subject: How To Choose Shoutcast Hosting Solutions [print this page] How To Choose Shoutcast Hosting Solutions
If you love music and have been dreaming of setting up your own music station, then, Shoutcast hosting is for you. In this day and age where everyone is going online for every need, listening to the radio online is the latest trend. Online radio stations broadcast a number of programs on a wide range of subjects, including politics, religions and sports, besides music of course. Fortunately, you do not have to be at the receiving end of all the fun. The Shoutcast software allows users to set up a streaming radio station that others may listen to using any media player. This is what Shoutcast hosting does for you. But, Shoutcast hosting solutions are not all the same. Running the server is a challenging task. You need to get a grip on configurations. You also need to upload the kind of music you want to send out and then handle some more configurations before you are ready to go on air. So, when you are looking for Shoutcast hosting, you need to opt for a solutions provider with the following features: Support: The first thing that a rookie needs to know is that you need enough support from your hosting solutions provider. You will need help in the FTP and SSH protocol. You might also need some help with the Admin panel until you are ready to start working on your own. Dedicated Shoutcast hosting: If you plan to run your radio station for a long time, then, managed, dedicated hosting solution is best for you. With dedicated hosting solutions, you are guaranteed of constant availability, high band width and bundled maintenance plans. Trial: Before you choose any one Shoutcast hosting service over the others, ask for a trial service for a number of days. Then, you will be able to evaluate the quality of their service in the real life scenario. You can judge the stream quality. There should be no stutter because constant stuttering is the sign of poor quality of service. However, some hosts may not provide a free trial service. In that case, you need to find more about the hosts through testimonials and forums. A satisfying experience in streaming media needs the backing of a powerful server that has the experience of providing Shoutcast hosting solutions. Some of the added features you must look for include: 1. Set up assistance for free
2. A powerful web based control panel for Shoutcast hosting
