WEBCAST INFO

A few important matters:

• We have installed a new webcast encoder at our studios.  The static is history, and now it's stereo.  We are seeking a donated 300 MHz or higher PC and hope to institute a second webcast for those with high speed connections (DSL or cable).  This will result in greatly improved audio quality for these listeners; meanwhile, we'll maintain our existing webcast for those with dial-up connections.

• The main listen link to WDFH's webcast (our cute little microphone, designed by WDFH volunteer Lou Cannizzaro) works for most users most of the time, but we have received reports of problems with the link, particularly among Mac users.  Therefore, we also provide an alternative listen link that has been verified to work on both Macs and PCs. 

• If our main webcast doesn't work, try our backup.  It may have static at times, but if all else fails...

• Problems?  Contact tech support.

• A potentially very troubling development is underway in Washington.  New copyright rules are under consideration that could severely restrict webcasting, if not end it completely, by many stations, including WDFH.

Your involvement is needed.  Our webcast is now back up and running, and will remain so pending the outcome of the deliberations in Washington.  However, we strongly urge you to contact your Congressional representatives, asking them to support webcasters so that webcasts, including WDFH's online service, can continue.

To learn more about what you can do, visit the Save Our Streams and SaveInternetRadio.org websites today.

The central conflict in this little drama pits webcasters against the powerful music recording industry, which is seeking to force webcasters to pay royalties that many, including WDFH, consider prohibitive. 

WDFH, along with many other stations, temporarily shut down our webcast in support of the nationwide Internet radio "Day of Silence" on May 1 to alert you to this possible new copyright law, which could permanently silence our internet broadcast and many other webcasters in the near future.  The issues are:

(1)  Excessive royalty rates webcasters will have to pay to record labels, which could be high enough to silence many webcasters;

(2)  Massive amounts of information webcasters may have to compile for each song we play, which could create a recordkeeping nightmare so bad that it could make it difficult or impossible for live-programmed stations to comply; and

(3)  Government-imposed content restrictions on what music we are allowed to play.

WDFH is particularly concerned about the effect the proposed royalties will have on noncommercial stations, who after all are not making and not intending to make a profit.

Again, you and everyone you know who listens to internet radio must get involved.  WDFH's webcast is up and running, and will remain so pending the outcome of the deliberations in Washington.  However, we strongly urge you to contact your Congressional representatives today, asking them to support webcasters so that webcasts, including WDFH's online service, can continue.

Again, more info about what you can do is at Save Our Streams and SaveInternetRadio.org.

 

Local support for WDFH's webcast is provided by:

• Bestweb, an internet service provider in the NYC metro area,

• The Listening Room, Scarsdale, NY, provider of stereo and home theater systems,

• LAC Communications, providing communications in advertising, marketing and design

• Contributions from WDFH's volunteer staff and Board of Directors.

Any comments, problems, suggestions?  Click here for contact info.  Thanks!