Live Streaming Help (FAQs)


Browse the list of questions and answers below for solutions to the most common issues related to listening to WRCJ online. If you cannot find a solution to your problem, please contact us.

• I can't get the shoutcast stream to work. What's wrong?

• I want to download mp3's! Why aren't they available?

Legally we are not allowed to make available for download via mp3 ANY broadcast which contains un-licensed copyrighted material (e.g. music heard throughout shows).

LIVE STREAM

• I can't listen. What should I do?

First, look through these FAQs. Second, be sure that

1) your internet connection is working and

2) you have downloaded the most recent version of the player (see links to players at the bottom of this page).

• Windows Media Player doesn't work?

Please try this and see if it works:

Open Windows Media Player.
Along the top, choose:
File>Open URL

Paste this in the box that opens : http://216.14.112.58:8000

Click OK.

• How can I contact WRCJ in regard to streaming problems?

Please use our main Contact Us page for all issues including live streaming problems. Also, submit your issue along with

1) your computer OS (operating system)

2) whether you are listening from work or home

3) which stream you are having problems with

4) When the problem started and/or how long it has been occurring.

• I can't get iTunes to play your stream. Why?

Shoutcast streams (mp3 streams) sometimes do not automatically open iTunes. You will need to manually open the link. Try the following:

1. Open iTunes.
2. Go to Advanced >> Open Stream
3. Copy/paste this URL into the box and click OK:
http://216.14.112.58:8000/listen.pls

• What do I need to listen to the live stream?

You need a computer, an internet connection, and a soundcard with speakers or headphones. The computer can be running Windows, Macintosh, or Unix/Linux/Solaris operating systems. On this computer you need to install a browser program; if you are reading this we can assume that you have a browser installed. Last but not least you need to install RealPlayer, Windows Media, or Winamp player programs. If you are not sure which program to install, we recommend starting with the RealOne player or Winamp, because it will allow you to listen to the live stream with the fewest issues.

• I listen at work and I am behind a firewall. How can I still listen?

If you are behind a corporate firewall, you might have trouble using streaming media content. To overcome this problem, you will need to connect to the broadcast site from outside the firewall or ask your IT department to open the appropriate ports to supports audio streaming. If you are listening at home and have firewall software installed, it may interfere with audio streaming. Try disabling the firewall and reading the documentation that came with your software.

• Sometimes when I'm listening the live stream cuts in and out and the player starts rebuffering. What is happening?

There are a wide variety of reasons why the WRCJ stream may be down at any given moment, ranging from temporary loss of connection between WRCJ and particular locations on the internet, to server and/or client issues. We do our best and thank you in advance for your patience. If there is the slightest remote chance that problem is with your own computer, try rebooting your computer and reconnecting to the internet. It's amazing how many computer problems can be fixed with a simple reboot. Also, try upgrading your player software.

• Why does the online live stream sound 'tinny' or like I'm listening in a tunnel?

Sound files are too large to deliver over the internet through slower connections without compressing them first. The benefit is that we shrink a sound file to one-twentieth its size to accomodate the broadest range of listeners; the penalty is that the sound quality suffers. At the present time WRCJ configures the live Windows Media, Real Audio, and Winamp streams to work with dialup modems (~32 kbps stream).

Someday, in the future, WRCJ would like to offer high-quality broadband audio. The only problem is that WRCJ pays for every bit that we deliver over the internet. If our sound quality doubles or if people listen for twice as long, then the amount of money our streaming provider charges us also doubles. We have settled on the dial-up sound quality that we offer now as the best compromise between cost and quality.

RECOMMENDED PLAYERS

Winamp, Realplayer, and iTunes.

Of course, you can always find us on your FM dial at 90.9.

If you would like to see us achieve our goal of higher quality streams, please show your support for WRCJ today.