What is Audio Streaming? How Does it Work?

Many people have heard the term 'audio streaming' or 'streaming audio' tossed around without any explanation, and this causes them to ask: just what is audio streaming?

Audio streaming is a technology that allows audio files, such as music or voice-overs for websites, to begin playing on one or more devices while the data is still being transmitted from another device. Streaming can be seen in a handful of applications, but online radio and websites tend to be the dominant uses for the technology.

Websites often use streaming audio and/or video to grab the attention of viewers quickly and effectively. Surfers that load a website and need to wait more than a few seconds are less inclined to stay, even if the website is full of useful information. If the website launches audio almost immediately thanks to streaming audio technology, then there is a greatly increased chance that the viewer will focus on the website itself instead of typing in another address or switch tabs/tasks.

A different answer might be given if one were to ask a gear-head a question such as what is audio streaming and what does it mean? A gear-head might suggest that streaming audio files are just like any other files in that they are comprised of an incredibly long stream of zeros and ones. Those zeros and ones are interpreted as sounds by a computer or other device that knows what to do with them, but sounds can be a very fluid and dynamic thing. For example, a CD is a digital audio storage medium has all of its sounds and music stored on it, and yet it still needs to rotate for the player to access the sounds.

This in turn means that not all of the sounds belonging to a single audio file need to be loaded or received before they can be played. This is the very essence of streaming; audio is received as it is needed or faster, and then played at the correct speed. Audio data that has yet to play is generally 'buffered' in memory, which allows faster network connections to transfer data at rates that are higher or lower than that of the playback speed.

How to Capture Streaming Audio

by: Ross MacIver
Streaming audio is all over the web these days. There are live radio broadcasts, video and audio streams, and many music vendors use streaming audio as samples of their products. You can listen to the song, but unless you purchase it, it can’t be stored on your computer. Or can it? The simple answer is “Yes”! We’ll take a look at a few methods for recording streaming audio.

First of all, we should examine what streaming technology is and what it is used for. The traditional method of listening to music or watching videos on your computer was to download the entire file and play it from your hard drive. Streaming works in real time – you can view the video or listen to the music as it is being downloaded. The data arrives in a “stream” of bits from the server to your computer.

The obvious advantage of streaming is saving time – you can listen to the stream a few seconds after the download is started. Streamed audio and video can also be protected from copying by Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology. This is often done by commercial vendors of video and audio to control distribution of their content.

Even with DRM, however, all audio and video streams can be recorded. The simplest way to record streaming audio is to attach a recorder to the output jack of your soundcard. Any recording device – portable MP3 player, cassette deck, MiniDisc etc. can be used. The problem with this method is that you have to convert the digital stream into analog, and there will be some loss in sound quality.

If you wish to keep the audio stream in the digital domain, you need special software to capture it. Most audio capture software works by emulating a sound card. You feed the output of the emulated sound card to a file, and as the audio is streamed to your computer it is captured to file. Any kind of audio stream can be captured this way no matter whether it is played with Windows Media Player, Real Player, Quicktime, or any other audio streamer.

About the Author

Ross is an enthusiast audio professional take advantage of his knowledge about MP3, AAC,OGG, FLAC SHN and other compression
and capturing techniques

Online Audio Interview with International Barrier Technology’s President Dr. Michael Huddy

Discussing their New Facility, Improved Efficiencies and Distribution Plans for Domestic and Global Expansion - New Milestones Lead to New Opportunities

POINT ROBERTS, Wash., June 7th, 2005 - www.HomebuilderStocks.com, a global investment research portal for the homebuilder industry is pleased to present an audio interview with Dr. Michael Huddy, the President and Director of International Barrier Technology Inc. (OTCBB: IBTGF), a manufacturer of proprietary fire resistant building materials, in which he discusses the Company’s new facility, improved distribution and plans for global expansion. As the Company nears completion of its 15,000 square foot expansion to their facility, significant improvements in the automation of their manufacturing process are anticipated. These improvements, according to Dr. Huddy, “will lead to considerable reductions in labor costs per square foot, reduce material costs because the application will be much more uniform, considerably improving the waste factor, and capacity will go up to three times current levels.”
As Dr. Huddy explains, in addition to growing their U.S. operations and building domestic opportunities, “Barrier’s strategy entails the completion of the production technology within the new plant, in addition to ensuring that they have protection in place in terms of patents as well as solid technology and supply agreements, which in turn can be used as a format and base to attract interest from other companies in licensing their innovative technology”
For Access to the Online Audio Interview in Full Click Here:
http://www.investorideas.com/Companies/IntlBarrier/audio/interview.asp

Featured Company: (HBS is compensated by IBH as disclosed in disclaimer.)

