We get this one from time to time and the skipping seems to always happen when people are running live. In many cases the client assumes it's on our end. This is almost always incorrect. Best thing to do is start with the obvious. Try running a test stream using the auto dj (running on our servers). If you run your station via auto dj and there is no skipping then the problem is not us. There are many things to consider when broadcasting live. When you broadcast live you are at the mercy of your modem, your power, your pc(s), windows, and your software. If any of these stop working or lock up your station is off the air. Here are some of the things you will want to look at if your station is skipping.
Broadcast at the proper rate: We have seen some clients order a higher rate then broadcast at a lower rate. In most cases this is not a problem with WinAmp but other software like Quick Time and Media Player may have a problem with that.
Intro files: Many would not think an intro file could mess up your station but we have seen it in the past. Lets say your station is running at 64 kbps. You load an intro file that is 128 kbps. Players like Quick Time and Media Player do not like when you do that. It confuses the player and you may get skipping, chipmunk music, or really slow music. Then you go to WinAmp and everything is fine. Make sure your intro file is the same kbps rate and you should have not problems.
Your modem plays a part: Telling us you have a cable modem does not mean a thing!! Sure you can have a cable modem or DSL but if others are using this modem or you have a low end plan this could cause a problem. If your upload speed is not constant your station may cut off or skip. This has nothing to do with us or our servers. The best way to really test this is run an auto dj stream and see how things work. If your station is running fine then this is on your end.
Your pc plays a part: A reliable pc is the key to running a good radio station. Many broadcasters like to use that good ole hand be down pc that was just laying around collecting dust. These pc's are ok to use but we would not suggest using the same pc to broadcast, check your email, surf the web, and so on. A broadcast pc should be for broadcasting only. You don't have to follow this but we all know what happens if your pc locks up!! Try running as little programs on this pc as you can. You will get the best results.
Distance plays a part: We have broadcasters all over the world but there are some areas that may have problems. It's just a fact and it's nothing you or we can do about it. If you are 100% sure everything is set up right, the auto dj played perfect, and it still skips when you go live.. then it may be the location. ReliaStream has servers located in Dallas Texas, Columbus Ohio, Washington DC, Jacksonville Florida, Salt Lake City Utah, Seattle Washington, and Europe. If you plan to stream live you will want to be on the closest server to you. This will give you the best results. ReliaStream members can request to move to the closest server by submitting a support ticket. We have members streaming live from the USA, Japan, Russia, Germany, Australia, and other countries that have no problems. We always suggest getting our free trial and testing things before you commit. Start your free trial here -> 14 Day Trial
