How to Stop Internet Radio From Cutting Out
From streaming music and talk shows to sporting events, the Internet is home to an array of radio programming. To listen to Internet radio, you need a computer and a Internet connection. But like streaming video, the flow of the data depends on your Internet connection and the application you are using to listen to the radio broadcast. One problem with Internet radio is the tendency of the stream of audio to "cut out" or pause. By adjusting the buffer setting on your Internet radio receiving program, you can stop the audio from cutting out.
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Things You'll Need
- Internet radio receiving program (Windows Media Player, RealPlayer or other audio program)
Instructions
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Open your Internet radio receiving program by clicking on its icon located on your computer's "Desktop." It can also be selected from the "All Programs" menu, if using a Windows system, or from the "Finder" if using a Mac system.
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Click on the "Tools" option from the program's main toolbar at the top of the screen. This option is where the program's configuration settings are located.
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Click on the "Options" or "Preferences" option.
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Click on the "Performance" or "Hardware" option. This option contains your settings for audio playback performance and how the program handles the stream of Internet radio.
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Click on the circle or box by "Buffer." Enter "9999999" in the box by the wording "second of content." If the program has a meter, move it to "Best Quality" or "Recommended Setting."
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Locate the heading "Connection Speed" or "Connection." This setting lets you select the speed of your Internet connection. If the program thinks your connection is faster than it really is, your Internet radio programming will cut out and stall.
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Click on the circle or box by "Choose connection speed:".
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Click on the pull-down arrow. Select the "28.8 Kbps" setting.
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Click "Apply" if this option is available. Click "OK" to close the "Tools."
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Test your Internet radio receiving program by connecting to your favorite radio station. If the audio is still cutting out, close other Internet-related programs you are using.
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Tips & Warnings
If your Internet radio receiving program has been receiving ads or "splash screens" (banner-like screens displaying information about the radio station), look for a "close" or an option for disabling these ads or splash screens. These ads and splash screens make your computer's processor work harder, which can lead to your Internet radio connection cutting out.
