutionise internet radio with its low bitrates and high audio quality.
- QuickTime Player (latest version). There are no preferences over which version of QuickTime to get, but it's probably best to go for the latest one to be sure that you have all the latest QuickTime codecs installed.

Q. BBC Three Counties Radio also serves Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Why do you only show it as only broadcasting to Buckinghamshire?

A. You will usually only see this happen when the station has local opt-outs, i.e. split-programming only available on certain frequencies or platforms. We have chosen to detail the version of the station output that is being streamed on the internet. This is so visitors do not get disappointed when they try to listen to a programme that is not available on that particular opt-out. Don't say that you've not been warned!!

Q. 100.4 Smooth fm is also available on DAB Digital Radio and on Sky. Why don't they show on the list of locations?

A. We only show the location(s)/platform of the station's primary target audience. This usually comes in this order of importance: Terrestrial Analogue (FM/AM), Terrestrial Digital (DAB), Digital Television (Sky/Cable), Analogue Cable.

Q. Sabras Radio also streams in RealPlayer and Windows Media formats. Why are you only showing them in the mp3 section?

A. Even though the station website advertises their streams as being available for Real and Windows Media, some streams are actually all in SHOUTcast/Icecast format, i.e. streaming mp3. This mp3 stream is forced open by the website, into either RealPlayer or Windows Media Player, (which just so happen to support the playing of these streams). Unfortunately, these streams are not always compatible with all versions of RP and WMP, and so we decided to leave them in the streaming mp3 section. We would always recommend using Winamp to listen to these types of streams, although RealPlayer can be configured to play these streams instead.

Q. I'm trying to listen to a stream but all I'm getting is silence!

A. There is either a temporary technical problem with the stream, or the audio for a particular programme has deliberately been pulled by the station due to contractual reasons. This often occurs during live football commentaries, although you'll often get alternative programming on the stream. Occasionally, stopping the stream and restarting it may bring back the audio.

Q. You don't have Radio Awaz or URN listed!!! Please consider adding them!

A. Have you looked in the Community Radio and Student Radio sections of the website? Those stations mentioned are listed in these specialist station pages. Please note I do not list RSLs (temporary stations), hospital radio stations, internet-only radio stations and certainly not pirate radio stations.

Q. Why don't you list RSLs or internet-only radio stations?

A. RSLs are generally only on the air for 28 days or so, and we don't have the time to identify all the current RSLs who are also streaming on the net. By the time we've found them all, most will probably be off the air. As for internet-only stations, it's difficult to draw the line on which are licensed professional stations, and which are part-time "bedroom" stations being run by anoraks, so I'd rather not list any to avoid disputes.

Q. I can't find Station X on your site - can you please add it to the list? I'd like to listen to it!

A. If a station is not yet streaming on the internet, then I cannot add them to the site. If they are, then they'll be added by the time I reply to your email!

Q. Do you know when Station X will start streaming?

A. No I don't, and even if I do, I'm probably under oath not to tell anyone, so please don't ask!

Q. I'm an Indie artist in the US who is hoping to get radio airplay in the UK. Would you be interested in receiving my CD and maybe giving it some air play?

A. Err..... no. We only play quality music at our "station".. obviously(!)