Internet Radio Networks – the Essential Guide to Internet Radios and Beyond!

Ever since the age of the Internet has dawned in our lives, we have discovered an electronic counterpart of many things from our everyday life. The Internet has changed the way we communicate with others, share information, buy and sell things, and also the way we entertain ourselves. This is the era of e-mails, e-commerce, e-shopping, and e-radios or Internet radio.

Internet radios are the latest rage in cyberspace. It is but a natural culmination in the continuing evolution of the Internet. Internet radio networks are what everybody is talking about these days. In fact, after e-mails and e-commerce, e-radios are poised to be the next big thing in cyberspace.

E-radio or Internet radio, however, is not a very new innovation. As every netizen will know, Internet radio networks have been around for quite some time now. It is only recently, with the proliferation of Internet technology and improved connectivity, that Internet radio has truly come of age. Today, the listener is pampered with a most exhaustive range of channels (or stations), catering to all kinds of interest. This is becoming a standard offering of Internet radio networks that serve music online. The listener can tune into any of dozens of stations covering such genres as Classic Rock, Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Jazz, 80s music, 70s music, Oldies, New Age, Reggae, Country, Latin, Euro, Ambient, Lounge, Progressive, Techno and what not. Hours and hours of uninterrupted music at no cost – that’s the magnitude of the entertainment provided by Internet radio networks.

And now let me introduce you to the latest avatar of Internet radio – the Internet talk radio. Among the most popular Internet radio networks are the ones that feature Internet Talk Radio. Streaming talk shows and discussions on a wide range of subjects have made them popular among serious listeners or those who carve for something more than just music from their e-radios. Internet talk radio programs host various talk shows with specialists on different subject matters who anchor the show.

The possibilities of Internet radio networks extend even beyond the apparent. While traditional radio broadcasters have often used the Internet to advertise or promote their shows, Internet radio technology has actually revolutionized the concept and simple programming requirements have taken it to the extent where individuals, organizations or anyone for that matter, can easily host their own Internet talk radio station from the comfort of their home.

Now, let’s take a look at the technology that has made it all possible. Internet radio networks use many different methods for creating the audio stream source. Some of these include using the SHOUTcast service, which utilizes Winamp and the SHOUTcast DSP plugin to deliver MP3 audio at higher bitrates. Other methods include open source technologies such as Streamcast, stream-db, IceS, and MuSE, and patent-free data formats such as Ogg Vorbis. Using open source stream source tools allows for interesting web interface possibilities like phpStreamcast. Other applications include Broadwave which delivers audio in mp3 and relies on the listener's default media player to open the stream.

There is no dearth of radio networks on the Internet today. Some of these are really exceptional in the range of services they offer. Internet radio networks like Voice America make it easier to host your own Internet talk radio show. Such Internet radio networks not only provide you with the technology to host your Internet radio show but also give you a complete package of Internet streaming media broadcasting, proven support services in web, marketing, and interactive solutions that help you to make your mark and your presence known to the ever increasing Internet audience.

If you are planning to host your own Internet talk radio, seriously consider working with internet radio networks like Voice America. The possibilities are truly endless.