In the mood to hear some Christmas music anytime day or night all year long?  PlanetChristmas radio is on the air and can be heard anywhere in the world as long as you're on the Internet and have a speedy connection!  Pick a player below and start listening!

PlanetChristmas radio is currently:

PlanetChristmas Radio 2008
	Click here to listen through Microsoft Windows Media Player	download free player here	You can't go wrong with this universal player.
	Click here to listen through Real Player	download free player here	Probably has the best audio fidelity.
	Click here to listen through iTunes	download free player here	Perfect if your iPod centric.  This will work if you don't have the WinAmp player already installed.
	Click here to listen through Nullsoft's WinAmp Player	download free player here	Excellent player with plenty of fine touches not found in others.
Click here for a list of the last few songs played on PlanetChristmas Radio
Click here for the current status of PlanetChristmas Radio direct from the SHOUTcast server

Thinking about doing your own Internet radio station?  It's not as hard as you think.  Here's one of many ways:

 

PlanetChristmas uses OTSDJ software to be the real-time disk jockey.  This program typically routes audio through your computer sound card and out the speakers for everyone to hear.  OTSDJ can also stream the digital audio data over the Internet to a SHOUTcast server for rebroadcasting to anyone with a player like above. 

 

Do an Internet search for "SHOUTcast hosts" and you'll find a very long list.  Typically the host will charge by the maximum number of audio streams you'll need and the fidelity you desire.  The higher the fidelity, the more data must be streamed and the higher the price charged.  PlanetChristmas streams at 56Kbps which produces a very acceptable stereo output.  Pricing can range anywhere from $0.25 to $1.50 per stream per month.

 

Setting up OTSDJ to stream to the SHOUTcast provider is easy.  Enter the target information and password provided by your SHOUTcast host, set the fidelity and connect.  Your host will also provide information where listeners can find your audio stream/radio station.

 

PlanetChristmas Shameless Commerce

If you have a broadband connection at home, you can run your radio station from there.  Keep in mind broadband connections transfer very fast downstream (coming to your house) but our much slower going the other way (upstream).  Your radio station will be broadcasting constantly upstream and use some of your capacity.  Typically, your upstream bandwidth is 128Kbps TO 512Kbps.  Audio streaming can be anywhere from 24Kbps to 196Kbps.  A good-enough radio stream is 48Kbps to 56Kbps.  Bottom line:  once you're up and transmitting at home you'll probably notice a slight slowdown in your normal Internet service... but it's worth it to broadcast around the world!

 

Finally, don't forget about paying the artists for the content you broadcast (ASCAP, BMI, etc.)  The easiest was is use LoudCity.  They take care of just about everything and will even host your station.

 

When you get your Internet radio station working, let us know at PlanetChristmas and we'll post a link to it for you.