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Bit rate: why is it important for an online radio station?

Bit rate: why is it important for an online radio station

BRLOGIC streaming plan, besides being among the most complete in the domestic market, also goes beyond by offering the most important for those who want  set up an online radio station: it offers the maximum quality of audio streaming. And when we say “quality”, we mean two very important aspects, the bit rate per second of audio files, and the format streamed by the station.

We’ve already discussed the differences between AM/FM and online radio stations, and which of these types allow for better quality and listening experience. We have found out that one of the reasons why online stations are dominating the domestic market is also due to its streaming capacity. However, using this almost unlimited digital channel, without taking upon yourself to ensure high quality streaming, seems wasteful.

Bit rate

Based on what we presented on the AM/FM post, that streaming is basically the transfer of digital files from one point to another, it’s simple to understand how bit rate per second works. The bit rate is linked to the amount of data that is transmitted from point A to point B within a specific time interval.

Take BRLOGIC’s Diamond Streaming plan as an example: it allows streaming at 128kbps. In other words, the transmission of files each second can reach 128 packages of one thousand bits, thus guaranteeing the listener with extreme high quality audio. Lower qualities can be around 32 or 16 kbps, but our plans start at the minimum of 64. The plans can go as high as 128, which is much higher then the average station, digital or analog, but without creating unnecessary large files.

It’s worth noting that the speeds correspond to the maximum limits for streaming. If a station is installed in places where the Internet connections aren’t so good, you can configure it so that your streaming is done at a lower rate so as not to overload your network.

Streaming format

Beside bit rate, another variable that may affect the quality of the audio and the limit of the streaming, is its format. Without a doubt the most popular format is MP3, a type compressed file that even caused doubts among the defenders of the CD when digital music began to grow in popularity more than 10 years ago. Despite that fact, MP3 has still dominated the market as well as pleased consumers all around. Streaming MP3 increases the range of audio since its compatible with a wider variety of software and apps. However, BRLOGIC offers another format as well.

For lower bit rates, the AAC format is an interesting choice, since it allows a greater quality at a lower rate. Though our Auto Dj tool only allows you to upload in the MP3 format, it’s possible to configure it for AAC, allowing streaming in stereo even in a bronze plan. It’s worth remembering that ACC is a proprietary format and may have trouble in being played in old devices! Regarding the apps offered by BRLOGIC, this format works normally.

We should highlight that, even with all the technicalities among formats and bit rates, quality must be the main goal. If you have any doubts about this or other subjects, get in touch with us or access our help center!

Are you interested to enjoy all the benefits of a digital broadcast and start your own radio station? Or even put your analog radio station on the internet? Then start your free trial and build an online radio station right now with BRLOGIC!

About the author

Luiz Silveira

Luiz Silveira is a specialist in digital marketing and a radio, music and technology enthusiast. With a decade of experience, he aims to help radio stations better position thenselves on the internet.

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