International Barrier Technology Inc. (IBTGF: OTCBB; IBH: TSXV) develops, manufactures, and markets proprietary fire resistant building materials branded as Blazeguard®. Barrier’s award-winning Blazeguard® wood panels use a patented, non-toxic, non-combustible coating with an extraordinary capability: it releases water in the heat of fire. The panels exceed “model” building code requirements in every targeted fire test and application, and are unique in combining properties that increase panel strength and minimize environmental and human impact. Blazeguard® provides Barrier’s customers a premium material choice meeting an increasingly challenging combination of requirements in residential and commercial building construction. Blazeguard® customers include four of the five top homebuilders! www.intlbarrier.com

For our list of companies participating in the Home Building industry included within our HomebuilderStocks.com portal, click here: http://www.homebuilderstocks.com/Companies/HomebuilderStocks/HomebuilderStockList.asp

Read the exclusive InvestorIdeas.com Feature “The Insiders Corner,” a weekly feature by well-known financial writer and author Michael Brush. http://investorideas.com/insiderscorner/

For more information contact:
Dawn Van Zant / Trevor Ruehs

Toll free: 800-665-0411
Email: dvanzant@investorideas.com, truehs@investorideas.com
Web Site: www.InvestorIdeas.com

Disclaimer: ECON Corporate Services Inc (ECON) is the owner of this domain www.HomebuilderStocks.com.
ECON is a privately owned corporate communications company specializing in: media relations, investor relations, and research on public companies and industry sectors, for the investment community. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any specific products or securities. All investments involve risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results, therefore investigate before you invest! Although we attempt to research thoroughly, we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of any information presented. We encourage all investors to use our sites only as a resource to further their own research. All information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of ECON or its related web sites. The site is compensated by its "Featured Companies,” as outlined in our on-line disclaimer at www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp. HomebuilderStocks.com/ECON is compensated by Featured Company IBH. (ECON is paid a fee of Eight thousand five hundred dollars per month, plus stock options of up to one hundred and ten thousand shares exercisable at eighty cents and currently has a remainder of twenty-five thousand dollars in options at twenty-five cents not exercised.) http://www.investorideas.com/About/News/Clientspecifics.asp



About the author:
Disclaimer: ECON Corporate Services Inc (ECON) is the owner of this domain www.HomebuilderStocks.com
ECON is a privately owned corporate communications company specializing in: media relations, investor relations, and research on public companies and industry sectors, for the investment community. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any specific products or securities. All investments involve risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results, therefore investigate before you invest! Although we attempt to research thoroughly, we offer no guarantees as to the accuracy of any information presented. We encourage all investors to use our sites only as a resource to further their own research. All information relating to featured companies is sourced from public documents and/ or the company and is not the opinion of ECON or its related web sites. The site is compensated by its "Featured Companies,” as outlined in our on-line disclaimer at www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp.

Home Theater Audio Setup

by: Matthew Seigneur
Your home theater audio setup will depend on the space available to you, what kind of signal your receiver can carry, and the number of speakers you have. With proper setup, it doesn't matter if you have a simple stereo audio setup or a complex multi-speaker setup. Proper home theater audio setup will give you the most enjoyable experience.

The first step to proper home theater audio setup is if you have a tile, hardwood, or any other non-carpeted floor, to put down an area rug. Hard floors may look nice but they affect acoustics poorly.

The second step in home theater audio setup is to place your speakers. For a stereo setup, placement is simple - one on either side of the viewing area. For Dolby Digital 5.1 or Surround EX, however, you must take extra considerations into mind. Your center speaker should either be on top or below your display and facing your primary viewing position. The left and right front speakers should be on either side of the screen, preferably at ear level, at about a 45 degree angle from the center of the viewing position.

If the seating is meant for more than one person, all three of the front speakers should be placed in a straight line. Surround speakers should be placed slightly to the rear of and alongside the seating, a few feet above head level when sitting. If the surround speakers must be placed behind the seating, experiment with pointing the speakers at an angle so that the sound coming from them seems to 'surround' the viewer. If you have a subwoofer, place it wherever is most convenient, as it's placement is not critical to sound reproduction.

When you are using Dolby Digital 5.1 or Surround EX, it is necessary to continue your home theater audio setup by configuring your receiver. Unless you have tower speakers, all main speakers should be set to 'small'. Low frequency effects and bass should be set to subwoofer if you have one. DSP modes should be turned off. Read the user manual to find out how to change these settings and to double check any special requirements you receiver might have.

With proper home theater audio setup, you can have a truly enveloping aural experience.

... and don't forget to get your speaker stands at: http://www.home-theater-reviews.co.uk/design-setup/speaker-stands.shtml

Home Cinema Systems & Reviews available
at:
http://www.home-theater-reviews.co.uk/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
http://www.home-theater-reviews.co.uk/ provides home cinema systems reviews and much more, see the full range at:
http://www.home-theater-reviews.co.uk/systems/

Here's Exactly What Makes Web Audio So Powerful

by: Nick James
Have you ever tried to communicate with another person using just actions and sign language? It gets pretty frustrating, doesn't it? Especially when you know that if you could just SAY a few words, they'd get the picture, almost instantly.

