slow upload causing buffer with SAM4

[ecvbob]

Hi every one,

I am getting a bad buffer on my station every few days. I have been pulling my hair out over this. I called the shoutcast server, they blame it on the isp. I call the isp they blame it on my pc. When I have run speed test during the problem time I have seen low upload numbers ....330kbs or less so I'm thinking it is my isp, correct me if I'm wrong. After hours on the phone with them, it's comcast, I'm convinced they have no idea what internet radio is or how it works, not that I know much more.

 

I have a bought and paid for copy of SAM4 and I like it, other than winamp it's the only thing I have used in the past.

 

What I need is a solution. Is a VPS the way to go or an auto DJ and while your at it can you give me a link that explains what they do?

 

Thanx in advance ..... for any and all your help,

[SpazzRadio]

the problem with residential isp's is that you do NOT generally get a guarantee upload speed. They sell service based on Download speeds.

 

That could be your issue. or it might not.

 

Do you have other programs running while your on the air? I know for me, Yahoo IM seems to interfere while broadcasting. Also any file sharing programs (like Limewire) will use your upload bandwidth.

 

All of these can cause this issue.

[shoutcaststreaming]

To determine where the issue lies, you need to do some diagnostic testing. You should do the test when you are having issues.

 

1- Run a Trace Route (tracert) to your Shoutcast Server

2- Run a WinMTR (for 100 iterations) to your Shoutcast Server

 

Either PM me with the results or post them here an I will analyze them for you.

[JBVoice]

I've had this issue in the past during a 2 hour show! It happened all the time, after a while it just stopped, not much help from me, sorry. But it could just be like what SR said....I also have comcast....

 

 

-JB

[ecvbob]

the problem with residential isp's is that you do NOT generally get a guarantee upload speed. They sell service based on Download speeds.

 

Pretty sure it is my isp, they told me they can't guarantee an upload speed at any price. So what other options do I have?

 

Do you have other programs running while your on the air? I know for me, Yahoo IM seems to interfere while broadcasting. Also any file sharing programs (like Limewire) will use your upload bandwidth.

 

I am broadcasting 24/7 but the buffer occurs equally when none of the mentioned programs are in use. Unfortunately this a family connection so I need to find a solution that doesn't require a huge change in our internet use. This buffer sometimes doesn't occur for weeks then it will be around for days.

 

To determine where the issue lies, you need to do some diagnostic testing. You should do the test when you are having issues.

 

1- Run a Trace Route (tracert) to your Shoutcast Server

2- Run a WinMTR (for 100 iterations) to your Shoutcast Server

 

I will run the test next time I am home and it is happening.... thank you for your help on the matter.

[GKIye]

and this is a 3rd possible solution

SAM4 > configuration > audio mixer pipeline > Air out > Output > Buffer settings

try these settings :

- Packets = 15

- Packet time = 50ms

This gonna give you a maximum latency of 750ms

 

Unless operational issues at your provider (comcast or other) the settings on top of this can be usefull and helpfull at anytime ...

 

Good luck !!

[ecvbob]

Thanks GK... I read a previous post you responded to with those setting, I set mine to that .... the results are considerably better but still when my upload speed drops it buffs ....just for kicks what happens if I max both those settings?

[GKIye]

Thanks Bob,

 

Once I heard that 750ms is nearly a maximum latency ... (has something to do with technics ... the people at Shoutcaststreaming have more knowledge about these latency)

Never the less ... you can try to set the first one (Packets) even higher

 

If that doesn't help ... I guess you gonna have an operational problem at your provider

In general SAM and streaming works perfect if used on one machine and 1 line-up

If nothing works out ... I only see one other thing

- check your antivirus (automatic updates, sheduled scans etc)

- check your Windows Defender (if Windows is your platform)

- check your Windows automatic updates

At my Win2003 server (with SAM4) all of these are set to "manual"

 

Last Year I had also some probs - read major probs

An example is :

An update from Windows for Win 2003 gave a notice after the install that SAMBC.exe was recognized as dangerous etc etc

and I had to allow or deny SAM as trusted software

So sometimes it ain't SAM, your upload or other who are giving you problems ... but a stupid security update does :(

The guy who runs the 2003 for Me at his compagny told Me to disable those settings aka set to manual (he is into the IT business)

I knock on wood ... but so far so good

Besides that check your firewall if that one allows all out and incoming commands who are needed / used by SAM

 

PS : remember to do your own manual updates for example each week, every 2 weeks ...

[shoutcaststreaming]

Everybody has an opinion, which is fine.

 

We review issues like this all the time.

 

If you want to find out what is causing your problem, provide the data we requested.

 

If we don't solve it, then you should try out all the other suggestions.

 

You don't know what is going on without diagnostic data.

[ajruss]

You said your up load is 330 how many streams do you push? 1 at 128 1 at 64 thats 172 right there, Are you hooked up to a router? does the system you use for the station only run your station or are you playing on the internet ?

[SpazzRadio]

if it is a family line, then other computers surfing the web will also eat up your upload bandwidth.

 

I have a good quality residential service, 5 computers, and a Vonage phone. Whenever someone is on the phone for more then 30 minutes, i need to start telling people to stop on the web. otherwise i start to buffer.

[hoperadio]

99 percent of the times when you have unable to send encoded data fast enough it is caused but network traffic.

I would be glad to crossloop into anybodys PC to help find the root of problems. we fix things like this daily

[ecvbob]

Thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions. I really don't know much about the internet part of broadcasting but from what I have gathered my isp will never be able to guarantee a solid upload stream without paying lotsa money. I will not tolerate buffering at all. I don't want to change my internet habits so with all that said what other option do I have? I wouldn't mind spending some money to get rid of the buffer.

[SpazzRadio]

Depends on how much "spending some money" is :D

 

One option is to get a second residential Internet line that you only use for the radio. Getting a business line would guarantee an upload speed, but costs a lot more.

 

Another option is to host the main Broadcast software on a VPS or Dedicated server. Not sure what software you are using...

[SpazzRadio]

ok, just re-read your initial post. You can run SAM4 on a vps (not a small basic one, but a decent one).

[countrywesterndj]

I have gathered my isp will never be able to guarantee a solid upload stream without paying lotsa money

But you still haven't identified the source of the actual problem.

 

You can only do that with the tests that were recommended to you.

 

Everything else is just speculation.