Public Interactive streaming solution is:

• Easy to implement: We provide and maintain all hardware and software needed to live stream. If your encoder malfunctions, we will replace it at no additional charge.
• High Quality: All streaming is distributed via an enterprise-level content delivery network that provides a geographically distributed redundant network optimized for streaming. This ensures quality, scalability and reliability.
• Reliable: Unlimited 24/7 help and support is included.
• Fully-featured: We provide a streaming access page complete with online help and FAQs. Stations have access to enhanced streaming reports that include the max number of simultaneous streams,monthly, weekly, and daily usage data.
  

FAQs

Q. What live streaming services do you provide?
A. We provide your station with a competitive "best of breed" live streaming audio solution that includes revenue opportunities.

When you sign up for streaming, the station receives:

• 24/7 online stream of your terrestrial broadcast
• Unlimited simultaneous audio streams to your listeners
•  All hardware and software needed to stream (encoder, encoding software, etc.) We maintain the encoder, so if it malfunctions we replace it at no charge.
•  An industry standard player and web space with station branding
• Online help section and technical support
• Monthly and daily streaming usage reports
• Automatic SoundExchange Streaming Logs

B. When your visitors click a link on your web site, they will be taken to your station's streaming web space. The pages have your custom station logo, look and feel, and site navigation.

Q. How many on-line visitors will be able to listen to our live stream at any given time?
A. We allow an unlimited number of simultaneous listeners. While the bandwidth requirements for streaming audio are quite substantial (about 60-80 28.8 streams per T1), our streaming provider's extensive streaming network, intelligent routing, and proprietary technology gives us the ability to scale to handle an unlimited number of listeners without a decrease in stream quality.

Q. What are the technical requirements for the station?
A. The station must be able to deliver one continuous stream to one streaming server via the Internet. To do so, a station must provide a minimum of 96kbps (or 768 bit) of upload bandwidth per 24k stream to allow for back ups and redundancy. We recommend that your station's total bandwidth be equal to or greater than DSL or cable modem. Options include ISDN, and T1. Dial up and satellite connections are not recommended.
B. A DSL connection must terminate in an external gateway that provides PPPoE support.
C. Stations must also provide a static fixed IP address for the encoder.
D. Stations must allow Public Interactive remote access to the encoder.
E. Staff member time to help set up the encoder. Although only a short amount of time is needed, it can be spread over a few days, so please take vacations, etc. into account.

What about streaming usage reporting? Will I know how many people are listening?
A. We provide access to detailed online reports via http://lux.llnw.com/  Contact us for your log in information.

What streaming bit rates are available? What about a high bandwidth stream?
A. Clients can stream at bit rates from 24-128kbps. Many clients have a low and a high quality stream.
B. The higher the bit rate, the higher the sound quality. For reference, a near CD quality stream rate is 128kbps.
C. For streaming on the iPhone and other mobile devices, we recommend a 56-64 kbps stream. Please contact Client Relations for more information.

I'd like to add additional streams. Is that possible?
A. Yes, it is possible to add additional streams of different bit rates or formats. Please contact Client Relations  for details.

Can people listen on an iPhone?
A. Yes, via the Public Media Tuner App and the NPR news App.  It's not too late to submit your stream for inclusion in the Public Radio Player. All live MP3 streams hosted by Public Interactive are compatible. NOTE: if you use a gateway, we recommend that you submit the .m3u link.
B. iPhone applications like this play streams like ours. If you are not using a gateway, listeners should be able to use your .pls or .m3u address listed on your streaming page. If you are using a gateway, we recommend the m3u link.
C. For iPhone listening, please keep stream bit rate in mind. In general, we find under 64 is best:

• Under 48 kbps: best for EDGE (some feedback indicates that 32 is actually better for EDGE), 3G, and wifi.
• 48 kbps - 96 kbps: works for 3G and wifi.
• 128 kbps: users can listen with wifi only.

How do I get my signal on the Internet?
A. We will deliver all necessary hardware and software to the station. The station's signal is fed into the soundcard of the encoder, where it is encoded by the appropriate encoding software, and then delivered to our streaming provider via the Internet. Our streaming provider replicates the stream as needed using their network.

What type of hardware and software do you provide? Will I need to supply any equipment? How much work will I have to do?
A. We make it easy.  We send stations all necessary hardware and software. This includes a pre configured streaming computer loaded with necessary software.
B. This computer will encode analog audio (your live air signal) using the appropriate encoding software. The encoder is preconfigured to plug into your local network and connect with the remote streaming server via the Internet.
C. We also maintain the encoder via remote access. And if it breaks, we'll fix it.

Why is a static IP address required for windows media streams?
A. A static IP address is used to determine the best entry point on our streaming provider's network for you to stream your live windows media stream.  It is not required for MP3 streams.
B. The source IP address of the stream is validated for security reasons to ensure that no invalid content is sent.
C. Windows streams are "pulled", meaning the stream is pulled from the encoder. Our streaming provider pulls the stream from the designated IP address.

Why do you recommend streaming in mono?
A. At rates of 20-56kbps, we recommend that stations stream in mono. At 20-56kbps, mono delivers a higher definition stream than stereo, and listeners will not receive the stereo separation cues. Stereo effects are generally not appreciated for streams under 64kbps. For reference, to stream at near CD quality, you'd stream at 128kbps.
B. Furthermore, the majority of listeners are listening through PC speakers that will not represent a compressed stereo signal with much definition.
C. For streaming on the iPhone and other mobile devices, we recommend a 56-64 kbps stream. This gives best results on Edge and 3G networks.
D. You can stream at higher bit rates with Public Interactive. We recommend that stations set up two streams, one low bit rate and one high bit rate.

What about licensing: ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and SoundExchange/RIAA?
A. The CPB has negotiated online streaming licensing agreements with the copyright organizations SESAC, SoundExchange/RIAA and ASCAP on behalf of all CPB-qualified stations, and is in the process of negotiating a license with BMI. NPR does not cover the costs of any SoundExchange/RIAA, ASCAP, BMI or related royalty fees associated with station generated or station licensed content.
B. For more information, and to sign up, the station must register online at (http://www.cpb.org/stations/musicrights/registration.html)
C. Stations are responsible for acquiring necessary clearances for streaming programming from network distributors and producers.

What about SoundExchange Reporting?
A. Stations that use our live streaming service do not need to submit streaming logs to us for reporting purposes - we already have that information and will automatically submit it on the stations behalf. Bundle with Composer Pro for a full SoundExchange Reporting solution.

How long till my station is streaming online?
A. It typically takes 15-20 business days from receipt of payment and station streaming specifications to streaming live.

Can my stream be listed in iTunes?
A. iTunes has a strict procedure to follow, and they do not guarantee that they will list you. Contact us for the directions.

Do you offer on-demand storage, or archiving, for audio clips?
A. Yes. You have the ability to upload audio and video clips in Public NewsRoom and Public Arts, and also for use on other parts of your site via JukeBox.

Do you offer a way to stream C24?
A. Yes! As long as you're a PRI affiliate, you can stream c24. There is a $250 one time set up fee to add the stream, then your bandwidth usage is applied to your allowance. And from PRI's end, there is an additional small licensing fee of $250 per quarter. For more information, contact PRI.