To listen to live streaming audio, you will need a good Internet connection. A connection speed of 28K is generally suggested as the minimum requirement, but faster connections yield better results. You will also need speakers or headphones connected to sound card hardware inside your computer.
Several audio feed file formats are being used to send streaming audio feeds over the Internet. Many radio stations provide their feeds in multiple formats at the same time, so you can choose among them.
The formats in wide use include:
You'll need to have one or more Internet media software applications installed on your computer. Some of the available applications will play more than one of the streaming audio feed file formats. If you already use software to play audio compact disks (CDs) on your computer, that software will likely also play streaming audio feeds.
Software applications in use include those listed below. Follow the links to obtain the software. A free version of each is very likely available, but you may have to look closely on the pages you reach to find a link to it. A more fully-featured version is very likely available for purchase.
RealNetworks, RealPlayer, and RealAudio are registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. Windows Media Player and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. QuickTime and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
