How OTC Works

The OTC broadcast comes to you from all over the world. DJs present from their own homes using a PC, playout software, a microphone and in many cases an external mixer. All of our DJs currently have a broadband internet connection which they use to stream audio to one of our two redundant, multi-homed servers based in Norfolk and Yorkshire.

The whole station is controlled by SAM Broadcaster v3 (see below). Using this software as a base, over the past five years we've constructed our own scripts and web interfaces which now allow us to centrally schedule all shows and events with ease, and crucially means that the software can run pre-defined live shows indefinitely with no interaction from us.

Live DJs broadcast at up to 64kbps during their shows, passing audio to one of our IceCast servers using SimpleCast software (provided to them under station licenses). IceCast then integrates with the main automation software, streaming the show at 192k, 128k and 32k simultaneously in mp3 format. Due to the inherent unreliability of commercial DSL products, if a fault develops with a live DJ connection, the system automatically plays out music from our database whilst it attempts to reconnect the DJ, ensuring no dead air.

Alongside the SimpleCast broadcast software, all DJs are provided with a custom built suite of software known as the 'Toolbox'. This aids in producing live or pre-recorded shows for the station and includes an accurate atomic clock, a playlist logger with 'now playing' uploader, webcam uploader, imaging updater and more.

Our broadcast servers run both Microsoft Windows XP and Server 2003, with connectivity provided by UK ISPs Demon and Be. Stream servers are UK based, hosted by Redstation, running CentOS Linux.

If you have any specific questions about our setup we would be more than happy to provide you with details. Please contact engineering via the contact page.

More Information
SAM Broadcaster & SimpleCast - www.spacialaudio.com
IceCast - www.icecast.org
Redstation - www.redstation.com
Demon Internet - www.demon.net
Be Unlimited - www.bethere.co.uk