Linux in Radio Broadcasting?

This Q just in from pvjr: "I work for a non-profit Christian radio station, but this question could apply to anyone in radio broadcasting of any format. We are using Window as our platform, essentially due to the fact that all of the broadcasting software is Windows based. I was wondering (hoping actually) if there were any Unix based broadcasting software out there? This should not be confused with Realplayer or other streaming software as the software needs to be able to generate logs with a variety of different catagories, allow for fillers, logos, and jingles, along with editing. If there isn't, this would be a wonderful place to start an open-source presence, where one could take advantage of the stability, reliability, and security of Unix for mission-critical machines."

Comments

Re:QNX solution

[rjamestaylor]

Now I remember the meaning of CCC - Computer Concepts Corporation.

Run far away...
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BRS Tunetracker, for BeOS, not Linux

[Rude Turnip]

The guy that runs BeOSRadio has developed his own radio automation software for BeOS that is geared toward both traditional radio and internet broadcasts. Here is a list of features supported:

* Full automation mode
* Live and Live-assist operation
Automated network joins
Perfect, seamless, smooth,
beautiful audio playback &
transitions

* Internet streaming
Provide simultaneous Internet
and over-the-air audio

* Supports MP3, MPEG Layer
2, WAV, AIFF, MS-ADPCM,
IFF-8SVX, MIDI, and other
audio formats

* Mix-and-match audio formats
and sampling rates at will, with
flawless transitions among
them

* Professional-quality VST
plug-in effects in real time,
including compression, limiting,
and reverb

* Controlled, randomized song
selection by a wide variety of
criteria

* Clear, easy-to-use control
interface

* Auto merging of today's and
tomorrow's program logs

* Option to manually select what
is next-to-play even during
automation mode

* Warp function for quick
interruption of programming to
give bulletins, etc.

* Unlimited number of unique
format clocks

* Unlimited number of unique
master logs

* Music selection and program
log generation in one step

* Time Corrects

* Interrupts

* Automated pause function

* Scrolling view of entire day's
log

* Drop-down box displaying
output log

* Report log option for logging
automation functions

* Current_Song logfile function
for posting current song info to
Internet

True, it runs on BeOS, not Linux and costs $100, but in the overall scheme of things, you're better off picking the best tool for the job. Here is the link:

http://www.beosradio.com/tunetracker/features.ht ml

RCM - Radio COntrol Manager

[Anonymous Coward]

i go to school with a guy who runs his own little radio show, he developed an application on linux origionally called RCM - Radio Control Manager. It does some of what you speak of. plus it has a web-interface so it has some interactivity, such as remote que's of songs. so you can broadcast using mp3 audio, OGG Vorbis, etc. or just have it que up in a text file. I dont remember the homepage for his project, but you can get in contact with him. xatlantic@usa.net is his e-mail address. let him know that Phantom sent you :)

Re:well..

[other420]

Wow, thanks for that useful information about linux based radio software, very insightful. Also, it's great to see a post that backs up the idea that people are basically good. I'll pray for you :)

Christian Radio?

[Anonymous Coward]

I would normally answer your question, but since you work for a Christian Radio station, I think you should have God help you.

What about the hardware?

[mini me]

I must admit I know nothing about broadcasting but my concern is hardware support. I'm guessing that you aren't just using a plain old run-of-the-mill sound card to play the audio (but I could be wrong), so how does the software communicate with whatever hardware is used? Is it well documented? Easily reversed engineered? Or is it propriatary which forces you to stick with the Windows software?

If hardware is a non-issue, then it shouldn't be too hard to do the rest, I'm assuming all you need is playlist type features, allow the DJ to pipe into the broadcast, and of course if it is open source it would be easy to add other needed features.

Re:And where in the Bible does it say

[rakslice]

And, pray tell, where in the atheist book of un-holy scripture does it say "Thou shalt not broadcast non-religion-neutral prose on the electro-magnetic spectrum"? Oh, wait... There isn't one. Sorry. =)

QNX solution

[rjamestaylor]

Interesting - I was the PD for a non-profit Christian format station in 1998 (long story). While researching production and on-air automation systems I came across a complete hardware/software solution that utilized QNX. It was called...looking...ah, thanks, Google: Audicy (I always pronounced it "Audacidy" once I saw the price).

We ended up staying in the Windows realm (for the reason you gave). I wish we had chosen AudioVault or Scott's Studio, but we went with CCC (forgot the meaning) and had trouble after failure after disappointment. (BTW, we continued to use SAW 32 for our production work. Still do, as a matter of fact.)

I've watched Freshmeat for this type of thing for some time but haven't seen anything compelling (except some possible audio editing solutions).

It sure would be nice to use OS/FSF software for non-profit operations!
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