Just wondering if you guys had considered streaming in AAC instead of Mpeg? AAC, which is what the BBC use on iplayer now, is supposed to give better sound quality than Mpeg for any given bitrate. Certainly BBC iplayer listen again radio shows sound better on my laptop than they do on my DAB radio, connected through the same amplifier.
I love Dandelion Radio and just want it to sound as good as good as possible.
Admin reply: Thanks for the suggestion.
We did look into this years ago and went for MP3 via SHOUTcast for maximum compatibility with various players. Back then there were a number of hardware-based Internet radios that could not play AAC. Things have improved since then (however, even now there are issues with proper playback of AAC+ on some devices ... they ignore the "+" bits). So - we would potentially go to 96k AAC and save money or go to 128k AAC and sound better (for those with better speakers and younger ears!).
Plus the software we use for making the final versions of the shows from the hi-fi versions created by the DJs is a version of SoundForge from several years ago and it does not have the ability to save files as AAC. As we run on a small budget, an upgrade to a newer version is unlikely, so this could be the main hurdle if we ever change formats.
Simon, do you have any recommendations of free software that can convert WAV and MP3 to AAC (with ability to modify sonic characteristics) that we could potentially use? (email to station at dandelionradio dot com with suggestions other than Audacity)
Added: Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 10:35 AM
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Name: selena
From: augusta taurinorum E-mail: Contact
Really enjoying Mark Whitby's october show - great music from a wonderfully varied selection genres. Truly keeping it Peel!
Added: Monday, October 24, 2011, 02:10 PM
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Name: John
From: Stowmarket, Suffolk E-mail: Contact
We are developing an arts centre in Stowmarket to inspire artists and the audience to appreciate all forms of art and music. We are working closely with John Peel's family who live locally. It is great to see other like minded people. Our web site will be up soon and would encourage you to visit and come by the centre for any of our future gigs.
Listening to Dandelion Radio (Paul Ackroyd currently abd Rocker yesterday) has never sounded so good, poolside in the blistering heat of the Greek island of Kos. It makes a very welcome respite from all the tasteless rubbish that even this highly architecturally tasteful hotel plays in the bars, and matches the sunshine and tranquil rippling blueness perfectly. I'm fairly sure that I'm the first to make this particular use of the hotelwide free wifi, but who knows!
Added: Wednesday, August 24, 2011, 11:37 AM
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Name: ron marinick
From: Providence Rhode Island USA E-mail: Contact
Happy Birthday to hands down the greatest, most consistently challenging, ballsy radio station of all. 4 year listener, changed my life, wouldn't know what to do without it, Love being able to listen at work on my pocket calculator (iphone)...so often turned onto new music that enlivens and moves me. New promo is good, no f****** patience! Its the little things in life...
Added: Wednesday, June 29, 2011, 01:04 AM
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Name: Fritz A. Wollner
From: Switzerland E-mail: Contact
Thanks for the new intro - still a nuisance when switching speakers in iTunes, but short enough to bear. Keep up the good work!
