To listen to a network audio stream (Shoutcast, Icecast, etc.):

1	Choose Open Stream... from the File menu
2	Type in the streaming server's address.
3	Click Open

Tip: You can also drag and drop from the Stream Guide Window onto the control window, double click on a Stream Guide entry, or double click a playlist item that is a network stream.

A streaming server address will look similar to:
http://server.name.com:8000.

In most cases, you'll probably find links to streaming servers through your web browser. In that case, ensure that your browser is configured properly.

Network status

Since the conditions of the Internet are unpredictable, sometimes your connection to a server may hang, or drop out entirely, or it may be difficult to connect. Audion will display three different animations to give you with visual feedback of your connection:

•	Connecting: Audion is connecting to the server.
•	Streaming: Audion is receiving audio from the server.
•	Broken: There is a problem with the connection. These problems usually correct themselves after a brief period of time.

Every Audion face will treat these animations differently, however each face will have three separate animations as detailed above.

Requirements

Most network streams require a great deal of bandwidth, i.e. a fast connection to the Internet. If you have a 56k modem, you may find the audio breaking up frequently. There's not really a magic trick to solve this problem other than (you saw it coming) upgrading to a faster connection. Still, choosing a streaming server with a low bitrate stream is your best medicine. For a 56k modem, a stream with a bitrate no greater than 40k will work best.

Related topics

Learning Audion's Controls