There Is No Need To Use Expensive Encoding Software
I tested Radiocaster ($59) and SAM Cast ($200)
RadioCaster was easy enough to setup and configure I had a stream setup within 3 minutes.
Feb 24th 2022:As RadioCaster is coded by a Russian developer
I am asking people (NICELY) to BOYCOTT software from DJ Soft
What's happening in Ukraine is quite frankly appalling by anyones standards
The demo of Radio Caster comes with an annoying BLEEP over the stream every 15 minutes.
Since I first tested RadioCaster its always buffered after 10/15 minutes of streamingI don't know if its a codec issue but something isn't right with RC
The buffering has happened on different computers and ISP connections over the space of 5/6 years.
SAM Cast has real issues trying to populate Now Playing metadata.
SAM Cast encoders have a nasty habit of Buffering like the Encoders in OTHER Spacial Audio software.
I've tried every setting that users have suggested and I still cannot get Now Playing info to populate with SAM Cast.
This is where FREE encoding software comes in. I have found the stand alone encoding progams I use are stable & reliable.
My stream didn't buffer once in over 4 weeks using FREE encoding software (Sound Empire Caster)
I only had to restart my stream because of Windows Updates which you need if you want a secure PC.
Sound Empire Caster picks up the metadata from a NowPlaying.txt on the computer running RadioDJ
I test encoding software frequently and it isn't hard to find weak spots
in some Internet Radio streaming encoding software offerings
The problems with paid for encoding software are plain to see when testing them.
The Paid for encoding programs are POOR value for money especially when other software can do the same thing for FREE
You don't need to pay out $$$ for encoding software when theres free stuff that can do the job just as well.
28.02.2022:
Given Putins WAR in Ukraine I think its probably safe to say that Sound Empire Caster updates may be delayed INDEFINITELY.
Sound Empire Caster was/is coded by a Ukrainian. I hope him and his family are safe.
That saddens me as Sound Empire Caster was showing some real promise and is a great encoding program.