Chapter 2 (continued) AUTHORING/ENCODING TECHNOLOGIES — SAM2 BROADCASTER

SAM2 Broadcaster
Streaming Audio Manger (SAM) was originally developed in 1999 to be used in conjunction with programs like SHOUTcast that would allow the broadcaster to produce, manage, and track the elements of a radio program.
(A detailed description of  SHOUTcast was originally published on this blog on 2011/12/27, in the section on Server Technologies.) (1)
The SAM program evolved into a powerful multi-format encoding and radio automation package now called SAM2 (v 2.7.9), with encoder technology that powers several SpacialAudio products of interest to webcasters.
SAM2 Broadcaster software is the main SpacialAudio engine for the encoding capabilities of their products.  However, compared to the SimpleCast product, the advanced features offered improve the Webcasting process.  SAM2 integrates Internet broadcast automation along with its powerful multi-format, multi bit rate, multiple server capabilities to offer a very strong package that augments and automates the Webcasting process.
This professional broadcaster package supports and facilitates the online broadcast.  It differs from other encoding software considered in that it provides broadcast automation tools as well as the encoding capability.  The automation tools enable the webcaster to: comply with DMCA and RIAA standards concerning the rotation and selection of the audio content, fully automate the broadcast, develop real-time listener statistics, develop content rotation schedules automatically, and use tools to deliver a more professional sound for your station.
The encoding features of the software allow the webcaster to stream using the advanced MP3PRO CODEC for increased audio quality at half the bit rate of standard MP3 codecs.  Also supported are standard  MP3, Ogg Vorbis, and advanced Windows Media 9 encoders.  One of the powerful features of the software is the ability to use a combination of encoders simultaneously, even mixing in multiple bit rates.  This allows the webcaster to cover a wider range of potential listeners, as there is great diversity in bandwidth and media player formats within the Web radio audience.  As an example, you can run a 24 kb/s MP3PRO stream, a 56 kb/s MP3PRO stream, and 56 kb/s Windows Media stream simultaneously, and they can all come from the same audio source files.
In addition to this streaming flexibility, you can also direct your automated streams to a number of the servers already discussed, including SHOUTcast, Live365, Windows Media, icecast2, and P2P Streamer.  The software also provides some additional key features that are important elements of the Web Radio experience, namely the addition of a text message displaying CD/song titles, artists, and album art that updates as the songs play in their rotation.  Other Metadata is streamed as well the Windows Media format and MP3PRO and MP3 formats.
A final feature that can provide an important source of revenue is the integration of “Buy CD” links within the package that can enable the webcaster to sell the CD being used for the broadcast to an interested listener.  For a site like our model www.godsound.com that already is based on the sale of CDs, and easy link between the listener experience through the radio station and the CD store is an important feature.
For more information on the SAM2 Broadcaster package, refer to:
http://www.spacialaudio.com/products/sam2/
1.) Link to SHOUTcast Server Blog Posting
http://michaelpatrickmoran.wordpress.com/2011/12/27/82/