New Streaming Radio

Streaming Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: You updated your streaming service in June 2009. Why?

A: The initial impetus for a streaming upgrade was a increase in capacity for our upcoming additional program streams. But, at the same time, we took advantage of AAC+ and Flash technology to improve the sound quality of our streams within the same bandwidth we’d been using before.

Q: What is a “Flash Player?” What do I need to do to play it?

A: The Flash player makes use of Adobe Flash. Flash is a very common technology mostly known for the extensive animations that many organizations include on their regular web pages. It can also stream high-quality audio originated with Advanced Audio Coding Plus (AAC+), a technique that’s newer and more advanced than MP3 coding. Flash is supported on many computing platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. If Adobe Flash is installed on your computer (and, there’s a very good chance that it already is), just click the Flash Player link and the player will start.

Q: Do I need a broadband Internet connection to listen to the Flash player?

A: The main player requires at least 64Kbps of Internet bandwidth, so a dial-up internet connection won’t be sufficient. If you are still using dial-up, we encourage you to consider a broadband connection to enjoy all the benefits from the additional bandwidth. If you are still using a dial-up connection, however, we also provide a 24Kbps Flash player option on our streaming page. Note: We are considering discontinuing support for dial-up with our streaming players. If you still require this support, please send an e-mail to our engineering staff.

Q: What can I do if the Flash Player won’t work?

A: First, make sure the Adobe Flash Player is installed on your computer. The Flash Player is a free download from the Adobe website via the link we’ve provided on our streaming page. If you still have trouble, we’ve provided links to other standard media players (Windows Media Player, iTunes/Winamp, and Real) on our streaming page. The audio quality with these players won’t be as good as with the Flash player, however.

Q: Can I listen with my iPhone or my iPod Touch?

A: Yes! The Public Radio Player is an iPhone and iPod Touch application that streams many public radio stations, including KUVO. You may download the Public Radio Player from the Apple Appstore via the link we’ve provided on our streaming page. You may also search from the Appstore in iTunes or on your iPhone or iPod Touch.

Q: Can I listen with an “Internet Appliance,” such as a ROKU SoundBridge or an Internet-enabled tuner or receiver?

A: Yes, as long as your device supports a standard MP3 internet stream. You are typically asked to provide the Internet address (or URL) for the stream when you configure such a device. Use:

http://kuvo-ice.streamguys.org/kuvo-mp3-64 

(you may need to add an .m3u extension to this URL in some cases)

Q: The sound is stuttering or cutting out. What can I do?

A: First, if you are using a dial-up internet connection, consider obtaining broadband internet. However, if you are still using dial-up, make sure you are using one of the low-bandwidth streaming options (the low-speed Flash player being the best choice). If you are still having audio trouble, try listening to other internet stations (but only long enough to troubleshoot!). If they are also problematic, you may have a basic Internet connection problem. Check your own Internet connection, or check with your corporate IT department or Internet Service Provider. If you only experience problems with the KUVO stream, send an e-mail to our engineering staff and we’ll have a listen on our end. However, in most cases, intermittent audio is an issue on the listener’s end and not our end.

Q: I’m having consistent problems, or another question. Who do I contact?

A: Send an e-mail to our engineering staff. Provide as much detail as possible, such as any error messages you’re receiving, what player you are trying to use, and what happens when you try to listen.