timRADIO is a combination of several hot new technologies that have become available on the internet in the past year or so.

The most vital is the mp3 audio format, which is explained in great detail at mp3.com but which is best summarized as a way to compress digital audio to the point that one minute of CD Quality audio can fit in under a megabyte (where it usually takes ten). Because of this high compression, mp3's have revolutionized music by making it many times easier to distribute and process songs and audio.

The second most vital is the Shoutcast model, which is also explained in great detail at shoutcast.com. Shoutcast is a way to send a bunch of MP3 files in succession to waiting client programs across the Internet. In this way, they become like little radio stations.

timRADIO combines the use of MP3 files that have been created by TIMsters exclusively with a Shoutcast Server modified to provide a more TIMmish radio experience than one might otherwise get. It gives TIMsters an audio-based forum to play songs, rant about the world, advertise TIM and TIMmish happennings, and otherwise have a lot of fun in the sonic realm.

timRADIO IS BANDWIDTH INTENSIVE

If you have a relatively slow connection (less than 33.6k) then timRADIO in online form is not for you. There are two bands "Lowband" and "Highband", that that can roughly be considered the equivalent of AM and FM. The Lowband version runs at 24kbps, which on a lot of machine means at least a 33kbps connection on your modem connection. The highband version is 64kbps, which requires either a high-speed connection, equivalent to a cable modem or office/T1 connection.

If you have neither of these connections, fear not! In the future, when enough content (shows, programs, music) is collected, a CD will be made for you which you can play on your machine, assuming you have the hardware required to play it. We will have everything on there recorded at 128kbps, which means it'll be twice as clear as the highband channel! So actually, if you're patient, you get the best connection of all.

timRADIO IS PLAYING RIGHT NOW

Because the timRADIO program consists of a lot of computer-controlled scripts, it is playing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Over time, we hope to make it grow and really come into its own. Try it today!

Click here to find out how to Listen to TIM Radio.