This page is an experiment with audio formats. I hope you like what you hear and return again to listen to what is new!
There are different formats by which sound is transmitted over the internet. Sound files can be downloaded in their entirety.This works quite well but you must download the whole file before listening to any of it.Sound files may be quite large, so this can be an inconvenience.Also,you must have a program on your local computer which can play audio files of different formats.For archival sound files this method is fine, but live transmission of audio is not possible.
New software allows real-time playing of of an audio "stream" of data.This means that software decodes the highly compressed audio data as it is being downloaded, allowing the user to hear the file as it arrives from a remote site. Voice and voice/video transmission are two uses of this technology that are being implemented rapidly (such as with internet phone software). Another use is for both real and virtual "radio" on the internet. RealAudio software is the current market leader in this area. There are many sites using RealAudio server software to broadcast either live or archived programs to listeners on the net.Check out the RealAudio Guide to learn more about broadcasters who use their product.
Hear the CBC radio logo
click on the image above and listen to the CBC
Here is an example of RealAudio encoded music from Cuba !Baile!
A guide to progressive political activisim on the web ...progress you can hear!
Witty political commentary from the great state of Texas