Icecast & Centova Cast Frequently Asked Questions

At Canstream, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional support for our streaming services. While we're always happy to assist via support tickets, email, or telephone, this comprehensive FAQ addresses our most commonly asked technical questions to help you get quick answers and keep your stream running smoothly.

Connection & Streaming Issues

My stream is down. What's wrong?

Stream outages can occur for several reasons. Here's a systematic approach to diagnose the issue:

1. Check Your Internet Connection

• Test your internet connectivity by accessing any website (e.g., Google, BBC, or speedtest.net)
• Run a speed test to verify your upload bandwidth (minimum 256kbps recommended for 128kbps streaming)
• Check if other devices on your network can access the internet
• If using WiFi, try switching to a wired ethernet connection for better stability

2. Verify Server Status

• Log into your Centova Cast control panel at radio.canstream.co.uk
• Check if your server shows as "Online" in the status panel
• Look for any error messages or warnings in the Recent Log Messages section
• Verify your server hasn't exceeded its monthly bandwidth or listener limits

3. Encoder Configuration

• Ensure your encoder (BUTT, Rocket Broadcaster, etc.) hasn't been updated and lost its settings
• Verify the server address, port, and password haven't changed
• Check that your mount point starts with a forward slash (e.g., /stream.mp3)
• Confirm your firewall isn't blocking the encoder application

4. ISP and Network Issues

• Some ISPs throttle streaming traffic during peak hours (typically 6pm-11pm)
• Corporate networks often block non-standard ports like 8000/8001
• Mobile hotspots may have unstable upload speeds unsuitable for streaming

I'm unable to connect my encoder to my stream

The most common connection issues and their solutions:

Server Not Started

Your Centova Cast server must be running before you can connect. To start your server:

1. Log into radio.canstream.co.uk with your streaming account credentials
2. Navigate to your server dashboard
3. Look for the "Quick Links" panel on the left side
4. Click "Start Server" if it shows as stopped
5. Wait 10-15 seconds for the server to fully initialize
6. The status indicator should turn green when ready

Incorrect Credentials

• Username is always "source" (not your email or account name)
• Password is your source password (found in Server Settings > Mount Points)
• Server address should not include http:// or https://
• Port is typically 8000 or 8001 (check your welcome email)

Mount Point Issues

• Must start with a forward slash: /stream.mp3 or /live
• Should end with the appropriate extension (.mp3 for MP3, .ogg for OGG)
• Case-sensitive - /Stream.mp3 is different from /stream.mp3

Performance & Quality Issues

Why is my stream "buffering" regularly?

Buffering indicates that audio data isn't reaching listeners fast enough. Here's how to diagnose and fix buffering issues:

Encoder Computer Optimization

• Close all unnecessary applications (browsers, email clients, office software)
• Disable automatic updates (Windows Update, antivirus updates, app updates)
• Disable cloud sync services (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive)
• Set your encoder to "High Priority" in Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac)
• Ensure your computer isn't entering sleep or power-saving modes

Network Optimization

Upload Speed Requirements:

• 64kbps stream: Minimum 128kbps upload
• 128kbps stream: Minimum 256kbps upload
• 192kbps stream: Minimum 384kbps upload
• Add 20% overhead for stability

Additional Network Tips:

• Use a wired ethernet connection instead of WiFi
• Implement QoS (Quality of Service) on your router to prioritize streaming traffic
• Consider a dedicated internet connection for broadcasting
• Avoid streaming during network-intensive activities (backups, uploads, downloads)

Encoder Settings Adjustments

• Reduce sample rate from 44100Hz to 22050Hz for voice-only content
• Lower bitrate if your upload speed is marginal
• Increase encoder buffer from 5 seconds to 10-15 seconds
• Use CBR (Constant Bitrate) instead of VBR (Variable Bitrate)
• Disable unnecessary DSP plugins or effects

Audio quality sounds poor or distorted

Input Level Configuration

• Keep input levels between -12dB and -6dB
• Never let levels reach 0dB (red zone) as this causes clipping
• Use compression to maintain consistent levels
• Apply a limiter to prevent peaks

Encoding Settings

MP3 Quality Recommendations:

Codec Selection:

• MP3: Best compatibility
• AAC+: Better quality at low bitrates
• Opus: Excellent for voice at very low bitrates

Centova Cast Specific FAQs

Can I see who's listening to my stream?

Yes, Centova Cast provides detailed listener statistics:

• Real-time Listeners: View current listeners under "Statistics > Overview"
• Listener Geography: See listener locations on the world map
• Historical Data: Access detailed reports under "Statistics > Historical"
• User Agents: Identify what players/devices listeners are using
• Session Duration: Track how long people listen

What's the difference between listeners and bandwidth?

How do I embed my stream player on my website?

Centova Cast provides several player options:

1. Go to "Quick Links > HTML Code"
2. Choose your player type:
   • Simple Player: Basic HTML5 audio element
   • Advanced Player: Customizable with now-playing info
   • Pop-up Player: Opens in a new window
3. Copy the provided code
4. Paste into your website's HTML
5. Customize colors and size as needed

Can I broadcast to multiple platforms simultaneously?

Yes, using Centova Cast's relay feature:

1. Set up your primary stream on Centova Cast
2. Configure relays to other platforms (YouTube, Facebook, etc.)
3. Use stream splitter software like OBS Studio for visual streams
4. Note: Each relay counts as an additional listener

Advanced Troubleshooting

Stream works locally but not for external listeners

Port Forwarding Issues

• Verify port 8000/8001 is open on your server
• Check with your ISP if they block these ports
• Test using online port checker tools
• Try alternative ports if available (8010, 8020, etc.)

SSL/HTTPS Considerations (2025 Update)

• Modern browsers require HTTPS for embedded players
• Our streams automatically ugrade to SSL for you

Unexpected disconnections every hour

This typically indicates:

• Trial account limitations (1-hour broadcast limit)
• Session timeout in encoder settings
• ISP connection reset (common with mobile/4G connections)
• Check encoder logs for specific disconnect reasons

"Server Full" error when trying to connect

This means:

• All available source connections are in use
• Someone else might be using your credentials
• Previous connection hasn't properly disconnected
• Solution: Wait 60 seconds, restart server in Centova Cast, try again

Best Practices for 2025

Security Recommendations

• Use strong, unique passwords for your streaming account
• Enable two-factor authentication where available
• Regularly update your encoder software
• Don't share source passwords publicly
• Monitor your listener logs for unusual activity

Backup Strategies

• Keep local recordings of important broadcasts
• Enable Centova Cast's recording feature for automatic archival
• Maintain backup encoder settings
• Document your configuration for quick recovery

Network Redundancy

• Consider backup internet connections (4G/5G failover)
• Use cloud-based encoding for critical broadcasts
• Implement automatic failover using multiple mount points
• Test your backup systems regularly

Getting Further Help

If you can't find the answer to your question in this FAQ:

1. Check System Status: Visit status.canstream.co.uk for service updates
2. Submit a Support Ticket: Include:
   • Your stream URL
   • Error messages (screenshots helpful)
   • When the issue started
   • What you were doing when it occurred
   • Steps you've already tried
3. Emergency Support: For on-air critical issues, call our support line
4. Community Forum: Share experiences with other broadcasters

Last updated: January 2025