How to Set up Streaming Audio Files
Without Using a "Real Server"
Streaming audio files play as the download, so the user doesn't have to wait as long to hear the sound. This method of steaming sounds requires the user to have the RealAudio 5.0 or G2 player. It is free for download at http://www.real.com/products/player/index.html Here is a streaming audio file (368K) For comparison, here is the same file, but it does not "stream": barleymow.ra |
1. Create/digitize your sound file in the software of your choice. I suggest using CoolEdit from Syntrillium .
2. Use the Real Encoder to convert the samples to .ra or .rm (they are interchangeable) format. You should choose a compression setting optimized for 28.8 modem streaming.
3. Decide where you are going to keep your audio files. I would suggest giving them their own subdirectory in your account. You can use the Import function on the FR Explorer to move your audio files from your hard drive to your Web account.
In order to "stream" your audio file, you have to link to a special text file that ends in the extension .ram, rather than directly to your sound file. This .ram file lets the browser know that the incoming file will be streaming. It's a very simple file, and just contains one line of information: the URL for the actual sound file. Seems silly, but it works.
4. Using Notepad, Wordpad, or some other basic text editor (NOT FP Editor), create a
new file and type the full and complete URL for your sound file into the document.
Example: http://extension.missouri.edu/boone/audio/sound1.ra
5. Hit "Save As" and name the file the same as the sound file, but with the extension .ram. In the case of the sound file above, name it "sound1.ram". Be certain that when you save, it is saving it in "plain text" or ASCII format. (Note: it's not absolutely necessary that you name it with the same name as the sound file -- ie: "sound1" -- but using this convention will make it MUCH easier later to go back and modify your files because it will be obvious which ones go together. This is especially true if you anticipate having many sound files.)
6. Use the Import function in FP Explorer to move the .ram file to your web account.
Important: don't ever open the .ram files in the FP Editor. It will convert them to HTML format, which will not work properly. If you double-click on a .ram file in the FP Explorer, you will be asked what program to use to edit it. Choose WordPad or NotePad. You can then edit it and save it straight back to the server like you would with the FP Editor.
7. On your web page, make a hyperlink to the .ram file, NOT the .ra file (i.e., http://extension.misosuri.edu/boone/audio/sound1.ram). If you reference the .ra file, it will download completely to the client system before playing (rather than streaming).
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Kate Akers akersk@missouri.edu Last revised: 12/12/06 |
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