Well, imagine if the website you've put up on show... could "speak". If it could sparkle with the spoken word. What do you think the effect could be?

You see, what the smart website marketers have realised, is that they need to move beyond just written words and striking graphics. They're looking to giving their website… a 'personality'.

BUT… in the cold hearted, faceless world of the internet, being able to reach the audience you want, with sincerity, warmth and with a 'face', doesn't come easily to most.

That is unless you happen to have the skilful knack of knowing what to write, when to write it and are able to string words together to help paint a strong emotional picture in readers minds for your product, service or idea.

Getting all the help we can via other means is crucial in giving us that slight edge.

There's possibly nothing more intimate, more convincing, more realistic for the reader, than to hear a 'voice' behind the website. What it adds, is satisfying helpings of…

LIFE and… CREDIBILITY!

Imagine being able to connect at regular intervals with your customers and clients! How do you think they'll feel when you're able to inform them that there's an exciting offer about to happen and you make sure the message reaches both their eyes, and their ears!

What about using this simple technology to help create a stampede of sales, an abundance of new subscribers, a fleet of qualified prospects, a herd of new referrals!

What about being able to tell your customers that you messed up on the last bit of information you gave them and that you're really sorry. Won't you be able to convey this message better using real live words, than by using written text?

Won't your sincerity, conviction and heartfelt emotion, reach them INSTANTLY, where it matters most… THEIR HEARTS!

Copyright 2004 Nick James

About The Author

Nick James is a UK based direct marketer and product developer. During the last 3 years Nick has sold in excess of £1 Million of products and sevices. Subscribe to his Free Tip Of The Week at: www.Nick-James.com New Product: www.FlashAudioWizard.com.

Here's Exactly What Makes Web Audio So Powerful

by: Nick James

Have you ever tried to communicate with another person using just actions and sign language? It gets pretty frustrating, doesn't it? Especially when you know that if you could just SAY a few words, they'd get the picture, almost instantly.

Well, imagine if the website you've put up on show... could "speak". If it could sparkle with the spoken word. What do you think the effect could be?

You see, what the smart website marketers have realised, is that they need to move beyond just written words and striking graphics. They're looking to giving their website… a 'personality'.

BUT… in the cold hearted, faceless world of the internet, being able to reach the audience you want, with sincerity, warmth and with a 'face', doesn't come easily to most.

That is unless you happen to have the skilful knack of knowing what to write, when to write it and are able to string words together to help paint a strong emotional picture in readers minds for your product, service or idea.

Getting all the help we can via other means is crucial in giving us that slight edge.

There's possibly nothing more intimate, more convincing, more realistic for the reader, than to hear a 'voice' behind the website. What it adds, is satisfying helpings of…

LIFE and… CREDIBILITY!

Imagine being able to connect at regular intervals with your customers and clients! How do you think they'll feel when you're able to inform them that there's an exciting offer about to happen and you make sure the message reaches both their eyes, and their ears!

What about using this simple technology to help create a stampede of sales, an abundance of new subscribers, a fleet of qualified prospects, a herd of new referrals!

What about being able to tell your customers that you messed up on the last bit of information you gave them and that you're really sorry. Won't you be able to convey this message better using real live words, than by using written text?

Won't your sincerity, conviction and heartfelt emotion, reach them INSTANTLY, where it matters most… THEIR HEARTS!

Copyright 2004 Nick James

Nick James is a UK based direct marketer and product developer. During the last 3 years Nick has sold in excess of £1 Million of products and sevices. Subscribe to his Free Tip Of The Week at: www.Nick-James.com New Product: www.FlashAudioWizard.com.

Helping many people become wireless with audio visual

by: Tom
If you are chasing the latest and accurate opinion in relation to audio visual.
Sometimes when you're trying to find better information on audio visual, you'll find it's complex separating quality information from inexpert audio visual submissions and support so it's prudent to know ways of moderating the information presented to you.

Machine Dreams: Audience Response & Presentation Equipment
Featuring The Communicator, with built-in wireless microphone. This advanced audience response system increases interaction, learning, team building.



Here are several guidelines which we believe you should use when you are trying to find information about audio visual. You need to understand that the guidance we put forward is only appropriate to internet info about audio visual. We do not give you any assistance or guidance for conducting research offline.

ARS Technologies: Visual & Audience Response Equipment
Provides interactive audience response solutions using wireless response keypads during meetings, conventions, trade shows, and more.



A great hint to follow when you're presented with help and advice regarding a audio visual page is to ascertain who owns the site. This may divulge who is behind the site audio visual integrity The easiest way to reveal who owns the audio visual web site is to find the sites 'about' page.

Any reputable site providing information concerning audio visual, will almost always provide an 'about' or 'contact' page which will list the people behind the site. The details should tell you major points about the website owner's expertise. You can then decide for yourself about the site owner's knowledge and skill, to offer help regarding audio visual.


About the author:

hugh campbell is the webmaster for http://www.audio-visual-1st.info